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- Chicken breast specifications Use 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook evenly and stay juicy. Look for chicken that is firm and pale pink. Avoid any with dark spots or a strong smell. Fresh is best! - Broccoli selection tips Choose 2 cups of broccoli florets that are bright green and firm. The stems should be thick and not wilted. Smaller florets cook faster and blend well with the chicken. If you find broccoli with yellow flowers, skip it. - Butter and garlic importance You need 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter for a rich flavor. Butter helps to create a tasty sauce that coats the chicken and broccoli. Use 4 cloves of minced garlic for a fragrant aroma and strong taste. Fresh garlic adds depth to the dish. This combo makes the meal feel special. For the full recipe, check out the complete details to make this savory weeknight meal! First, you need to season the chicken. I like to use paprika and Italian seasoning. They add great flavor. Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of each chicken breast. This is key for taste. Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once it’s hot and bubbling, add the chicken. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. You want the chicken to be golden brown. Use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) inside. After cooking, take the chicken out and let it rest. Now, it’s time for the broccoli. Use fresh broccoli florets for the best taste. After removing the chicken, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 30 seconds. This brings out the garlic's lovely aroma. Next, toss in the broccoli florets. Sauté them for 3-5 minutes. You want them bright green and tender but still crisp. This texture makes the dish more enjoyable. After cooking the broccoli, it’s time to combine everything. Return the chicken to the skillet with the broccoli. Squeeze 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice over the top. This adds a nice zing. Gently toss everything to mix the flavors. Cook for just one more minute. This warms everything through and melds the flavors. Your garlic butter chicken and broccoli is now ready to serve. It looks great on a plate over rice or quinoa. Drizzle any leftover garlic butter sauce on top for extra flavor. For the full recipe, check the details above. To make your Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli even tastier, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. This small touch gives the dish a nice kick. You can also experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. They add brightness and depth. Adjusting salt and pepper is key too. Always taste as you cook. This way, you can find the perfect balance that suits your taste buds. Using the right skillet is important. A heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron works best for even cooking. It helps the chicken brown nicely. Also, a meat thermometer is a must-have tool. It ensures your chicken is cooked to 165°F (75°C). This is the safe temperature for juicy and tender chicken. Making your dish look great can enhance the meal. Serve the chicken and broccoli on a colorful plate. Place them over a bed of white rice or quinoa. Drizzle any leftover garlic butter sauce on top. For a fresh touch, add lemon slices around the plate. This adds color and flavor, making your meal look as good as it tastes. Check out the Full Recipe for more tips on how to impress with your plating! {{image_2}} If you want to change up the protein, consider using shrimp or tofu. Both options cook quickly and absorb flavors well. For a heartier meal, try using turkey or pork. You can also mix in other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. Just be sure to adjust cooking times for these veggies so they stay crisp. To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce if you choose to add it. Check all labels on sauces and ingredients to avoid gluten. For a vegan option, replace the chicken with chickpeas or a plant-based chicken substitute. Use vegan butter for the sauce. You can also skip the butter altogether and use olive oil for a lighter touch. Spice things up by adding chili flakes for a kick or cumin for warmth. You can also explore different cuisines. Add curry powder for an Indian twist or soy sauce for an Asian flair. For sauces, try teriyaki or a splash of balsamic vinegar. These can enhance the dish and give it a new spin. Check the full recipe for a classic version that you can customize to your taste! To keep your garlic butter chicken and broccoli fresh, store leftovers properly. Place the chicken and broccoli in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. If you use glass containers, they work well for this dish. They help keep flavors intact and are easy to clean. When you reheat, aim for low heat. This helps maintain the dish’s flavor and texture. You can use the microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, cover the bowl to keep moisture in. Stir halfway to heat evenly. In a skillet, add a splash of water to prevent drying out. Avoid overheating, as it can toughen the chicken and make the broccoli mushy. In the fridge, garlic butter chicken and broccoli lasts about three to four days. Check for signs of spoilage before eating. If you see any off smells or changes in color, it’s best to toss it. Always trust your senses—when in doubt, throw it out! How to make Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli spicy? To add spice, use red pepper flakes. Add about 1/4 teaspoon when cooking garlic. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the finished dish. Adjust to your heat preference for the best taste. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead. Cook the chicken and broccoli, then store in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet before serving. This keeps the flavors fresh and the dish warm. What do you serve with Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli? I recommend serving this dish with rice or quinoa. You can also pair it with a simple salad for more veggies. Garlic bread also makes a great side if you want to indulge. What to do if the chicken is undercooked? If the chicken is undercooked, return it to the skillet. Cook it over medium heat until it reaches 165°F (75°C). Always check the thickest part of the chicken for doneness. How to fix overcooked broccoli? If your broccoli is overcooked, try adding ice water. This will stop the cooking and help it stay bright green. If it’s too soft, you can blend it into a soup for a tasty dish. Caloric content per serving Each serving of Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli has about 400 calories. This can vary based on the side dishes you choose. Breakdown of macronutrients for the dish - Protein: 35g - Carbohydrates: 15g - Fats: 25g This makes it a balanced meal with good protein and healthy fats. Enjoy your meal, knowing it’s both tasty and nutritious! This blog post covered making a tasty garlic butter chicken and broccoli dish. We explored key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to enhance flavors. You learned how to store leftovers, reheat properly, and adjust for different diets. Cooking is fun and can be simple. With practice, you’ll enjoy making this dish your own. Remember, don't be afraid to experiment with flavors and ingredients. Happy cooking!

Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli

Discover the mouthwatering Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli Delight, a quick and healthy meal packed with flavor. This easy recipe features tender chicken breasts sautéed in garlic butter and served with vibrant broccoli. Perfect for busy weeknights, it takes just 25 minutes from prep to plate. Ready to impress at dinner? Click through for this delicious recipe and elevate your meals tonight!
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Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 cups broccoli florets

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Cooked rice or quinoa (for serving, optional)

Instructions
 

Begin by preparing the chicken breasts. Season both sides with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

    In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.

      Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the chicken breasts to the pan. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.

        In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn it).

          Next, add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Sauté the broccoli for 3-5 minutes until it’s bright green and tender but still crisp.

            Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken and broccoli. Gently toss everything together to ensure the flavors meld.

              Cook for an additional minute to warm everything through, then remove from heat.

                - Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 2

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the garlic butter chicken and broccoli on a plate over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa. Drizzle with any leftover garlic butter sauce from the skillet and garnish with lemon slices for a fresh touch.