5 Ingredient Chicken and Broccoli Recipe (Quick & Healthy)

Introduction

Did you know that Americans spend an average of 37 minutes preparing dinner on weeknights, but 72% wish they could spend less time cooking without sacrificing nutrition? If you’re among those seeking quick, nutritious meals, you’ll love this 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe​. With minimal ingredients, maximum flavor, and ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a healthy meal without the fuss. The combination of lean protein and nutrient-rich broccoli creates a balanced dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste or health benefits.

Ingredients List

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 medium heads)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

Potential Substitutions:

• Swap chicken breasts for thighs for juicier results
• Use frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available (no need to thaw)
• Coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option
• Avocado oil can replace olive oil for a higher smoke point

Timing

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes (includes cutting chicken and broccoli)
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes (33% faster than the average weeknight dinner preparation)

This efficient cooking process makes our 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe​ ideal for those busy nights when time is limited but you still want a home-cooked meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Cut your chicken into evenly-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes) to ensure uniform cooking. Trim the broccoli into bite-sized florets smaller pieces cook faster and absorb more flavor. Mince the garlic finely to distribute its aromatic essence throughout the dish.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding (cook in batches if necessary). Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and nearly cooked through (165°F internal temperature).

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Push the chicken to one side of the pan and add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. This quick cooking preserves garlic’s health benefits while releasing its essential flavors.

Step 4: Incorporate Broccoli

Add the broccoli florets to the pan and stir to combine with the chicken and garlic. Pour in 2 tablespoons of water and the soy sauce, then cover the pan. Allow to steam for about 4-5 minutes until the broccoli is vibrant green and tender-crisp. Remember that broccoli continues cooking after heat is removed, so slightly undercook it if you prefer a crunchier texture.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove the lid and toss everything together to coat evenly with the sauce. If the mixture seems dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of water. Cook uncovered for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow any excess liquid to evaporate and flavors to meld together.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (recipe serves 4):

• Calories: 245
• Protein: 28g (56% of daily value)
• Carbohydrates: 9g (3% of daily value)
• Fiber: 3g (12% of daily value)
• Fat: 12g (15% of daily value)
• Sodium: 310mg (13% of daily value)

Broccoli provides over 100% of your daily vitamin C needs per serving, while chicken delivers essential B vitamins and complete protein.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

For an even healthier version of this chicken broccoli rice, cheesy chicken broccoli rice, chicken and broccoli recipes, broccoli cheese rice chicken casserole, chicken broccoli rice and cheese bake , consider these modifications:

• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for metabolism-boosting benefits
• Use half chicken and half firm tofu to reduce saturated fat while maintaining protein content
• Include a handful of spinach during the final cooking minute for additional iron and vitamins
• Replace one tablespoon of oil with low-sodium chicken broth to reduce fat content

Serving Suggestions

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with:

• Brown rice or quinoa for a complete meal with complex carbohydrates
• Cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option (saves approximately 150 calories per cup)
• A side of avocado slices for healthy fats that enhance nutrient absorption
• A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added texture and visual appeal

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the broccoli: Broccoli loses up to 25% of its vitamin C when overcooked. Aim for tender-crisp texture to maintain nutrients.
• Cutting chicken inconsistently: Uneven pieces lead to mixed results—some overcooked, some undercooked. Aim for uniform 1-inch cubes.
• Using cold chicken straight from refrigerator: Let chicken sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking for more even results.
• Cooking on too low heat: For proper browning and caramelization, maintain medium-high heat throughout cooking.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

This 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe​ stores beautifully:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• For meal prep, store cooked components separately from rice or other sides to maintain optimal texture
• Reheat in a microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a skillet with a splash of water
• Not recommended for freezing as broccoli can become mushy when thawed

Conclusion

This 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe​ proves that healthy, delicious meals don’t require complicated ingredients or extensive preparation. With just five staple ingredients and 25 minutes, you can create a nutritionally balanced dinner that satisfies both your taste buds and your wellness goals. Try this recipe tonight, and discover how simple ingredients can transform into something extraordinary. Share your results in the comments below, or tag us in your culinary creations on social media!

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works perfectly in this recipe. Add it directly to the pan without thawing, but extend cooking time by about 2 minutes.

How can I make this recipe more flavorful without adding more ingredients?
Try marinating the chicken in the soy sauce for 15-30 minutes before cooking, or finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten flavors.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well for 3 days in the refrigerator and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for preparing ahead of busy weekdays.

Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha sauce during the final cooking step for a customized heat level.

How can I make this recipe kid-friendly?
Try cutting broccoli into smaller pieces, or briefly blanch it first for a softer texture. You can also add a small drizzle of honey to the sauce for a touch of sweetness that appeals to younger palates.