The Chicken & Broccoli Skillet is a wholesome, one-pan meal that’s as convenient as it is delicious. Tender chicken pieces and crisp-tender broccoli come together in a savory sauce that’s bursting with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a simple family dinner.

This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also versatile—you can serve it over rice, pasta, or enjoy it on its own for a low-carb option. It’s comforting, nutritious, and packed with vibrant colors and textures that everyone will love.

Why I Love This Recipe

We love the Chicken & Broccoli Skillet because it’s the perfect balance of health, flavor, and convenience in one pan. Tender, juicy chicken paired with crisp-tender broccoli creates a dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious, making it ideal for busy weeknights or quick lunches.

The savory sauce, rich with garlic, soy, and a hint of sweetness, coats every bite, bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients without overpowering them.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

The Chicken & Broccoli Skillet is a must-try because it turns a simple combination of chicken and vegetables into a flavorful, satisfying one-pan meal. The tender, juicy chicken pairs perfectly with crisp, vibrant broccoli, all coated in a savory sauce that’s rich, garlicky, and slightly sweet.

It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights, yet feels wholesome and comforting enough for a family dinner. Versatile and customizable, you can serve it over rice, pasta, or enjoy it low-carb, making it suitable for any lifestyle.

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.