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
- Season the diced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- 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
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and another tablespoon of olive oil.
- 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
- In the same skillet (don’t clean it, leave all the flavorful bits), add the uncooked rice.
- Stir for 2-3 minutes until the rice is slightly toasted.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- 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
- In a small saucepan, add the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer over low heat.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Whisk continuously until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked chicken and broccoli back into the skillet with the rice. Gently stir everything to combine.
- Pour the creamy lemon garlic sauce over the chicken, broccoli, and rice mixture, tossing everything together until well-coated.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 520
- Sodium: 640mg
- Protein: 32g