If you’re always on the hunt for a quick, nourishing meal that’s full of flavor, you’re about to meet your new weeknight champion. This One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner is about as convenient as it gets, but don’t let the simplicity fool you—each bite bursts with juicy chicken, vibrant broccoli, a hint of garlic, and a zippy splash of lemon. Not only is cleanup a breeze, but you’ll also love how the Parmesan cheese adds a delicate, melty finish that ties every ingredient together. Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for one, this wholesome skillet is destined to become a regular at your table.

One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner lies in its no-fuss ingredients. Every item has a purpose: from the chicken’s hearty base to the broccoli’s bright color and crunch, each piece supports a truly standout meal.

Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized chunks for even cooking and juicy texture.
Olive oil: This is your flavor foundation, ensuring your chicken gets that beautiful golden sear and the veggies a glistening sauté.
Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen both work, but fresh will give you that gorgeous green and satisfying crunch.
Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the entire dish with warmth and depth—don’t skip it if you love big flavor!
Salt: The most basic ingredient, but essential for bringing all the flavors to life.
Black pepper: Just enough kick to balance the brightness of the lemon and richness of the cheese.
Onion powder: A sprinkle here gives you that hint of oniony flavor with zero chopping.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like an extra zip—just a pinch wakes everything up.
Chicken broth: Not only keeps the skillet extra juicy, but deglazes all those tasty browned bits from the chicken for maximum flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, making every bite creamy without being heavy.
Lemon juice: The final squeeze brightens and balances, highlighting all the savory notes.

How to Make One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add your chicken pieces in a single layer. Sprinkle them with salt, black pepper, and onion powder right away so those flavors start absorbing. Let the chicken cook for about five to six minutes, stirring occasionally, until each piece is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate—this keeps it juicy and prevents overcooking while you focus on the vegetables next.

Step 2: Sauté Broccoli and Garlic

Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to your newly empty skillet, adjusting the heat to medium. Stir in the minced garlic and broccoli florets. Sauté for three to four minutes, stirring often to keep the garlic from burning. The broccoli should turn a vibrant green and soften just slightly, which means you’ll get a perfect balance of crisp-tender texture.

Step 3: Steam Broccoli

Pour in the chicken broth and quickly cover the skillet with a lid. This is a game-changer for silky, tender broccoli that still holds its shape. Let it steam for about three minutes—check it at the halfway mark to make sure it’s not getting too soft. When you remove the lid, you’ll see the florets infused with savory aroma and ready to mingle with the chicken.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken and its juices to the skillet. Now’s the fun part: add the lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like things spicy. Toss everything well so the sauce coats each bite. Let it stay on the heat for another one to two minutes so the cheese melts beautifully and the flavors blend. That’s it—your One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner is ready to serve!

How to Serve One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner

Garnishes

For extra flair, try a shower of freshly grated Parmesan or a twist of lemon zest over the top. A scattering of chopped parsley or a light drizzle of olive oil can make the dish shine and add even more freshness. If you went with red pepper flakes earlier, a touch more as a finishing sprinkle adds a pop of color and heat that looks gorgeous on the plate.

Side Dishes

This One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner plays well with all kinds of sides. Serve it over fluffy white rice, nutty brown rice, or toss with your favorite pasta for something heartier. Quinoa makes a great protein-rich partner. Want to keep it super light and extra low-carb? Just serve it straight from the skillet or alongside a mixed greens salad with a zesty vinaigrette.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, scoop spoonfuls onto toasted slices of crusty bread or stuff the mixture inside baked sweet potatoes. You could even roll it into tortillas for a healthy wrap or layer it into meal-prep bowls for the week. Presentation is as simple or playful as you want—mounds of the chicken and broccoli in colorful dinner bowls look inviting and taste just as good as they look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner are a blessing in disguise—just pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it’s just as good (if not better) the next day. Just be sure to let the dish cool a bit before sealing it up to prevent excess moisture.

Freezing

This dish also lends itself to freezing, especially if you want to meal prep. Let everything cool completely, then package the chicken and broccoli into freezer-safe bags or containers. It’ll keep nicely for up to two months. To avoid mushy broccoli, try undercooking it by a minute or so before freezing, so it holds up better when thawed.

Reheating

Warm your One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for about 1–2 minutes per portion. If the sauce seems a little thick from sitting, splash in a touch more chicken broth or water to loosen it back up. Give it a quick toss and you’re ready to dig in again—still as satisfying as the first time!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and even more flavor to this One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and cook as directed.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

If you want to skip the cheese, simply leave out the Parmesan or try a dairy-free alternative. The sauce will still have plenty of flavor thanks to the garlic, broth, and lemon juice.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! This recipe is super flexible. Bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas all make fantastic additions—just chop them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly with the broccoli.

How do I keep the chicken from getting dry?

Cooking the chicken until just barely done before removing it from the skillet prevents overcooking. Letting it rest while you prepare the broccoli helps the juices redistribute so every bite stays moist and tender.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double everything for a bigger batch—just use an extra-large skillet so the chicken has room to brown and the vegetables cook evenly. It’s a great way to feed a family or have lunches ready for the week!

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner, it’ll quickly earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. The vibrant flavors, easy cleanup, and irresistible combination of hearty chicken, garlicky broccoli, and creamy Parmesan make it a true comfort meal. Give it a try this week—you just might find yourself making it again and again!

One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner is a quick and flavorful meal that comes together in no time. Tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a zesty Parmesan sauce make for a satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

Other Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups broccoli florets
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
juice of 1/2 lemon

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Instructions

Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
Sauté Broccoli: Add remaining olive oil to the skillet. Sauté garlic and broccoli until tender.
Steam Broccoli: Add chicken broth, cover, and steam until fully tender.
Combine: Return chicken to skillet. Add lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes. Toss well.
Serve: Cook for another minute until heated through. Serve hot.