You know those nights, right? The ones where the clock is ticking, your stomach is rumbling, and the thought of a big mess in the kitchen feels just… impossible. We’ve all been there! That’s exactly why I created this Chicken Broccoli Skillet. It’s my absolute secret weapon for a weeknight dinner that’s not only super fast and ridiculously easy but also packed with flavor and good-for-you stuff. Seriously, minimal cleanup and maximum deliciousness – what’s not to love? This one-pan wonder has saved me more times than I can count when I need a healthy, satisfying meal on the table in a flash. It’s part of my go-to collection of easy (healthy chicken meals) that I know will always work. And trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser every single time!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Broccoli Skillet
This dish is a weeknight lifesaver for so many reasons!
- It’s lightning fast! Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at around 35 minutes. Perfect for those super busy evenings.
- Minimal cleanup! You only need one skillet, which means less time scrubbing and more time relaxing.
- Flavor explosion! The savory sauce ties everything together beautifully. It’s simple but so, so satisfying.
- Healthy and fresh! Lean chicken and vibrant broccoli make this a feel-good meal you can feel great about serving.
Ingredients for Your Chicken Broccoli Skillet
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to a fantastic Chicken Broccoli Skillet! Don’t underestimate the power of fresh, good-quality stuff – it really does make a difference in the final taste. For this one-pan wonder, you’ll need:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh is best!)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (this is our secret thickener!)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Essential Equipment for Making Chicken Broccoli Skillet
Before you dive in, let’s chat about what you’ll need. Having the right tools makes the whole process of whipping up this Chicken Broccoli Skillet so much smoother. You don’t need a whole arsenal, just a few trusty pieces:
- A good large skillet: This is your one-pan hero! Make sure it’s big enough all the ingredients to fit comfortably without crowding.
- Sharp knife and cutting board: For prepping your chicken, onion, and broccoli just right.
Step-by-Step Guide to Your Perfect Chicken Broccoli Skillet
Alright, let’s get this delicious Chicken Broccoli Skillet going! It’s really straightforward, and before you know it, you’ll have a fantastic meal on the table. I like to get everything prepped first – chop the onion, mince the garlic, cut up the chicken, and get those broccoli florets ready. It just makes the cooking part so much smoother when you’re not scrambling.
Preparing the Chicken for the Skillet
First things first, grab your large skillet and let it get nice and warm over medium-high heat with that tablespoon of olive oil. Once it’s shimmering a bit, toss in your chicken pieces. You want to get them nicely browned on all sides. Don’t just dump it all in and walk away; give them a stir every now and then so they cook evenly. We’re aiming for about 5-7 minutes, just until they’re cooked through. Then, scoop ’em out and set them aside on a plate. Trust me, not overcrowding the pan here is key for getting that nice sear on the chicken!
Sautéing Aromatics and Vegetables for Your Chicken Broccoli Skillet
Now, into that same skillet where the chicken was, add your chopped onion. Let it soften up for about 3-4 minutes until it’s looking a little translucent. Then, toss in that minced garlic and give it a quick stir for about a minute until it smells amazing – be careful not to burn it! Next up, add your broccoli florets and pour in the chicken broth. Pop a lid on the skillet and let it steam away for 5-7 minutes. You want the broccoli to be bright green and tender-crisp, not mushy! Give it a little poke to check; it should still have a slight bite.
Creating the Savory Sauce and Finishing the Chicken Broccoli Skillet
Okay, almost there! In a small bowl, you’ve already whisked together your cornstarch and water, right? Pour that into the simmering broth along with the soy sauce. Stir it all up and let it bubble for a minute or two until the sauce thickens beautifully. It should coat the back of a spoon nicely. Now, bring that cooked chicken back into the skillet. Give everything a good toss to coat it all in that yummy, savory sauce. A little crack of black pepper to finish it off, and you’re golden. [Check out this recipe] too if you want more chicken ideas!
Tips for Success with Your Chicken Broccoli Skillet
Making this Chicken Broccoli Skillet is pretty foolproof, but a couple of little tricks can really take it from good to absolutely amazing. First off, make sure your chicken is cut into even bite-sized pieces. This helps it cook through evenly and ensures every bite is just right. When you’re cooking the broccoli, don’t overdo it! You want it tender-crisp, so it still has a little pop when you bite into it. Tasting as you go is also your friend here – maybe you want a little more soy sauce or a pinch more pepper? Go for it! These little things make your Chicken Broccoli Skillet totally yours.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Chicken Broccoli Skillet
Hey, sometimes you might not have exactly what the recipe calls for, and that’s totally okay! We can make some smart swaps to get your Chicken Broccoli Skillet just right. For the olive oil, a neutral oil like canola or even avocado oil works just as well if that’s what you’ve got on hand. If you’re watching your sodium, low-sodium soy sauce is a fantastic option, or you could even try tamari if you need a gluten-free version. Don’t have chicken broth? Vegetable broth will add a nice flavor too! Just a little flexibility makes this amazing Chicken Broccoli Skillet recipe work for everyone.
Serving Suggestions for Your Chicken Broccoli Skillet
This Chicken Broccoli Skillet is practically a meal all on its own, but if you want to round things out, I have a few favorite ideas! It’s absolutely delicious served over a bed of fluffy white rice or some fluffy quinoa. So good! If you’re feeling like something a little different, my [teriyaki chicken avocado rice] is a fantastic pair, or even a [taco rice bowl] if you want to mix things up. A simple green salad on the side is also a great, light option!
Storage and Reheating Your Chicken Broccoli Skillet
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Chicken Broccoli Skillet reheats like a dream. Just pop any extra into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll be good for up to three days. When you’re ready for round two, I find the best way to reheat is in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, just until everything is warmed through. If you’re in a super big hurry, the microwave works too, just stir it halfway through. This helps keep that yummy sauce from getting weirdly separated. Either way, it’s a great way to enjoy your delicious Chicken Broccoli Skillet again!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Broccoli Skillet
Let’s tackle a few common questions about this super simple Chicken Broccoli Skillet! I get asked about it a lot, and it’s usually about making little adjustments, which is totally fine!
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this skillet?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are fantastic in this Chicken Broccoli Skillet. They’re a little more forgiving and can even add a bit more flavor and moisture, which is always a win. Just make sure they’re cut into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly with the rest of the ingredients. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly, but they’ll be delicious!
How can I make this Chicken Broccoli Skillet spicier?
Ooh, I love a spicy kick! It’s super easy to spice up your Chicken Broccoli Skillet. You can totally add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the garlic – just a little goes a long way! Or, if you want more heat in the sauce itself, a drizzle of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce stirred in at the end is fantastic. Seriously, play around with it!
What if I don’t have soy sauce for the Chicken Broccoli Skillet?
No soy sauce? No problem! The soy sauce brings that savory, umami flavor to our Chicken Broccoli Skillet. A great swap is tamari, which is basically a gluten-free soy sauce and works perfectly. If you don’t have either, you can try using a Worcestershire sauce, though it has a slightly different flavor profile. You might need just a touch less because it can be quite potent. Coconut aminos are another excellent, slightly sweeter, substitute too!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a little note here: the nutrition for this Chicken Broccoli Skillet is a general estimate, of course. Things can change a tiny bit depending on the brands you use and the exact size of your chicken and broccoli pieces. But generally, you’re looking at around 350-400 calories per serving, with a good punch of protein from the chicken, plus fiber from the broccoli. It’s a really balanced meal!
Chicken Broccoli Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Add the broccoli florets and chicken broth to the skillet. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
- Stir in the soy sauce and the cornstarch mixture. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce. Season with black pepper.
- Serve hot.