Skillet lemon chicken and broccoli is simple to prepare and full of bright, fresh flavor. Everything cooks in one pan for minimal cleanup and a quick weeknight dinner.
We eat a lot of chicken at home because it’s versatile and family-friendly. I often buy chicken breasts on sale, slice some thin for quick skillet meals, and freeze them in single layers in zip-top bags so they’re ready for fast dinners. Thin slices cook quickly, which is perfect when you need dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
On busier days, I make skillet lemon chicken and add broccoli to the pan so the whole meal cooks together. Serve it over pasta, rice, or quinoa for a complete plate.
How to Make Skillet Lemon Chicken and Broccoli
Skillet Lemon Chicken and Broccoli
Ingredients
- 4 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 to 2 large lemons
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups chopped broccoli
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken in a single layer.
- Season the chicken with half of the salt, pepper and ginger. Cook 8–10 minutes on the first side until golden.
- Turn the chicken and season the other side with the remaining salt, pepper and ginger.
- Squeeze the juice of ½ lemon into the pan and cook about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add the chopped broccoli, the remaining lemon (sliced or juiced as you prefer) and the butter to the skillet.
- Cover and cook until the chicken reaches at least 160°F (71°C) and the broccoli is tender, a few more minutes depending on thickness.
- Top with additional lemon slices if desired and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 3 g,
Protein: 49 g,
Fat: 18 g,
Saturated Fat: 5 g,
Cholesterol: 159 mg,
Sodium: 908 mg,
Potassium: 979 mg,
Fiber: 1 g,
Vitamin A: 525 IU,
Vitamin C: 43.3 mg,
Calcium: 33 mg,
Iron: 1.3 mg
Nutrition information is an approximation.
Additional Info
This skillet lemon chicken and broccoli is easily adjusted to suit your tastes. Reduce or increase the salt and pepper, omit the ginger if you prefer, or add more butter or olive oil for a saucier finish. A splash of white wine also makes a lovely, richer sauce.
Serve the chicken and broccoli on its own for a lighter meal, or place it over pasta, quinoa, or rice to make it more substantial. My kids like it over pasta or quinoa, but rice works great too.
With prep and cook time under 30 minutes, this recipe is a reliable weeknight winner.
Happy Eating,
