Quick & Flavorful Seasoned Chicken with Broccoli

By: Julia Pacheco

Juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken cooks up quickly with tender fresh broccoli, creating a healthy, flavorful meal that’s absolutely perfect for busy weeknights. This dish proves that delicious, wholesome food doesn’t have to take hours to prepare.

Why This 20-Minute Chicken and Broccoli Will Be Your New Favorite

In today’s fast-paced world, finding the time to prepare a nutritious and delicious home-cooked meal can feel like an impossible task. This Seasoned Chicken with Broccoli recipe is here to change that perception. Designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, it’s the ultimate solution for those hectic evenings when you crave something wholesome and satisfying, but only have minutes to spare.

Imagine coming home after a long day and having a vibrant, protein-packed dinner ready on your table in just 20 minutes. This isn’t a dream – it’s the reality this recipe offers. It combines tender, perfectly seasoned chicken breast with crisp-tender broccoli, all brought together in a zesty, savory sauce that will delight your taste buds. No bland flavors here, just pure, wholesome deliciousness.

Here’s what makes this recipe an absolute must-try:

• Unbeatable Speed: With only 5 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cook time, you can beat the takeout delivery person to your door! It’s genuinely a 20-minute wonder.
• Packed with Nutrients: Featuring lean protein from chicken and a powerhouse of vitamins and fiber from broccoli, this meal is not only delicious but also incredibly healthy and satisfying.
• Rich & Balanced Flavors: A carefully crafted blend of garlic powder, chili powder, Italian seasoning, fresh minced garlic, and bright lemon juice creates a symphony of flavors that elevates humble ingredients into something truly special.
• Minimal Cleanup: Largely cooked in a single skillet, this recipe keeps dishwashing to a minimum, allowing you more time to relax after dinner.
• Customizable Comfort: While fantastic as written, this recipe is also a versatile canvas for your culinary creativity. Easily adapt it with different spices, vegetables, or even a touch of cream for a richer sauce.

Say goodbye to boring weeknight dinners and hello to a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly convenient meal that your whole family will love. Get ready to add this Seasoned Chicken with Broccoli to your regular dinner rotation!

Want to save this recipe?

Enter your email below to get this recipe sent straight to your inbox, along with new delicious recipes from us every week!

Ingredients

Easily adjust serving sizes:

• 1 tbs olive oil
• 2 tbs unsalted butter, divided
• 1-2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 to 1.5 lbs total weight)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp chili powder
• 1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning, divided
• 1 tbs minced garlic (about 3 medium cloves)
• 1 large lemon, freshly juiced (yields about ¼ cup juice)
• ¼ cup chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
• 3-4 cups fresh broccoli florets (from about 1 medium head of broccoli)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by preparing the chicken breasts. Place each chicken breast on a cutting board and carefully slice it horizontally through the middle, creating two thinner cutlets. This method ensures the chicken cooks more rapidly and helps it become incredibly tender and juicy. Pat the chicken cutlets dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
2. Season Generously: Season both sides of the chicken cutlets evenly with the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, and ½ teaspoon of the Italian seasoning. Take your time to rub the spices into the chicken for maximum flavor infusion.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron or stainless steel works best) over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and the olive oil to the hot skillet. Once the butter is melted and the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken cutlets into the pan in a single layer. Cook for approximately 3-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown, cooked through, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured with a meat thermometer. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a plate. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to keep it warm and allow it to rest while you prepare the broccoli.
4. Sauté Aromatics and Herbs: Using the same skillet where you cooked the chicken (do not clean it, as the browned bits, or “fond,” are packed with flavor!), add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and the remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Sauté for about 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Deglaze the Pan and Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir well to combine these bits with the liquids, forming the base of your delicious sauce.
6. Cook the Broccoli: Add the fresh broccoli florets to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to ensure the broccoli is coated evenly. Cover the skillet and let the broccoli simmer in the flavorful liquid for 5-7 minutes, or until it reaches your desired tenderness. For crisp-tender broccoli, cook for a shorter duration; for softer broccoli, extend the cooking time slightly.
7. Combine and Serve: Once the broccoli is cooked to your liking, return the warm, rested chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them among the broccoli. Drizzle any remaining pan sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Serve immediately, perhaps with an extra lemon wedge for squeezing or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish. Enjoy your quick, healthy, and incredibly satisfying dinner!

Video Guide: Watch How It’s Made!

For a visual step-by-step guide on how to prepare this delicious 20-minute chicken and broccoli dinner, watch Julia Pacheco’s video:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Expert Tips for a Perfect Chicken and Broccoli Skillet

• Thin Chicken for Speed: The key to a 20-minute dinner is thin chicken. If your chicken breasts are thick, butterflying them as instructed is crucial for quick and even cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Cook the chicken in a single layer. If your skillet isn’t large enough, cook the chicken in two batches. Overcrowding cools the pan down, leading to steamed chicken rather than beautifully seared chicken.
• Embrace the Fond: Those browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan after cooking the chicken are packed with flavor! Deglazing the pan with chicken broth and lemon juice releases them, enriching your sauce immensely.
• Personalize Broccoli Tenderness: The suggested cooking time for broccoli yields a crisp-tender texture. If you prefer softer broccoli, simply simmer it for a few extra minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Fresh is Best: While bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, fresh lemon juice provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor that truly makes a difference in this dish.

Delicious Variations & Serving Suggestions

Make It Your Own:

• Add Some Heat: For a spicier kick, increase the chili powder to 1 teaspoon or add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic.
• Herb It Up: Feel free to experiment with other dried herbs like oregano or thyme, or finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil.
• More Veggies: This recipe is fantastic with added vegetables! Sliced bell peppers, snap peas, green beans, or even sliced mushrooms can be tossed in with the broccoli for extra color and nutrients.
• Creamy Twist: For a richer sauce, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream after the broccoli has cooked through.
• Different Protein: While chicken breast is excellent, this recipe can also be made with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even shrimp for a similar quick-cooking experience. Adjust cooking times as needed.

What to Serve With It:

• Rice or Quinoa: A classic pairing, steamed white or brown rice, or a healthy quinoa base, will soak up all the delicious pan sauce.
• Pasta: Toss with a light pasta like angel hair or linguine for a complete meal.
• Crusty Bread: A warm slice of crusty bread is perfect for mopping up every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
• Simple Salad: For a lighter meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.

Meal Prep & Storage Guide

• Advance Preparation: To save time during the week, you can slice and season the chicken a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also chop your broccoli florets and store them separately in the fridge.
• Storing Leftovers: Any leftover seasoned chicken and broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a tablespoon or two of chicken broth or water to prevent the dish from drying out. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts until heated through.
• Freezing: This dish freezes fairly well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the broccoli may become slightly softer in texture after freezing and thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, absolutely! If using frozen broccoli, there’s no need to thaw it beforehand. Add it directly to the pan in Step 6. You might need to extend the cooking time by a few minutes, and the sauce might be slightly thinner due to the extra moisture released from the frozen vegetables.

What if my chicken breasts are very thick?

If your chicken breasts are unusually thick, it’s even more important to butterfly them as instructed. This ensures they cook through quickly and evenly without drying out. Alternatively, you can pound them slightly with a meat mallet to an even thickness.

Is this recipe genuinely ready in 20 minutes?

Yes, the 20-minute timeframe is accurate, assuming you have all your ingredients prepped (sliced chicken, chopped broccoli, measured spices). The key is the thin chicken cutlets and cooking the chicken and broccoli sequentially in one pan.

Can I make this dairy-free or gluten-free?

To make it dairy-free, simply replace the butter with an additional tablespoon of olive oil or your favorite dairy-free butter alternative. This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your chicken broth and seasonings to ensure they are certified gluten-free if you have a severe allergy.

What can I substitute for chicken broth?

Vegetable broth is an excellent substitute for chicken broth. In a pinch, you can use water mixed with a small amount of soy sauce (for umami and saltiness), but chicken broth will provide the best depth of flavor.

This Seasoned Chicken with Broccoli is truly a dinner game-changer. It’s living proof that you don’t need endless hours or complicated ingredients to create a healthy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student on a budget, or simply looking for a quick and wholesome dinner, this recipe delivers. So go ahead, whip up this amazing dish tonight, and reclaim your weeknights!

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was! Your feedback and ratings help others discover and enjoy this delicious and easy meal.