Skillet & One-Pan

Chicken And Broccoli Skillet

Name: Chicken And Broccoli Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken breasts, boneless and skinless; 3 cups broccoli florets; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp chicken broth; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese

By Xenia Larkin · June 19, 2026 · Skillet & One-Pan

Prep15 min

Cook20 min

Total35 min

Serves4

Welcome to my cozy kitchen, where I share my favorite family-friendly recipes that are easy to make and always a hit. Today, I'm excited to share with you my Chicken And Broccoli Skillet recipe, a dish that has become a staple in our household. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

I remember the first time I made this recipe for my family. We were all gathered around the dinner table, and the aroma of sizzling chicken and steaming broccoli filled the air. The first bite was like a symphony of flavors, with the tender chicken, crunchy broccoli, and savory seasonings all coming together in perfect harmony.

This recipe is special because it's incredibly versatile. You can serve it with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables. It's also a great way to use up any leftover broccoli or chicken you might have in the fridge. And the best part? It's ready in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner.

So, who is this recipe for? It's for anyone who loves a good chicken dinner, but doesn't want to spend hours in the kitchen. It's for families with kids who are picky eaters, but will love the combination of chicken and broccoli. And it's for anyone who wants a healthy and flavorful meal that's easy to make and won't break the bank.

In this recipe, I'll show you how to make a delicious Chicken And Broccoli Skillet that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, you'll love the simplicity and flavor of this dish. So, let's get started and make some unforgettable memories around the dinner table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a healthy and flavorful meal that's perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
The combination of chicken and broccoli is a classic and always a hit with kids and adults alike.
The recipe is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
It's a great way to use up leftover chicken or broccoli and reduce food waste.
The dish is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families or individuals with limited time.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this recipe is the combination of high heat and flavorful seasonings. By cooking the chicken and broccoli in a hot skillet, we're able to achieve a nice sear on the outside, while keeping the inside tender and juicy. The seasonings, including garlic, onion, and thyme, add a depth of flavor that complements the chicken and broccoli perfectly.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of chicken broth and lemon juice. These ingredients help to create a rich and savory sauce that coats the chicken and broccoli, adding moisture and flavor to the dish. By using a combination of chicken broth and lemon juice, we're able to balance out the flavors and create a dish that's both tangy and savory.

Finally, the resting time is crucial in this recipe. By letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving, we're allowing the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even more tender and flavorful. This step is often overlooked, but it makes a big difference in the final result.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to ingredients, this recipe is all about simplicity and freshness. We're using a combination of chicken, broccoli, garlic, onion, and thyme to create a flavorful and savory dish. Be sure to choose fresh and high-quality ingredients, as they will make a big difference in the final result.

One of the most important ingredients in this recipe is the chicken. Look for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, and make sure they're fresh and of good quality. You can also use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken if you prefer.

1 lb (450g) chicken breasts, boneless and skinlessLook for fresh and high-quality chicken breasts, and make sure they're boneless and skinless for easy cooking.
3 cups broccoli floretsFresh broccoli is essential in this recipe, so make sure to choose a bunch with tight, green florets and a fresh aroma.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungent flavor to the dish, so be sure to mince it finely and sauté it until fragrant.
1 medium onion, choppedOnion adds a sweet and savory flavor to the dish, so be sure to chop it finely and sauté it until translucent.
2 tbsp olive oilOlive oil is used for sautéing the chicken and broccoli, so be sure to choose a high-quality oil with a mild flavor.
1 tsp dried thymeThyme adds a savory and slightly bitter flavor to the dish, so be sure to use fresh or dried thyme for the best results.
1 tsp saltSalt enhances the flavors in the dish, so be sure to use a high-quality salt with a mild flavor.
1/2 tsp black pepperBlack pepper adds a sharp and peppery flavor to the dish, so be sure to use freshly ground pepper for the best results.
2 tbsp chicken brothChicken broth adds moisture and flavor to the dish, so be sure to use a low-sodium broth for the best results.
1 tbsp lemon juiceLemon juice adds a tangy and citrusy flavor to the dish, so be sure to use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best results.
1/4 cup grated cheddar cheeseCheddar cheese adds a rich and creamy flavor to the dish, so be sure to use a high-quality cheese with a mild flavor.

Ingredients for Chicken And Broccoli Skillet

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeInstant-read thermometerCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Chicken And Broccoli Skillet

1
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large heavy skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2
Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side.
5
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
6
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and sauté until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
7
Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and thyme to the skillet and stir to combine.
8
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over the top of each breast.
9
Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the top of the chicken and broccoli.
10
Cover the skillet with a lid and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes.
11
Remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
12
Check the internal temperature of the chicken with an instant-read thermometer to ensure it reaches 165 F (74 C).
13
Serve the chicken and broccoli hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.

Expert Tips

Make sure to not overcrowd the skillet, as this can affect the cooking time and quality of the dish.
Use a thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Don't overcook the broccoli, as it can become mushy and unappetizing.
Add some red pepper flakes to the dish for an extra kick of heat.
Use leftover chicken or broccoli to make the dish even quicker and easier.
Serve the dish with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a filling and satisfying meal.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to the dish for extra flavor and color.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the skillet, which can affect the cooking time and quality of the dish.
Not cooking the chicken to a safe internal temperature, which can lead to foodborne illness.
Overcooking the broccoli, which can make it mushy and unappetizing.
Not using enough oil in the skillet, which can cause the chicken and broccoli to stick and burn.
Not letting the dish rest before serving, which can affect the texture and flavor of the chicken and broccoli.
Not using fresh and high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and quality of the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced bell peppers or carrots to the skillet for extra color and flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or feta, for a unique flavor and texture.
Add some cooked bacon or ham to the dish for a smoky and savory flavor.
Use leftover chicken or turkey for a quick and easy meal.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to the dish for extra flavor and color.
Serve the dish with a side of quinoa or brown rice for a healthy and filling meal.
Add some diced onions or shallots to the skillet for extra flavor and texture.

What to Serve With Chicken And Broccoli Skillet

This Chicken And Broccoli Skillet is perfect for serving with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or quinoa. You can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a filling and satisfying meal.

Some other ideas for serving this dish include:

Serve with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetablesServe with a side salad or some crusty breadServe with a side of quinoa or brown riceAdd some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to the dish for extra flavor and color

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This Chicken And Broccoli Skillet can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply microwave or oven-heat until hot and bubbly.

To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label and date the container, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.

To reheat from frozen, simply microwave or oven-heat until hot and bubbly. You can also thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the microwave or oven until hot and bubbly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this recipe. You can also use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken if you prefer.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli for this recipe. Simply thaw it first and pat it dry with a paper towel before adding it to the skillet.

How do I know if the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature?

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165 F (74 C) for safe consumption.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can make this recipe in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Simply reheat it until hot and bubbly before serving.

What type of cheese is best for this recipe?

Cheddar cheese works well for this recipe, but you can also use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or feta, for a unique flavor and texture.

Can I add other ingredients to the skillet?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the skillet, such as diced bell peppers or carrots, for extra color and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and seasonings accordingly.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

To prevent the chicken from drying out, make sure to not overcook it and to let it rest for a few minutes before serving. You can also add some chicken broth or lemon juice to the skillet to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.

Can I serve this recipe with a side of rice or quinoa?

Yes, you can serve this recipe with a side of rice or quinoa for a healthy and filling meal. Simply cook the rice or quinoa according to package instructions and serve it alongside the chicken and broccoli.

The Full Recipe

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