Lemon Garlic Chicken with Broccoli is a simple, fresh, and satisfying dish that brings together juicy chicken breasts, bright lemon flavor, and tender broccoli florets. The garlic adds just the right amount of punch to keep every bite exciting, making it a great weeknight dinner that feels a little special without a lot of effort.
I really love how quick this recipe comes together, especially when life gets busy. The lemon juice brightens everything up and pairs perfectly with the garlic, making the chicken juicy and flavorful. Plus, cooking the broccoli alongside the chicken saves time and keeps everything fresh and crisp. I find that a little sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top adds a nice touch!
For serving, I like to spoon the chicken and broccoli over simple steamed rice or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up all the tasty lemon-garlic sauce. It’s a dish that feels light but filling, and the vibrant flavors usually get everyone asking for seconds. Honestly, it’s one of those meals I make when I want something comforting but still bright and healthy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: This recipe works best with boneless, skinless breasts for quick, even cooking. If you prefer dark meat, thighs are great too—they stay juicy and add extra flavor.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets cook perfectly in the pan with the sauce. Frozen broccoli can be used if fresh isn’t available—just steam separately and add at the end.
Lemon: Lemon slices and juice are key for that bright, tangy flavor. If lemons are out of season, a splash of white wine vinegar or lime juice can be a substitute.
Garlic & onion: These aromatics build the sauce’s flavor base. Use fresh garlic for best taste, but garlic powder works in a pinch. Yellow or white onions both work well.
Chicken broth: This adds depth and helps make the flavorful sauce. Low sodium broth allows you to control salt better. Vegetable broth can be swapped for a lighter, vegetarian option.
How Do You Cook the Chicken and Broccoli Perfectly Together?
Cooking the chicken and broccoli in the same pan makes this meal fast and flavorful, but timing is key to prevent overcooked broccoli or undercooked chicken:
- Season and brown the chicken breasts first over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken; then sauté onions and garlic in the same pan to soak up those tasty browned bits.
- Add broth, lemon, and herbs to make sauce, then add broccoli and cover to steam gently for 4–5 minutes. Broccoli stays bright and tender this way.
- Return chicken to pan for a minute or two to warm through and absorb the sauce flavor.
My tip: Keep an eye on the broccoli as it steams—it should be tender but still have a slight crunch for the best texture.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – I like using a big skillet so everything cooks evenly and you can easily flip the chicken.
- Meat thermometer – helps you check when the chicken is perfectly cooked to 165°F (74°C).
- Cooking spoon or tongs – makes it easy to turn the chicken and stir the sauce without breaking pieces.
- Knife and cutting board – for slicing lemon, chopping onion, and mincing garlic—to keep prep quick and safe.
- Measuring spoons and cups – for precise measurements of broth, lemon juice, and herbs.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Protein swaps: Use shrimp or fish fillets instead of chicken for a seafood twist that cooks quickly.
- Cheese boost: Sprinkle some Parmesan or feta on top just before serving for extra richness.
- Veggie variations: Add sliced bell peppers or snap peas for more color and crunch.
- Spice it up: Toss in red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for some heat with the lemon and garlic.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken with Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced (plus juice of half a lemon)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- ½ cup chopped onion
- Cooked rice, for serving (about 2 cups cooked)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to cook, so plan for roughly 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal but tastes like you spent more time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season and Cook the Chicken:
Sprinkle both sides of your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Use a meat thermometer if you have one—the inside should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Make the Lemon-Garlic Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until you can smell its wonderful aroma.
3. Simmer Broccoli and Sauce Together:
Pour in the chicken broth and the juice from half a lemon, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift up any tasty browned bits. Add the lemon slices and thyme, then let the sauce simmer gently for 2 minutes. Add the broccoli florets, cover the pan, and let them steam for about 4-5 minutes. You want the broccoli to be tender but still bright green.
4. Bring It All Together:
Put the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spoon some sauce over each piece, and cook for another 1-2 minutes to warm everything through and let the flavors mix. This makes the chicken juicy and flavorful.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve each chicken breast on a bed of cooked rice, spoon the broccoli and lemon-garlic sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh thyme if you have it. Enjoy your fresh, delicious, and healthy meal!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just thaw the frozen broccoli beforehand and pat it dry to avoid extra moisture. Steam it separately or add it to the pan a bit later since it cooks faster than fresh broccoli.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Substitute Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Definitely! Chicken thighs will make the dish a bit juicier and more flavorful. Just cook them about 2-3 minutes longer per side to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Is It Possible to Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free chicken broth and check all seasonings for any gluten-containing additives. This recipe is naturally gluten-free otherwise.