The Chicken & Broccoli Skillet is a wholesome, one-pan dish that combines tender chicken breast pieces, crisp broccoli florets, and a flavorful, savory sauce. It’s the kind of weeknight dinner that feels hearty yet light, packed with protein and veggies, and ready in under 30 minutes.

This dish blends simplicity with great taste — a perfect choice for busy days or when you’re craving something nourishing without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the ultimate example of fast, healthy, and satisfying all in one. It requires minimal ingredients, uses just one skillet (so less cleanup), and can be customized with different seasonings or vegetables. The sauce coats the chicken and broccoli beautifully, making every bite flavorful and comforting.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because:

One-pan cooking = minimal mess.
Balanced with lean protein and fresh veggies.
Quick: perfect for weeknight dinners.
Easily adaptable for different flavor profiles — from garlicky butter to creamy parmesan.
Family-friendly and reheats well.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: ~280 calories per serving (may vary based on sauce and oil used)

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Broccoli:

1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts — cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 medium head)
2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
Salt and pepper — to taste
½ tsp paprika (optional, for color and flavor)

For the Sauce:

2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for depth)
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp water (for thickening)
1 tsp sesame oil (optional, for flavor)
2 cloves garlic — minced
½ cup chicken broth (or water)

Directions

Prep Ingredients: Chop chicken and broccoli. Mince garlic.
Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook for 4–5 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Steam Broccoli: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and the broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 2 minutes, then add a splash of water, cover, and steam for another 2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, chicken broth, and cornstarch slurry.
Combine & Simmer: Return chicken to the skillet, pour in the sauce, and toss everything together. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and broccoli evenly.
Finish: Add sesame oil for extra flavor, stir, and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method:

Cut Chicken: Slice chicken into even bite-sized pieces for quick, uniform cooking.
Season Chicken: Lightly season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Sear Chicken: Cook in hot oil until just cooked through — don’t overcook or it will be dry.
Prepare Broccoli: Keep broccoli crisp-tender for best texture.
Mix Sauce: Whisk sauce ingredients before adding to avoid lumps.
Thicken Sauce: Let the sauce bubble for 1–2 minutes after adding the cornstarch mixture.
Serve Immediately: This dish is best served hot and fresh.

How to Serve

Serve over steamed rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a complete meal.
Pair with garlic noodles for an Asian-inspired twist.
For low-carb, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Additional Tips & Variations:

Add heat: Sprinkle red chili flakes or drizzle sriracha for spice lovers.
Make it creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for a richer texture.
Veggie swap: Replace broccoli with asparagus, green beans, or bell peppers.
Extra protein: Add tofu, shrimp, or sliced beef instead of chicken.

Freezing & Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Special Equipment Needed

Large nonstick or cast-iron skillet
Sharp chef’s knife
Cutting board
Small mixing bowl
Measuring spoons & cups

FAQ:

Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Just thaw slightly and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the skillet.

Q2: How can I make it gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and check that oyster sauce (if using) is gluten-free.

Q3: Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely. Make a batch, portion into containers with rice or noodles, and refrigerate for quick lunches.

Q4: Can I skip the cornstarch?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. You can use arrowroot powder or reduce the sauce longer for thickness.

Conclusion

The Chicken & Broccoli Skillet is proof that healthy meals don’t have to be boring or complicated. It’s quick, flavorful, versatile, and perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you stick to the classic version or get creative with spices and veggies, this dish is bound to become a regular on your dinner table.