The aroma of sizzling chicken fills the kitchen, mingling with the bright, earthy scent of broccoli—it’s the kind of quick, easy cooking that feels like a warm hug after a long day. My One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner is a lifesaver for those busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome yet satisfying. In just about 30 minutes, this dish marries juicy chicken and tender broccoli with a homemade teriyaki-style sauce that your whole family will adore. Not only is it a one-pot wonder that simplifies cleanup, but it’s also a high-protein, low-carb meal that fits perfectly into various dietary preferences, including gluten-free and dairy-free. Ready to bring delicious simplicity back to your week? Let’s dive into this delectable recipe!
Why is This One-Skillet Dinner a Must-Try?
Convenience: This One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner is a breeze to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With everything cooked in one pan, cleanup is a snap.
Flavorful Adventure: The homemade teriyaki-style sauce infuses the chicken and broccoli with a delightful savory flavor that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance.
Nutritionally Smart: At just 130 calories per serving, this dish is high in protein and low in carbs, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious individuals or anyone following a gluten-free or dairy-free diet.
Versatile Options: Feel free to customize! Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu, or try different veggies like bell peppers or snap peas to keep things exciting.
Meal Prep Champion: This dish is not only delicious but also great for meal prep. Make a batch ahead of time, and you’ll have tasty leftovers ready to grab and go!
Elevate your weeknight meals and add a burst of flavor to your dinner table with this wholesome recipe, just like my other favorites such as Sticky Garlic Chicken and Thai Baked Chicken.
One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner Ingredients
For the Chicken
• Extra virgin olive oil – Adds richness and aids in cooking; feel free to substitute any vegetable oil.
• Boneless and skinless chicken breasts (12 to 18 ounces) – This main protein source provides flavor and sustenance; swap with chicken thighs for a richer taste, adjusting cooking time.
For the Broccoli
• Broccoli florets (2 cups) – Packed with nutrition and adds texture; frozen broccoli can be used if thawed and patted dry beforehand.
For the Aromatics
• Garlic cloves (2, minced) – Infuses the dish with flavor; fresh garlic is preferred for its potency.
• Yellow onion (1/2 cup, chopped) – Offers sweetness and depth; shallots can be a milder alternative.
• Celery (1/2 cup, sliced) – Adds crunch and flavor; consider replacing with bell peppers for added color and sweetness.
For the Sauce
• Chicken broth or water (1/4 cup) – Provides moisture and enhances flavors; vegetable broth is a good vegetarian option.
• Kosher salt (1/4 teaspoon) – Enhances flavors; can be replaced with sea salt or omitted per dietary needs.
• Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon) – Adds mild heat; white pepper offers a different flavor profile.
• Coconut aminos (1/4 cup) – A gluten-free soy-sauce alternative; tamari or low-sodium soy sauce can be substituted.
• Vegetable Sriracha (2 tablespoons) – Adds a spicy kick; adjust based on spice tolerance or omit if needed.
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients for this One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner, let’s bring this delightful dish to life in just 30 minutes!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the boneless and skinless chicken breasts, cooking them for about 8 minutes or until they’re golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate; this will keep it moist while you prepare the vegetables.
Step 2: Sauté the Broccoli
In the same skillet, toss in 2 cups of broccoli florets and sauté them for approximately 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking; they should still have a bit of crunch. Once done, remove the broccoli and set it aside with the chicken.
Step 3: Cook the Aromatics
Next, add 1/2 cup of chopped yellow onion and 1/2 cup of sliced celery to the skillet. Cook these aromatics for about 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion becomes translucent and the celery softens. This step enhances the One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner with wonderful flavors, so make sure they are well-cooked.
Step 4: Add Garlic
Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to release its fragrant aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it should become fragrant but not browned. This step significantly boosts the savory profile of your dish.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients Again
Return the browned chicken and sautéed broccoli to the skillet, mixing everything together. Pour in 1/4 cup of chicken broth, and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir everything, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until everything is heated through and the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 6: Prepare the Sauce
In the last minute of cooking, whisk together 1/4 cup of coconut aminos and 2 tablespoons of vegetable Sriracha in a small bowl. Pour this mixture over the One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner in the pan, allowing it to coat all the ingredients and create a glossy finish. Stir briefly to combine, letting these flavors intensify before serving.
What to Serve with One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner
Elevate your mealtime experience with vibrant accompaniments that complement the savory notes of your one-skillet wonder.
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: This fluffy rice soaks up the delicious teriyaki-style sauce, providing a tender, comforting base for the dish.
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Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumber adds a fresh crunch and healthy grains, balancing the meal beautifully.
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Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb twist, serve the chicken over cauliflower rice to enjoy a flavorful and nutritious alternative.
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Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce, transforming your meal into a heartwarming and satisfying feast.
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Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes contrasts nicely with the savory chicken, introducing warmth to your plate.
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Cucumber and Avocado Salad: Bright and creamy, this salad brings a cooling element to the meal, adding both freshness and vibrancy to each bite.
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Sparkling Water: Pair your dish with sparkling water infused with lemon for a refreshing, bubbly finish that cleanses the palate.
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Fruit Sorbet: A scoop of fruity sorbet can be the perfect light dessert to cleanse the palate after the savory flavors of your dinner.
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Sesame Green Beans: Quick sautéed green beans tossed with sesame oil and seeds can elevate the dish, adding a touch of Asian flair and crunch.
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Chilled White Wine: A crisp, chilled white wine can enhance the meal further, making it a delightful celebration for any weeknight dinner.
Expert Tips for One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner
Pat the Broccoli Dry: Ensure frozen broccoli is thawed and patted dry to avoid a watery dish that can alter the texture of your One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner.
Cook in Sequence: Always brown the chicken first, then cook the vegetables; this method enhances flavors and prevents overcooking the broccoli, preserving its color and crunch.
Adjust Spices Gradually: Start with a small amount of Sriracha, taste, and adjust to maintain control over the spice level in your One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic and veggies whenever possible; they provide more robust flavors and nutritional benefits compared to their processed counterparts.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If your skillet isn’t large enough, consider cooking in batches; overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of browning, affecting the dish’s overall taste and texture.
One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner Ideas
Customize your One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner to suit your family’s tastes and dietary needs—each variation adds its own delicious twist!
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Chicken Thighs: Swap chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier flavor. They take a little longer to cook through, but the richness enhances the dish.
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Shrimp Delight: Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist! Cook them until just pink and tender for a delightful change.
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Tofu Option: For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with firm tofu; sauté until golden for a satisfying plant-based protein.
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Veggie Medley: Add in colorful bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra crunch and nutrition. This twist not only adds color but also enhances the meal’s overall flavor.
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Spice it Up: Increase the amount of Sriracha for those who love the heat, or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
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Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like basil or cilantro to elevate the dish’s aromatic profile, bringing in freshness and vibrancy.
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Flavorful Broth: Swap out chicken broth for vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly option that still packs a punch.
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Quinoa Boost: Serve on a bed of quinoa or cauliflower rice for added texture and to soak up all the delicious sauce. It’s a perfect way to incorporate healthy grains!
Feel free to make these versions your own. You may also want to explore my favorite recipes like Chicken Vesuvio Cozy or the zesty Spicy Peanut Chicken for more inspiration!
How to Store and Freeze One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner
Fridge: Store the cooked dish in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Allow it to cool before sealing, ensuring optimal freshness.
Freezer: If you want to keep leftovers longer, freeze portions of the One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, defrost in the fridge overnight, then warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to regain moisture.
Airtight Sealing: Always ensure the container is properly sealed to maintain flavor and prevent freezer burn, keeping this delicious meal ready for your next craving!
Make Ahead Options
These One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner preparations are ideal for busy home cooks who want to save valuable time! You can chop the onion, celery, and broccoli florets up to 24 hours in advance and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. Additionally, marinate the chicken breasts in the coconut aminos and Sriracha for even deeper flavor, ensuring to refrigerate them as well. When you’re ready to cook, simply follow the steps from the browning of the chicken onwards. This way, you’ll enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal that’s just as delightful, with minimal effort on a hectic weeknight!
One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select broccoli for my One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner?
When choosing broccoli, look for vibrant green florets without any yellowing or dark spots all over. Freshness is key! The stalks should be firm and not wilted. If you opt for frozen, ensure it’s bagged and free from ice crystals, which can indicate thawing and refreezing.
How should I store the leftovers from this dish?
You can store your One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
Can I freeze the One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the dish to cool down first. Then, portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, ensuring you remove as much air as possible. It’ll keep well for about 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.
What should I do if my broccoli is overcooked?
If you find that your broccoli has turned mushy, there are a couple of things you can do. The first is to prevent this from happening by sautéing it just until bright green and still firm—keep an eye on the timing! However, if it’s too late, consider blending the dish into a stir-fry sauce to incorporate it fully, leading to a harmonious mix of flavors, or add fresh raw vegetables as a crunchy topping!
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Yes, this One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner is gluten-free and dairy-free. For anyone managing allergies, ensure the coconut aminos or tamari is certified gluten-free. Adjusting the Sriracha or omitting it can cater to spice sensitivities. If you’re cooking for pets, make sure to hold off on adding salt or any spices since some are harmful to them—stick with plain chicken and broccoli if sharing a bite!
Can I make any substitutions in the recipe?
Of course! Instead of chicken breasts, try chicken thighs for a juicier bite, or substitute shrimp or tofu for different protein sources. Don’t hesitate to mix in a variety of vegetables, like snap peas or bell peppers, for added color and nutrition— the more, the merrier! Feel free to switch out the coconut aminos for low-sodium soy sauce if gluten isn’t a concern.
One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner That's Ready in 30 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for about 8 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add broccoli florets and sauté for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Remove and set aside with chicken.
- Add chopped onion and sliced celery to the skillet. Cook for 5-8 minutes until onion is translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return chicken and broccoli to the skillet. Add broth, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring.
- Whisk together coconut aminos and Sriracha in a bowl. Pour over the dish, stirring to combine.
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