Traditional Chicken and Broccoli Delight

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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This Traditional Chicken and Broccoli Delight is your go-to for a flavorful and satisfying meal that's as easy to prepare as it is to devour. Perfect for a family dinner or a weeknight treat, this dish combines juicy chicken with crisp broccoli in a savory garlic sauce.

Ingredients for Traditional Chicken and Broccoli Delight

The star of the show is, of course, the chicken breasts. They provide a lean source of protein and become tender and juicy when cooked right. The broccoli florets add a pop of color and crunch, not to mention a healthy dose of vitamins. The combination of olive oil and butter gives a rich, flavorful base for sautéing, while the garlic infuses the dish with its aromatic magic. Dried thyme adds an earthy note, and the chicken broth helps create a delicious sauce that brings everything together. Finally, a bit of salt and pepper is all you need to enhance the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness for uniform cooking.
  • Use fresh thyme if available for a more vibrant flavor; just double the amount.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken once more, and let the sauce reduce after simmering.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of fluffy white rice or buttery mashed potatoes. For a low-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice. A simple green salad or a crusty loaf of bread can complete the meal beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more flavor and can be cooked the same way, though you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
What if I don't have chicken broth?
Vegetable broth or even water with a bit of extra seasoning can work in a pinch.

Traditional Chicken and Broccoli Delight Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. As the oil warms, you'll want to get those chicken breasts in the pan. Cook them until they're golden brown on the outside and cooked through — this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes per side. Once they're done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

In the same skillet, melt the butter, then toss in the minced garlic. Stir it around for about a minute until it's fragrant. Add the broccoli florets and pour in the chicken broth. Let this cook for about 5 minutes, or until the broccoli becomes tender yet still vibrant in color.

Now, bring the chicken back into the skillet. Sprinkle everything with dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir to combine, then let it simmer together for another 3 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve it hot, and you'll have a delightful, satisfying meal ready to enjoy.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy — perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Uses simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have.
  • One-pan wonder — minimal cleanup required.
  • Balanced meal with protein and vegetables.

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 lb broccoli florets
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
3. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Add broccoli florets and chicken broth, cooking until broccoli is tender, around 5 minutes.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet, sprinkle with dried thyme, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
7. Simmer for an additional 3 minutes to meld flavors.
8. Serve hot and enjoy your meal.

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