Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Broccoli
In short: Bite-size chicken pieces seared in a hot skillet, then tossed with broccoli florets in garlic butter and lemon. Dinner in 25 minutes. It takes about 25 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Total
- 25 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 360 kcal
Small pieces of chicken cook fast, brown well and soak up flavor, which makes this a reliable answer to a busy evening. The chicken is seared first for color, then broccoli steams briefly in the same pan with a splash of water before everything is finished in garlic butter with lemon juice and a pinch of chili flakes. Serve it over rice, or with crusty bread.
Instructions
- Toss the chicken with half the salt, the pepper and the paprika. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, turning once or twice, until browned on most sides and 74°C (165°F) in the center. Move it to a plate.
- Add the broccoli and the water to the same pan. Cover and steam for 3 minutes, until bright green and just tender.
- Uncover and let any remaining water evaporate. Push the broccoli to the sides, add the butter and garlic to the center and stir for 30 seconds.
- Return the chicken. Add the chili flakes, the remaining salt and the lemon juice, and toss for 1 minute so the butter coats everything.
- Scatter with parsley and serve right away.
Tips
- Cut the pieces the same size so they cook evenly. If the pan is crowded, brown the chicken in two batches, or it will steam and turn pale.
- Swap the broccoli for green beans or asparagus, and add a spoonful of honey with the lemon for a sweeter finish.
Questions and answers
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Add it straight from the freezer without the water and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring, until hot and the extra moisture has evaporated.
How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Cut it into even pieces, do not overcook, and take it off the heat as soon as it reaches 74°C (165°F). Thighs are more forgiving than breasts.
Can I prep this ahead?
Cut and season the chicken up to a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Cooked leftovers keep for 3 days and reheat well in a skillet.
How long does it take to make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Broccoli?
About 25 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Broccoli?
About 360 kcal per serving, with 41 g of protein, 8 g of carbohydrates and 19 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 360 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 41 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 640 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
