Lemony Chicken & Broccoli Skillet (Easy 30-Minute Dinner)

This Lemony Chicken & Broccoli Skillet is one of those simple, satisfying meals you’ll want to keep on repeat.

Tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a light, lemony garlic butter sauce come together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fresh and fast and definitely aren’t in the mood for takeout.

This one pan lemony chicken and broccoli dish is loaded with flavor but doesn’t rely on heavy sauces or breading. Serve it as-is for a low-carb main dish, or spoon it over rice, cauliflower rice, or even pasta for a more filling option. Of course, pasta and rice will make it a more comforting and hearty dish, but not so keto friendly.

Why You’ll Love This One Pan Lemony Chicken & Broccoli Recipe

• Ready in 30 minutes or less

• Great way to use up chicken and veggies

• Low carb, gluten-free, and family-friendly

• Customizable with whatever you have on hand

Greta Brinkley

Lemony Chicken & Broccoli Skillet

A quick, flavorful one-skillet dinner with garlic, lemon, chicken, and crisp-tender broccoli. Low carb, family-friendly, and ready in under 30 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 5 tbsp unsalted butter divided
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil divided
• 3 –4 large garlic cloves minced
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
• 1 cup red cabbage chopped
• 2 cups broccoli florets chopped (fresh or thawed)
• 3 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Method

 

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp olive oil. Add garlic and sauté until golden, about 1–2 minutes.
2. Add chicken to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7–8 minutes.
3. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add lemon juice and broth to the pan. Scrape the bottom of the skillet and simmer until liquid reduces by half, 2–3 minutes.
5. Add remaining butter and oil, then stir in cabbage and broccoli. Cook 2–3 minutes until vegetables are just tender.
6. Return chicken to the pan. Stir to combine and heat through. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Tips for Best Results

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. You want it to brown, not steam.

• Use a high-sided skillet or sauté pan for best control.

• Red cabbage adds color and texture, but you can sub with green cabbage or omit the cabbage entirely.

• Deglazing the pan with lemon juice and broth gives you great flavor without needing cream or heavy sauces.

Lemony Chicken and Broccoli Additions & Substitutions

• Swap chicken for shrimp or thin-sliced pork. This is a great use for leftovers.

• Add sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the veggie mix. Use up those little bits of veggies, or make it a heartier vegetable forward dish.

• Top with shaved Parmesan or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving for a little extra flavor.

• Serve over rice, couscous, or cauliflower rice for something a little more filling and comforting.