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.