If you are looking for a comforting, wholesome, and fuss-free meal that combines vibrant veggies and tender chicken, you are going to love this One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner Recipe. It delivers a beautiful balance of flavors and textures with minimal cleanup, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that feels like a warm hug on your plate. Every bite offers juicy chicken perfectly spiced, crisp-tender broccoli, and a subtle zing of lemon and Parmesan that elevates this dish into a family favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple with ingredients that you likely already have on hand, yet each plays a crucial role in flavor, texture, and color. From the wholesome bite-sized chicken pieces to the fresh broccoli, every element works in harmony to create a dish that’s both nourishing and inviting.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 1/2 pounds): Tender and lean, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a beautiful golden sear to the chicken and brings everything together with its smooth richness.
- Salt (1 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): The essential seasoning duo that enhances all the natural flavors.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses a subtle aromatic warmth without overwhelming the dish.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a hint of savory depth that complements the garlic perfectly.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a mild smoky flavor and gorgeous color to the chicken.
- Broccoli florets (3 cups): Bright green and crisp-tender, they bring freshness and a satisfying crunch.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (1/2 cup): Creates a light steam that cooks the broccoli just right and keeps everything moist.
- Shredded Parmesan cheese (1/3 cup, optional): Adds a savory, cheesy finish that makes the dish irresistible.
- Juice of 1/2 lemon: Offers a bright, zesty lift that balances richness and rounds out the flavors.
- Cooked rice or pasta (optional): Perfect for serving if you want a heartier meal.
How to Make One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Preparing and Cooking the Chicken
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil warms, season your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Adding the spices at this point lets the chicken develop a flavorful crust as it cooks. Place the chicken in the skillet and let it cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the chicken to be golden brown on the outside and fully cooked on the inside. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside for now.
Step 2: Cooking the Broccoli
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the broccoli florets and sauté them for 3 to 4 minutes. This step softens the broccoli slightly while keeping it vibrant and crisp. Next, pour in the low-sodium chicken broth to create a gentle steam bath. Cover the skillet tightly and let the broccoli steam for another 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the broccoli turns a bright green and snaps just right with a tender bite.
Step 3: Bringing It All Together
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the broccoli and stir everything together. Now squeeze in the fresh lemon juice for that refreshing pop, and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese if you’re using it. Give everything a good stir and let it warm through over the heat for 1 to 2 more minutes. This final step melds the flavors beautifully, resulting in a steaming, fragrant dish that’s ready to be enjoyed.
How to Serve One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can amplify the dish’s appeal and flavor. Consider a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil to add a burst of color and a fresh herbal note. A little extra grated Parmesan cheese on top never hurts and brings an irresistible savory finish.
Side Dishes
This One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner Recipe is fantastic on its own, but if you want to round it out, serving it over fluffy cooked rice or your favorite pasta works beautifully. For an extra vegetable boost, a simple garden salad or roasted baby potatoes make wonderful companions that balance the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve the dish family-style right from the skillet at the center of the table so everyone can help themselves. You can also spoon it into colorful bowls with a garnish of lemon zest for brightness. Wrapping the warm chicken and broccoli in soft tortillas for a quick, flavorful wrap is a fun twist that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. Be sure to eat your leftovers within 3 days to enjoy the dish at its best.
Freezing
This One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner Recipe freezes well, making it ideal for meal prep. Portion the cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags, and they will keep for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help maintain moisture, keeping the chicken tender and broccoli crisp-tender instead of overcooked.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works fine in this recipe. Just adjust the steaming time slightly, since frozen broccoli will cook faster and may release extra moisture.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! All the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for anyone avoiding gluten.
Can I swap chicken breasts for thighs?
You can! Chicken thighs stay juicy and flavorful. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces and adjust cooking time slightly as needed.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the chicken seasoning step or a dash of hot sauce at the end for a nice kick that complements the other flavors.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Definitely. Use a larger skillet or a stovetop griddle to accommodate the extra ingredients but follow the same cooking steps to maintain that perfect balance and texture.
Final Thoughts
This One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner Recipe is truly one of those feel-good dishes that’s simple, delicious, and satisfying every single time. It’s a great way to enjoy a healthy, colorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen or facing a mountain of dishes later. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try and discover how effortlessly you can bring a nutritious, vibrant dinner to your table any night of the week.
Print
One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple, healthy one-skillet chicken and broccoli dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned and cooked with sautéed broccoli, finished with a touch of lemon juice and Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Served on its own or over rice or pasta, this gluten-free meal is quick, nutritious, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Vegetables & Broth
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Finishing Touches
- 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Cooked rice or pasta for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare and Season Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to ensure the meat is flavorful throughout.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Broccoli: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they start to become slightly tender but still retain a bit of crunch.
- Steam Broccoli: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the broccoli steam for another 3 to 4 minutes. This will make it bright green and crisp-tender without overcooking.
- Combine Chicken and Broccoli: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything together well to combine the flavors. Add the lemon juice and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top if using.
- Finish Cooking: Cook the combined mixture for another 1 to 2 minutes to warm everything through and allow the cheese to melt slightly.
- Serve: Serve the chicken and broccoli hot as is, or spoon over cooked rice or pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a dash of red pepper flakes or a spoonful of Dijon mustard when cooking the chicken.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it excellent for meal prep.
- Use gluten-free pasta or rice to maintain the gluten-free quality of the meal.
- Adjust seasoning to taste if preferred spicier or milder.
