Chicken Broccoli Skillet: Easy One-Pan Recipe

Chicken Broccoli Skillet: the weeknight dinner hero you’ve been searching for! Imagine tender, juicy chicken and crisp-tender broccoli florets, all bathed in a luscious, savory sauce, ready in under 30 minutes. Sounds too good to be true? It’s not! This one-pan wonder is about to become a staple in your kitchen.

While the exact origins of the Chicken Broccoli Skillet are a bit hazy, its popularity likely stems from the rise of convenience cooking and the desire for healthy, balanced meals that don’t require hours in the kitchen. It’s a modern classic, born from the need for quick, satisfying dinners.

What makes this dish so irresistible? Well, for starters, it’s incredibly versatile. You can customize the sauce to your liking, adding a touch of spice with red pepper flakes or a creamy richness with a dollop of sour cream. But beyond its adaptability, people adore the Chicken Broccoli Skillet for its perfect combination of textures and flavors. The tender chicken, the slightly crunchy broccoli, and the savory sauce create a symphony of deliciousness that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, the ease of cleanup – just one skillet! – is a major bonus for busy weeknights. So, ditch the takeout menu and get ready to experience the joy of a homemade, healthy, and incredibly satisfying meal.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice, for serving
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
• Green onions, sliced, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables

1. First, let’s get the chicken ready. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely in the skillet. Season them generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy!
2. Next, prepare your vegetables. Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly. Make sure to get rid of any dirt or debris. Chop the yellow onion into small pieces. Mince the garlic – I like to use a garlic press for this, but you can also chop it finely with a knife. Chop the red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces as well. Having everything prepped and ready to go before you start cooking makes the whole process much smoother.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, cornstarch, honey, sesame oil, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). This is your sauce, and the cornstarch will help thicken it up beautifully as it cooks. Set this aside for later.

Cooking the Chicken and Vegetables

1. Now, let’s get cooking! Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is nice and hot before adding the chicken.
2. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of brown. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute more, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
5. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp. You want it to still have a little bit of bite to it.
6. Pour the sauce you prepared earlier over the vegetables in the skillet. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens. This should only take a minute or two.
7. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly with the sauce.
8. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is nicely thickened.

Serving and Garnishing

1. Serve the Chicken Broccoli Skillet immediately over cooked rice. I prefer brown rice, but white rice or even quinoa would work well too.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired. These add a nice pop of flavor and visual appeal.
3. Enjoy your delicious and healthy Chicken Broccoli Skillet!

Tips and Variations

• Spice it up: If you like a little more heat, add more red pepper flakes to the sauce, or a dash of sriracha.
• Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the skillet, such as carrots, mushrooms, or snow peas.
• Use different protein: You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Make it gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is great for meal prepping! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Broccoli Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of broccoli, you can substitute it with cauliflower or green beans.
• Sweetness Adjustment: Adjust the amount of honey to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of honey.
• Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce isn’t thickening enough, you can add a little more cornstarch slurry (mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water) to the skillet.
• Chicken Cooking Time: The chicken cooking time will vary depending on the size of the pieces. Make sure the chicken is cooked through before adding it back to the skillet. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Rice Options: Consider using jasmine rice or basmati rice for a fragrant and flavorful base.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving):

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

• Calories: 400-450
• Protein: 35-40g
• Fat: 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Fiber: 5-7g

Conclusion:

This Chicken Broccoli Skillet is truly a weeknight winner, and I wholeheartedly believe you need to add it to your regular rotation. It’s the perfect combination of comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly healthy, all while being incredibly quick and easy to prepare. Think about it: tender chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, all coming together in one pan in under 30 minutes. What’s not to love?

But beyond the speed and simplicity, the real magic lies in the taste. The savory chicken, the slightly sweet broccoli, and that rich, satisfying sauce create a symphony of flavors that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. It’s a dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a lifesaver on those busy evenings when you need a meal that everyone will enjoy.

And the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative and adapt it to your own preferences. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. If you’re looking to add more vegetables, consider including some sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even some spinach. They all work beautifully in this skillet.

For serving suggestions, the possibilities are endless. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal. You could also toss it with your favorite pasta for a creamy and delicious pasta dish. Or, for a lighter option, enjoy it on its own with a side salad. If you’re feeling extra fancy, top it with some toasted breadcrumbs for added texture and crunch. Another great variation is to add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for a bright and zesty flavor.

I’ve made this Chicken Broccoli Skillet countless times, and it’s always a hit. It’s become a staple in my own kitchen, and I’m confident that it will become one in yours too. It’s the kind of recipe that you can rely on when you’re short on time but still want to put a delicious and wholesome meal on the table.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to experience the deliciousness of this easy and satisfying dish. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And once you’ve tried it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments in the comments section below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps other readers discover new and exciting ways to enjoy this fantastic recipe. I can’t wait to see what culinary creations you come up with! Happy cooking!