Delicious Chicken, Broccoli, and Carrots Recipe
When it comes to satisfying, nutrient-dense meals, it’s hard to beat the classic combination of chicken, broccoli, and carrots. This dish is a perennial favorite for good reason – it’s easy to prepare, bursting with flavor, and packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a meal-prep friendly option, this chicken, broccoli, and carrots recipe ticks all the boxes. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and a straightforward cooking method, you can have a wholesome, delicious meal on the table in no time.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this recipe apart is the perfect balance of tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and sweet, caramelized carrots. The savory, aromatic sauce ties all the flavors together, creating a dish that’s both comforting and complex. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, which means easy cleanup and less time spent in the kitchen.
Beyond the irresistible taste, this chicken, broccoli, and carrots recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to suit various dietary needs, whether you’re looking for a low-carb, dairy-free, or protein-packed version. And with make-ahead and freezer-friendly options, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or meal-prepping for the week ahead.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Delicious Chicken, Broccoli, and Carrots ❓
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups sliced carrots
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
The beauty of this chicken, broccoli, and carrots recipe is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and sweet, caramelized carrots creates a flavor profile that has made this dish a perennially popular choice.
📝 How to Make Delicious Chicken, Broccoli, and Carrots Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Add the minced garlic and dried thyme to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
• Step 3: Add the sliced carrots and broccoli florets to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and black pepper. Stir to combine.
• Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and the broccoli is crisp-tender.
• Step 5: Remove the lid and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the vegetables are cooked to your desired doneness.
• Step 6: Serve the chicken, broccoli, and carrots immediately, garnished with additional thyme or parsley if desired.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 15-17 minutes
• Total time: 25-27 minutes
Compared to traditional stir-fry dishes, which can take up to 30 minutes to prepare, this chicken, broccoli, and carrots recipe saves you valuable time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 401mg
These chicken, broccoli, and carrots provide approximately 54% of your daily vitamin A requirements and 85% of your daily vitamin C needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Replace the carrots with additional broccoli or cauliflower florets. You can also serve the dish over a bed of riced cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Omit any cheese or cream-based ingredients, and use a dairy-free broth or coconut milk instead of regular chicken broth.
• Added protein: Toss in some cooked chickpeas or edamame for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas for even more nutrient-dense veggies.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the chicken, broccoli, and carrots dish.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted asparagus for a balanced dinner.
• Complement the dish with a hearty tomato or lemon-based soup for a comforting, full-course meal.
• For a family-style meal, serve the chicken, broccoli, and carrots alongside baked potatoes, garlic bread, and a crisp white wine.
• Create an impressive appetizer platter by serving the dish chilled or at room temperature, alongside crackers or pita bread.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Not using high enough heat: To achieve a nice sear on the chicken and caramelization on the vegetables, it’s important to use medium-high to high heat. This helps lock in the flavors and prevent the dish from becoming watery.
• Skimping on the seasoning: Don’t be afraid to generously season the dish with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices. The right balance of seasonings is key to bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Overcrowding the pan: Make sure to cook the chicken and vegetables in a single layer, without overcrowding the pan. This allows for proper browning and ensures the ingredients cook evenly.
• Not allowing the sauce to thicken: Be patient and let the sauce reduce slightly at the end of the cooking time. This helps create a more cohesive and flavorful dish.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These chicken, broccoli, and carrots retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the dish up to the point of cooking, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
• Freezing baked: Allow the cooked dish to cool completely, then portion into individual servings and wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through, being careful not to overcook the vegetables.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat the dish in a skillet or oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings, checking and stirring frequently to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.
❓ FAQs
Can I prepare this chicken, broccoli, and carrots recipe in advance?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the entire recipe up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can freeze the uncooked mixture for up to 3 months, then thaw and cook it when you’re ready to serve.
Can I substitute other vegetables for the broccoli and carrots?
Yes, this recipe is very versatile. You can swap the broccoli for cauliflower florets, snap peas, or diced bell peppers. For the carrots, try using zucchini, yellow squash, or even diced potatoes. Just keep in mind that different vegetables may have varying cooking times, so you may need to adjust the recipe accordingly.
Is there a way to make this dish lower in carbs or dairy-free?
Absolutely! For a lower-carb version, replace the carrots with extra broccoli or cauliflower florets. You can also serve the dish over a bed of riced cauliflower or zucchini noodles. To make it dairy-free, simply omit any cheese or cream-based ingredients and use a dairy-free broth or coconut milk instead of regular chicken broth.
What can I do if the vegetables are undercooked or overcooked?
If the vegetables are undercooked, cover the skillet and continue cooking for a few more minutes, checking frequently. If they’re overcooked, try removing the lid and cooking for a shorter time to allow the vegetables to crisp up again. In the future, be sure to monitor the cooking time and adjust the heat as needed to achieve the perfect texture.
Can I add any extra ingredients to this recipe?
Absolutely! This dish is highly customizable. You can add cooked chickpeas or edamame for extra protein, toss in diced bell peppers or mushrooms for more veggies, or even sprinkle in some grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs for additional flavor.
Conclusion
These delicious chicken, broccoli, and carrots represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and nutrition. Whether you’re serving them as a weeknight family dinner or a meal-prep friendly option, they’re sure to impress with their vibrant colors, tender texture, and satisfying flavors.
The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these chicken, broccoli, and carrots demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process.
So why wait? Gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and treat your taste buds to the irresistible combination of chicken, broccoli, and carrots. This recipe is sure to become a new household favorite in no time.
Print
Delicious Chicken, Broccoli, and Carrots Recipe
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
Ingredients
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups sliced carrots
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
• Step 1: In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until browned on all sides.
• Step 2: Add the minced garlic and dried thyme to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
• Step 3: Add the sliced carrots and broccoli florets to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and black pepper. Stir to combine.
• Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and the broccoli is crisp-tender.
• Step 5: Remove the lid and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the vegetables are cooked to your desired doneness.
• Step 6: Serve the chicken, broccoli, and carrots immediately, garnished with additional thyme or parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-17 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Americans
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 273
- Sodium: 401mg
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 27g
Keywords: Delicious Chicken, Broccoli, and Carrots Recipe
