Description
A quick, one-pan weeknight dinner featuring juicy chicken breast and charred broccoli in a creamy, savory sauce. Ready in 20 minutes and perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 large heads broccoli florets (about 800g)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil (avocado or olive oil)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 tablespoon honey or coconut aminos
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry and slice into 1-inch chunks. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, chicken broth, honey (or coconut aminos), garlic powder, grated ginger, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary) and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add a little more oil if needed, then cook diced onion for 2 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add broccoli florets and 1/4 cup water. Cover and steam for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Remove lid and let excess water evaporate.
- Return chicken to the pan. Stir the sauce mixture and pour it over the chicken and broccoli. Toss to combine.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce bubbles and thickens. Remove from heat, drizzle with sesame oil, and toss one last time.
- Serve immediately over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the pan when searing chicken to ensure proper browning. Steam broccoli rather than boiling to maintain texture. Cornstarch must be fully dissolved in the sauce mixture to prevent clumping. This recipe does not freeze well due to broccoli texture changes; store in fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl with chicken
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 35
Keywords: chicken and broccoli, high protein dinner, weeknight meals, meal prep, one pan dinner, healthy dinner, gluten-free option, dairy-free