Lemon Garlic Chicken with Broccoli is a simple and tasty dish that combines juicy chicken breasts cooked with zesty lemon and fragrant garlic, paired perfectly with tender broccoli. The bright lemon flavor really wakes up the garlic, making the whole meal fresh and full of flavor. It’s the kind of dish that feels healthy but still satisfying.
I love making this recipe when I want something quick but impressive. The lemon and garlic sauce is so easy to whip up, and it gives the chicken a nice tang without being too strong. Plus, the broccoli soaks up some of the sauce, which makes it just as delicious as the chicken. A little tip I have is to squeeze some extra lemon over the finished dish—it brightens everything even more!
For serving, I usually pair this with rice or pasta to help soak up all the tasty sauce. It’s great for weekday dinners because it doesn’t take a ton of prep, but still feels like a meal you put some love into. Whenever I make this, I get a kick out of how the simple ingredients come together so well, and it usually disappears fast at the table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: This recipe works best with boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick cooking. If you prefer, use thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat, but cook a bit longer.
Lemon: Fresh lemon is key here to give bright, fresh acidity. Lemon zest adds aroma while juice adds tang. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can work but use less and add a little zest if possible.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but garlic powder is an okay substitute in a pinch. Fresh garlic gives more aroma and a punch of flavor.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are best steamed to keep bright green and tender-crisp. Frozen broccoli works too—just thaw and drain excess water before serving.
Olive oil and herbs: Olive oil helps with cooking and adds flavor. Dried oregano or fresh parsley bring herbal notes. Feel free to swap with thyme or basil depending on what you like.
How Can I Cook Juicy Lemon Garlic Chicken Without Drying It Out?
Chicken breasts can dry out if overcooked, so keep an eye on the cooking time and temperature.
- Pat chicken dry and marinate to help keep it moist and flavorful.
- Cook on medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes per side. Avoid moving it too much to get a nice golden sear.
- Check for doneness with a meat thermometer (165°F/74°C) or cut to see if juices run clear.
- Adding lemon slices on top while finishing adds moisture and flavor without extra steps.
- Let chicken rest a couple of minutes after cooking to keep juices inside.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Skillet – A good non-stick or stainless steel skillet helps cook the chicken evenly and gives it a nice sear.
- Steamer basket – Makes steaming broccoli easy and keeps it tender without losing color or nutrients.
- Small bowls – For mixing the marinade and keeping ingredients organized.
- Measuring spoons and citrus juicer – To get accurate lemon juice and zest without mess.
- Tongs or a spatula – For flipping the chicken and handling the broccoli gently.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap lemon for lime or orange zest and juice for a different citrus twist.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or paprika to spice things up.
- Stir in a spoonful of honey or balsamic vinegar for a touch of sweetness and depth.
- Include additional veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for more crunch and color.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken with Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large lemon (zested and juiced, plus 3-4 thin slices for garnish)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Broccoli:
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons chicken broth or water (for steaming)
- Butter or olive oil (optional, to finish broccoli)
Optional:
- 1 cup cooked brown rice (for serving)
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and roughly 15 minutes to cook, including marinating time of at least 15 minutes (up to 1 hour if you have extra time). Overall, plan for about 30-40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Use a sharp knife to make 3-4 shallow diagonal slashes across each breast. This helps the marinade soak in and gives a nice look when cooked.
2. Marinate the Chicken
In a small bowl, mix together lemon zest, about 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano or parsley, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure they are well coated. Let them marinate in the fridge for at least 15 minutes, or up to 1 hour if you have time.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of olive oil if the pan is dry. Place the marinated chicken breasts in the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). During the last 2 minutes of cooking, lay the lemon slices on top of the chicken to warm them up.
4. Steam the Broccoli
While the chicken cooks, steam the broccoli. Fill a pot with about 2 tablespoons of water or chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Place the broccoli florets in a steamer basket, cover, and steam for about 5 minutes until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp. Drain any excess liquid when done.
5. Finish the Broccoli (Optional)
Toss the steamed broccoli with a little butter or olive oil and season with salt and pepper to your taste.
6. Serve Your Meal
Layer cooked brown rice (if using) at the bottom of your plate or bowl. Arrange the steamed broccoli and then the grilled lemon garlic chicken breasts on top. Garnish the chicken with the warm lemon slices and sprinkle extra fresh parsley if you like.
7. Enjoy!
Serve immediately while warm. For an extra burst of freshness, offer additional lemon wedges for squeezing over the chicken and broccoli.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before marinating and cooking. Pat it dry well to avoid excess moisture that could prevent browning.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to keep the chicken moist and broccoli tender.
Can I Substitute the Broccoli with Another Vegetable?
Absolutely! Green beans, asparagus, or snap peas work great steamed alongside the chicken. Adjust steaming time based on the vegetable’s tenderness.
Is It Okay to Skip the Marinating Step?
You can cook the chicken without marinating, but the lemon garlic flavor will be less pronounced. If short on time, at least brush the chicken with the marinade before cooking for some added taste.