Lemon Garlic Chicken with Broccoli is a simple, bright, and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken pieces with zesty lemon and fragrant garlic, all cooked together with nutritious, crisp-tender broccoli. The fresh lemon juice adds a nice tang that really wakes up the whole meal, and the garlic gives it a lovely depth without being overpowering.
I love making this dish when I want something that feels fresh but also comforting. One of my favorite things is how quickly it comes together—just a few ingredients, a skillet, and about 30 minutes, and you have a home-cooked meal that tastes like you spent way longer on it. I usually like to use bone-in chicken thighs for the juiciest results, but you can easily swap in breasts if that’s what you have on hand.
Serving it over rice or with some crusty bread lets you soak up all those tasty lemon-garlic juices, and it makes for a healthy, satisfying dinner. This recipe is one that friends and family always ask me to make again because it’s light enough for weeknights but still feels special enough to share around the table. It’s a dish that turns out perfect every time, and I never get tired of it.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I like using boneless, skinless breasts for quick cooking. If you want juicier meat, try chicken thighs—they stay tender and add more flavor. Just adjust the cooking time a bit.
Garlic & Onion: Sliced garlic and onions build a flavorful base. If onions aren’t your thing, feel free to leave them out or swap with shallots for a milder taste.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is key for that bright, tangy flavor. Bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, but fresh is always best.
Broccoli: Steamed broccoli keeps the dish vibrant and healthy. You can also use other green veggies like green beans or asparagus for a different twist.
Chicken Broth or White Wine: Broth adds depth without overpowering the flavors. If you don’t cook with wine, broth is a safe, flavorful option.
Parmesan Cheese: I love sprinkling Parmesan for a touch of saltiness. For dairy-free options, simply skip it or try nutritional yeast as a substitute.
How Do You Get Tender, Juicy Chicken Every Time?
The secret is cooking chicken breasts evenly without drying them out.
- Start by patting the chicken dry and seasoning well—this helps with browning and flavor.
- Use medium-high heat to sear the chicken on one side without moving it for 5-7 minutes.
- Flip carefully and cook the other side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the chicken for a few minutes before slicing to keep juices locked in.
Also, adding the garlic-onion mixture and simmering briefly in lemon broth keeps the chicken moist and flavorful. This technique helps balance browning with gentle cooking.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – I like using a heavy-bottomed skillet because it heats evenly and helps brown the chicken nicely.
- Meat thermometer – ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked and juicy.
- Steamer or pot with a steamer basket – makes quick work of steaming the broccoli without losing color or crunch.
- Knife and cutting board – for slicing garlic, onion, and chopping parsley easily.
- Measuring cups and spoons – keep ingredients accurate, especially when cooking with citrus and wine.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use lemon zest along with juice for an extra citrus punch that brightens the dish.
- Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs — they stay juicier and add richer flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a little heat if you like spicy dishes.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms or cherry tomatoes for more textures and flavors.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken with Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine
- Juice of 1 lemon, plus lemon slices for garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
For the Broccoli:
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes to cook. It’s a quick and simple meal that’ll be ready in about half an hour, perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season and Cook the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Make the Garlic-Lemon Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in the sliced garlic and onion, and sauté until you can smell the wonderful aroma and the onions become soft and translucent — about 3 to 4 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and the fresh lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any flavorful bits. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly.
3. Cook the Broccoli:
While the sauce simmers, steam or blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for about 3 to 4 minutes until they’re crisp but tender. Drain and set them aside.
4. Finish and Serve:
Put the chicken back into the skillet with the sauce and spoon some sauce over the top. Warm everything together for about 1 to 2 minutes. Serve the chicken next to the steamed broccoli on a plate. Sprinkle the chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese over the top, garnishing with a lemon slice for a lovely fresh touch. Enjoy your delicious, bright lemon garlic chicken with broccoli!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat it dry to remove excess moisture for better browning.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid drying out the chicken.
Can I Substitute Broccoli with Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Green beans, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts work well as alternatives. Adjust the cooking time to keep the veggies crisp-tender.
Is It Possible to Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! Simply skip the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast for a similar savory flavor.