Amazing Chicken Broccoli Skillet in 30 Minutes

You know those nights? The ones where work ran late, the kids have a million things going on, and the last thing you want to do is stand over a hot stove, making a mess that feels impossible to clean up? Yeah, me too. That’s exactly when my ultimate lifesaver, the Chicken Broccoli Skillet, comes to the rescue. This isn’t just another recipe; it’s practically my family’s weeknight superhero! It’s packed with good stuff like chicken and broccoli, tastes absolutely amazing with that savory sauce, and best of all? It all happens in one gloriously simple skillet. Seriously, it’s a game-changer!

Overhead view of a Chicken Broccoli Skillet, featuring tender chicken and bright green broccoli florets.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Broccoli Skillet

It’s incredibly fast – seriously, dinner on the table in about 30 minutes total!

Minimal cleanup is my love language, and this recipe delivers with just one pan.

The flavor is just *chef’s kiss* – savory chicken, tender broccoli, and that yummy sauce.

It’s a healthy, balanced meal that even picky eaters will devour.

Perfect for those super busy weeknights when you need something delicious *now*.

Ingredients for Your Perfect Chicken Broccoli Skillet

Okay, let’s talk ingredients! This is where the magic starts to happen for our simple yet totally delicious Chicken Broccoli Skillet. You don’t need a ton of fancy stuff, just good quality basics that come together beautifully.

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (gotta have something to get things sizzling!)
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (I like them about 1-inch cubes, easy to manage)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (hello, flavor!)
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (adds another layer without chopping an onion, woohoo!)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (just a pinch to bring out the best)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground if you can, it really makes a difference!)
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh is best here, trust me – about one large head)
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth (this is for our yummy sauce base)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (adds that savory, umami goodness)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (our little secret for thickening that sauce just right!)

That’s it! See? Totally doable. These are the stars of our show. If you’re looking for other quick skillet meals, you’ve gotta check out my Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet or this super easy Ground Beef Cauliflower Skillet. So many good things from just one pan!

How to Make the Best Chicken Broccoli Skillet

Alright, gather ’round, because this is where we turn those simple ingredients into a weeknight dinner miracle! Making this Chicken Broccoli Skillet is ridiculously easy, and honestly, a little bit fun. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a gorgeous, flavorful meal on the table before you know it.

Prepping Your Chicken Broccoli Skillet Ingredients

Before we even think about turning on the stove, let’s get our ducks in a row. First things first, chop up that chicken into nice, bite-sized pieces – about an inch is perfect so they cook evenly. Then, grab your broccoli and cut it into florets. If you buy a whole head, just chop off the tops. It just makes everything easier when you’re ready to cook, you know? It’s all about getting set up for success!

A close-up of a Chicken Broccoli Skillet, featuring tender chicken and bright green broccoli.

Cooking the Chicken for Your Skillet

Now, let’s get that skillet hot! Pour your olive oil into a big skillet and let it heat up over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your chopped chicken. Sprinkle on the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to coat everything. Cook the chicken, stirring it around every so often, until it’s nicely browned on all sides and cooked through. It usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when there are no pink bits left inside!

Adding Broccoli and Sauce to the Skillet

With the chicken looking so good, it’s time for the star of the veggie show: the broccoli! Toss those florets right into the skillet with the chicken. Now, for the sauce magic! In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and cornstarch until it’s super smooth – no lumps allowed! Pour this mixture right over the chicken and broccoli. Then, stir in the soy sauce. It’s starting to smell amazing already!

A close-up of Chicken Broccoli Skillet in a cast iron pan, showcasing the tender chicken and vibrant broccoli.

Finishing and Thickening the Chicken Broccoli Skillet Sauce

Here’s where we bring it all together. Bring the mixture to a nice simmer. Keep stirring occasionally, watching as the sauce starts to thicken up and coat everything beautifully. You want the broccoli to be tender but still have a little bit of bite – tender-crisp, as we cooks like to say! This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Keep stirring gently so nothing sticks. Once it’s thick and the broccoli is just right, you’re done!

For more amazing ways to cook chicken and broccoli, you’ve GOT to see my Nutritious Chicken Broccoli Nuggets recipe. So good!

Tips for a Perfect Chicken Broccoli Skillet Every Time

Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, but let me spill some of my personal secrets to make sure your Chicken Broccoli Skillet is absolutely dynamite every single time. It’s all about a few little details that really make a difference. Trust me, I’ve learned these through lots of happy (and a few not-so-happy!) kitchen experiments!

First off, don’t skimp on the quality of your chicken and broccoli. Fresh, good ingredients really shine here. And when I say fresh broccoli, I mean actual florets, not that sad, pre-cut stuff that’s already lost its vibrancy. For the chicken, boneless, skinless breasts are easiest, but if you happen to have thighs on hand, they’d work too and might even be a bit more forgiving!

When you’re cooking the chicken, make sure your skillet is nice and hot *before* you add the chicken. That sizzle is key to getting a good sear, which means more flavor. And for goodness sake, don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook the chicken in batches if you have to. If you cram too much in there, it’ll steam instead of brown, and nobody wants steamed chicken in their skillet dinner.

For the sauce, really take your time whisking that cornstarch and broth together. Seriously, get it smooth as silk! If you get lumps in there, your sauce will be lumpy, and that’s just not pretty. And remember to stir the sauce as it simmers and thickens; that little bit of attention keeps it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. If you’re looking for more amazing chicken and veggie combos, check out my Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies or the super tropical Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe for some kitchen inspo!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Chicken Broccoli Skillet

You know, the beauty of this Chicken Broccoli Skillet is how adaptable it is! While the recipe is fantastic as-is, don’t be afraid to tweak it a little to fit what you have or what you love. It’s all about making it your own!

For the chicken, if you’re not a fan of breasts, boneless, skinless thighs work wonderfully! They have a bit more fat, which means they stay super tender, even if you cook them a minute or two longer. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces like you would the breast meat. Sometimes, I’ll even use chicken tenders if that’s what I have!

Broccoli is the star here, but hey, we can swap! Green beans, snap peas, or even chopped bell peppers (red, yellow, orange – whatever you’ve got!) would be delicious additions or substitutions. Just toss them in when you would the broccoli, maybe giving the firmer veggies like bell peppers a head start for a minute or two so they all cook up perfectly.

Feeling a little extra oomph? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with your chicken for a tiny kick! And if you don’t have soy sauce, tamari is a great gluten-free option, or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.

If you like these kinds of versatile recipes, you’ll probably love my Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps or these awesome Mediterranean Chicken Gyros. Always thinking up new ways to use chicken!

Serving Suggestions for Your Chicken Broccoli Skillet

So, you’ve got this amazing, flavorful Chicken Broccoli Skillet all ready to go, but what should you serve with it to make it a *full* meal? I’ve got you covered! For a classic comfort food feel, serving it over some fluffy white rice or even brown rice is just perfect. The rice soaks up all that yummy sauce, making every bite extra delicious.

Close-up of a Chicken Broccoli Skillet with glazed chicken and fresh broccoli florets.

If you’re feeling a bit lighter, quinoa is a fantastic option too, adding extra protein and a nice nutty flavor. Or, for a super simple addition, a quick side salad with a light vinaigrette adds a nice fresh crunch to balance everything out. If you’re curious about other bowl ideas, you might like my Greek Chicken Bowls or this super simple Easy Taco Rice Bowl!

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Leftover Chicken Broccoli Skillet

Have leftovers? Lucky you! This Chicken Broccoli Skillet is honestly just as good, if not better, the next day. To store, just pop any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep nicely for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, there are a couple of ways to go. You can gently warm it up in a skillet over low heat, maybe adding just a tablespoon of water or broth to help loosen things up. Or, pop it in the microwave for a minute or two until it’s heated through. Just make sure it’s piping hot before you dig in!

Frequently Asked Questions about Chicken Broccoli Skillet

Got questions about whipping up this amazing Chicken Broccoli Skillet? I totally get it! It’s super simple, but sometimes little things pop into your head. Let’s clear them up!

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Oh, absolutely! Chicken thighs are fantastic in this recipe. They’ve got a bit more fat, which means they stay super moist and tender. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces, the same as you would the breasts, and cook them until they’re done through. Sometimes I even prefer thighs for extra flavor!

How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

It’s all about that cornstarch slurry! If you want a thicker sauce, just mix up a little bit more cornstarch with a tablespoon or two of cold water or broth, then stir it into the simmering skillet and cook for another minute or two until it thickens up. Too thick? No worries! Just stir in a splash more chicken broth or even a tiny bit of water until it’s just right. Easy peasy!

Can I add other vegetables to this skillet?

You bet! This recipe is super forgiving when it comes to veggies. Chopped bell peppers (any color!), carrots, snap peas, or even a handful of mushrooms would be delicious additions. Just toss them in with the broccoli, or give firmer veggies like carrots a few minutes head start in the pan before adding the broccoli so everything cooks up perfectly.

What if I don’t have soy sauce?

No soy sauce? That’s fine! Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative. For a soy-free option, coconut aminos are an excellent choice. They’ll give you that lovely savory depth without the soy. For other great chicken dishes with amazing sauce, you’ll love my Chicken Ramen with Creamy Sauce or this flavor-packed Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe!

Nutritional Information

Just a heads-up, all those yummy numbers for this Chicken Broccoli Skillet are totally estimates, you know? They can totally change depending on exactly what you use and how much you gobble up in one go. But as a general idea, one serving is about 250 calories, 25g protein, 15g carbs, and 10g fat. For more protein-packed meals, you should peek at my High Protein Chicken Parm!

Share Your Chicken Broccoli Skillet Creations!

I just LOVE seeing what you all make in your kitchens! Seriously, nothing makes me happier than hearing you’ve tried this Chicken Broccoli Skillet and loved it. Did it save your super busy weeknight? Did your kids gobble it up? I’d be thrilled if you’d leave a comment below telling me all about it, or even give it a star rating – it helps other folks find the recipe too!

If you made this or any other recipe from my site, tag me on social media or snap a pic and send it my way. You can find me at my ‘About Me’ page or get in touch via my contact page. I can’t wait to see your yummy creations!

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A delicious Chicken Broccoli Skillet, featuring tender chicken and fresh broccoli in a savory sauce.

Chicken Broccoli Skillet


  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 30 min
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A simple and quick one-pan meal featuring chicken and broccoli.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add chicken pieces, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until chicken is browned on all sides.
  3. Add broccoli florets to the skillet.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth. Pour over the chicken and broccoli.
  5. Stir in soy sauce.
  6. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until broccoli is tender-crisp and sauce has thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
  7. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a creamier sauce, stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream at the end of cooking.
  • You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 20 min
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: chicken, broccoli, skillet, one pan, easy dinner, quick meal

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