Garlic Butter Chicken with Broccoli and Rice in Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce

Introduction

This Garlic Butter Chicken with Broccoli & Rice is a delicious, wholesome dish that brings together tender, juicy chicken cooked to perfection in a rich garlic butter sauce. Accompanied by vibrant, steamed broccoli and fluffy rice, it’s a balanced meal that’s both comforting and nutritious. To elevate the flavors even further, this dish is finished with a luscious, creamy lemon garlic sauce that adds a tangy and fresh touch to each bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is quick to prepare and sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Chicken & Broccoli

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional: mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
  • 1 cup uncooked white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
  • 2 cups chicken broth, low sodium
  • Juice of 1 lemon

Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Season the diced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli

  1. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and another tablespoon of olive oil.
  2. Toss in the broccoli florets and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Remove the broccoli and set it aside with the chicken.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

  1. In the same skillet (don’t clean it, leave all the flavorful bits), add the uncooked rice.
  2. Stir for 2-3 minutes until the rice is slightly toasted.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the broth is fully absorbed.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce

  1. In a small saucepan, add the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer over low heat.
  2. Stir in the Dijon mustard, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
  3. Whisk continuously until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

  1. Add the cooked chicken and broccoli back into the skillet with the rice. Gently stir everything to combine.
  2. Pour the creamy lemon garlic sauce over the chicken, broccoli, and rice mixture, tossing everything together until well-coated.
  3. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Cooking Notes

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning for 15-20 minutes before cooking.
  • Use fresh broccoli for a crispier texture. If using frozen broccoli, make sure it’s thawed and drained to avoid excess water.
  • The rice can be substituted with quinoa, couscous, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve this dish with a side of crusty garlic bread to mop up the creamy sauce.
  • A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette is a perfect side dish to balance the richness of the sauce.
  • For added freshness, garnish with lemon slices and extra fresh herbs like parsley or dill.

Tips

  1. Chicken: For juicier chicken, avoid overcooking. Sear quickly on high heat to lock in moisture.
  2. Broccoli: Add a splash of lemon juice when sautéing the broccoli for a zesty twist.
  3. Sauce: To make the sauce thicker, simmer longer; for a thinner sauce, add a splash of chicken broth.
  4. Rice: Let the rice rest for 5 minutes after cooking before fluffing it with a fork for the best texture.
  5. Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.

Prep Time

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 520
  • Protein: 32g
  • Sodium: 640mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 2g

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken with Broccoli & Rice in a Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce is the perfect dish to satisfy cravings for a hearty, comforting meal. The combination of buttery garlic, zesty lemon, and creamy sauce adds layers of flavor that are guaranteed to impress. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is a wonderful choice for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a go-to favorite in your kitchen!

Print
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Garlic Butter Chicken with Broccoli and Rice in Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Broccoli

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional: mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
  • 1 cup uncooked white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
  • 2 cups chicken broth, low sodium
  • Juice of 1 lemon

Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Season the diced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli

  1. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and another tablespoon of olive oil.
  2. Toss in the broccoli florets and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Remove the broccoli and set it aside with the chicken.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

  1. In the same skillet (don’t clean it, leave all the flavorful bits), add the uncooked rice.
  2. Stir for 2-3 minutes until the rice is slightly toasted.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the broth is fully absorbed.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce

  1. In a small saucepan, add the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer over low heat.
  2. Stir in the Dijon mustard, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
  3. Whisk continuously until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

  1. Add the cooked chicken and broccoli back into the skillet with the rice. Gently stir everything to combine.
  2. Pour the creamy lemon garlic sauce over the chicken, broccoli, and rice mixture, tossing everything together until well-coated.
  3. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 520
  • Sodium: 640mg
  • Protein: 32g

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