Garlic Butter Chicken with Broccoli Rice is Your New Go-To Dinner

Is there anything more satisfying than a meal that comes together in one pan, fills your kitchen with an incredible garlicky aroma, and gets a chorus of ‘yums’ from the whole table? I didn’t think so. This Garlic Butter Chicken with Broccoli Rice is that magical weeknight hero we all need. It’s the kind of dish my grandma would have whipped up—simple, honest food that just makes you feel good. No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients here, just a delicious, hearty meal that solves the eternal “what’s for dinner?” question.

Why You’ll Love This

This dish is a total home run for so many reasons. First, it’s a complete meal all by itself, nestled right in your trusty skillet. You get your lean protein and your veggies in one delicious, buttery scoop. It’s also incredibly quick, clocking in at about 30 minutes from start to finish, which is a lifesaver on those busy nights when everyone’s hunger is reaching peak levels. And the flavor? So, so good. The savory garlic butter sauce soaks into the chicken and the broccoli rice, creating a comforting and flavor-packed bite every single time. It’s a healthy dinner idea that doesn’t skimp on taste one bit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces: The main event!
• Salt and black pepper: To season everything perfectly.
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided: For searing the chicken and sautéing.
• 4 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped or riced: Our sneaky, nutritious veggie base.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Because more garlic is always better.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth to our sauce.
• 4 tablespoons butter: For that rich, undeniable flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a little kick if you like it.
• Juice of 1/2 lemon: A bright squeeze to cut through the richness.
• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: The perfect salty finish.

Let’s Get Cooking Step by Step

1. Season the chopped chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate.
3. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the broccoli rice and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it’s bright green and tender-crisp.
4. Push the broccoli rice to the sides of the skillet. Add the minced garlic to the center and cook for just 30-60 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn!
5. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those tasty browned bits from the bottom.
6. Stir in the butter and optional red pepper flakes until the butter is completely melted and creamy.
7. Return the cooked chicken (and any accumulated juices) back to the skillet. Stir everything together until it’s all coated in that glorious garlic butter sauce. Let it simmer together for another 2 minutes to heat through.
8. Remove from heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and grated parmesan cheese. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately!

Garlic Butter Chicken Preparation Tips

• For the best sear, make sure your chicken pieces are patted completely dry with a paper towel before seasoning.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. Cook in two batches if needed to avoid steaming them.
• To save even more time, look for pre-riced broccoli in the produce aisle or freezer section.
• The garlic cooks fast! Honestly, if you walk away, it will turn bitter in a flash. Stay close and keep it moving.
• And a little pro tip: Let your chicken rest for a few minutes after cutting it, then after cooking. It keeps all those juicy flavors right where they belong.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

This dish is a full meal all on its own, but it plays well with others, too. For a real feast, I love serving it with a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. A crusty piece of bread is also non-negotiable for mopping up every last drop of that garlic butter sauce. If you’re looking for more dinner ideas to round out your week, this pairs beautifully with a simple quinoa salad or some roasted sweet potato wedges.

Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Don’t have broccoli? Cauliflower rice works just as well. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter and skip the parmesan cheese—it’ll still be delicious. You can easily swap the chicken breast for thighs if you prefer darker meat; just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a minute or two longer. Want to add more veggies? Sliced mushrooms or bell peppers sautéed with the garlic would be a fantastic addition. It’s one of those easy weeknight dinners you can make your own.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a tiny splash of chicken broth or water to keep it from drying out. The microwave works in a pinch, but the stovetop will give you a much better texture. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the broccoli rice can become a bit watery and lose its pleasant texture upon thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Can I use frozen broccoli rice?
  A: Absolutely! There’s no need to thaw it first. Just add it directly to the pan. You might need to cook it for a minute or two longer to evaporate any extra moisture.
• Q: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
  A: It sure is! It’s one of my top kid friendly dinners. If your little ones are wary of spice, simply leave out the red pepper flakes. The mild, buttery flavor is usually a big hit.
• Q: What are some other cheap dinners for a family that are similar?
  A: This is a great one for a budget! Other family favorites in the same vein are one-pot pasta dishes, hearty soups, or a simple fried rice using leftover grains and veggies.