5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe is one of those dependable meals I keep in rotation because it’s fast, flavorful, and made with just what I already have. With chicken, broccoli, garlic, soy sauce, and olive oil, it comes together in one pan in under 20 minutes. No fluff, no extras — just a real dinner that’s hot and done before you lose motivation.
It fits the heart of what I share at 3to5Ingredients.com — real food made with real-life simplicity. If you’ve loved my 5 ingredient guacamole recipe or that dreamy 3 ingredient creamed spinach, this 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe belongs right alongside them. It’s quick, flexible, and doesn’t ask for anything you don’t already have. Whether you eat it over rice, with noodles, or on its own, it’s just solid, everyday comfort.
The Story Behind This Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
A Personal Memory from Maya
I still remember how my mom made broccoli taste amazing — sautéed with garlic and a splash of soy sauce until it was just right. We didn’t have a lot, but those simple meals made us feel full and connected. That memory followed me into my own kitchen. One night after work, tired and hungry, I had chicken, broccoli, garlic, olive oil, and soy sauce — and this 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe was born. It was warm, quick, and felt like home.
Now, it’s one of my go-to weeknight dinners. Sometimes I pair it with crispy potatoes and whip up my 3 ingredient tartar sauce to dip on the side. It’s the kind of real-life dinner that reminds me you don’t need a long list of stuff to eat well — just a little rhythm and trust in the process.
Why This Simple Dish Is Still Worth Sharing
This 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe is proof that simple doesn’t mean boring. The garlic gives it warmth, the soy sauce brings out depth, and the broccoli stays just crisp enough. You don’t have to prep a dozen ingredients to get something satisfying on the table — especially when just five can get the job done beautifully.
This dish is what 3to5Ingredients.com is all about. It’s meals made from what’s already in your kitchen, no extra stress involved. When a dinner this fast also hits all the flavor notes, that’s something worth sharing.
Table of Contents
Why Simplicity Wins
Fewer Ingredients, More Confidence
What I love most about this 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe is how it builds confidence in the kitchen. You’re working with what you already know — chicken, garlic, broccoli — but putting it together in a way that feels new, fresh, and doable. Fewer ingredients mean fewer decisions and fewer chances to second-guess yourself. That’s the kind of cooking that sticks.
Simple recipes like this teach you to trust your timing, your skillet, and your instincts. They create rhythm. It’s the same reason recipes like my 3 ingredient creamed spinach are always a hit — because they’re uncomplicated and reliable. The more you cook like this, the more you realize that good food doesn’t ask you to overthink.
Elegant Meals Without Overload
There’s a beauty to dishes that don’t try too hard. This 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe delivers big flavor without needing layers of seasoning or a pile of extras. Garlic gives it that rich base, broccoli brings in color and crunch, and the soy sauce pulls it all together with a salty-sweet balance. No flour, no cream, no unnecessary steps.
This kind of meal shows up for you again and again — after work, on a tight grocery budget, or when your energy’s just low. It’s the kind of dish you make without needing a recipe after a while. Add a simple side like my 5 ingredient guacamole recipe, and dinner is done.
The real win? You’ll never feel like you’re settling. You’ll feel like you made something that matters — because this 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did.
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5 Ingredient Chicken and Broccoli Recipe: Quick & Easy made
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe is a fast, flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a garlic-soy glaze — ready in 20 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast or boneless skinless chicken thighs, cubed
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons gluten-free soy sauce or tamari
To taste : Red pepper flakes, Salt, Fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté the broccoli and garlic until tender-crisp and fragrant.
- Return the chicken to the pan, pour in soy sauce, and stir well. Add optional red pepper flakes or lime juice.
- Cook for 2–3 more minutes to bring all the flavors together.
- Serve hot over rice, noodles, or as-is.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes or lime juice to boost flavor.
- Pairs well with rice, noodles, or a fresh side like guacamole.
- For a vegan version, substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Ingredients
What You’ll Need for This 3–5 Ingredient Recipe
To make this 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe, you only need a handful of everyday ingredients. Think of it as your no-brainer weeknight dinner — fast, flavorful, and easy to shop for (or grab from your fridge). You’ll need chicken, broccoli, garlic, soy sauce, and olive oil. That’s the whole story.
Each ingredient in this 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe plays a role. The chicken brings protein and heartiness. Broccoli adds color, texture, and freshness. Garlic and soy sauce team up to give the dish its bold flavor, and olive oil ties it all together. It’s the kind of recipe that lets you cook with what you already have — just like my 3 ingredient creamed spinach does so well.
And just like that, you’ve got dinner. No need for extra sauces, hard-to-find seasonings, or a pile of prep. This recipe gets right to the point — which is exactly how we like it around here.
Smart Swaps & Creative Alternatives
One of the things I love most about this 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe is how easy it is to adapt. If you don’t have fresh broccoli, frozen works great. If you prefer chicken thighs over breasts, go for it — they stay juicy and tender. No soy sauce? Coconut aminos or even a pinch of salt and lime can still bring everything together.
Want a little heat? Toss in some red pepper flakes or a dab of chili oil. Craving extra crunch? Sprinkle in sesame seeds or cashews. And if you’re already making something like my 3 ingredient tartar sauce on the side, it’s an easy way to round out the plate.
This isn’t about sticking to the rules — it’s about making meals that work for real life.
Instructions
Quick Steps (Time-Saver Method)
This 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe is the definition of quick comfort. It’s one of those dishes that gives you everything you need — protein, veggies, and flavor — in one skillet and in under 20 minutes. You don’t need a lot of prep or fancy tools. Just a few basic ingredients and a bit of stove time.
Start by heating olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s golden and cooked through. Take it out and set it aside. In that same pan, add broccoli and garlic. Sauté until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the garlic smells amazing. Bring the chicken back in, add soy sauce, and stir well. Cook everything together for a couple more minutes until it’s all coated and hot.
That’s it. This 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe doesn’t ask for much but gives back a full plate of flavor. Serve it over rice, toss it with noodles, or eat it just as it is. I love pairing it with something fresh like my 5 ingredient guacamole recipe when I want a complete meal that still feels light and doable.
Full Instructions With Timing & Texture Tips
If you like more structure when you cook, here’s how to make this 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe step-by-step:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning now and then, until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add broccoli and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until broccoli is bright green and just tender, and the garlic is lightly golden.
- Return the chicken to the pan. Add soy sauce and any optional seasonings you like, such as red pepper flakes or lime juice. Stir well and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve hot. This 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe is fantastic over grains, but it also stands strong on its own.
The real magic of this 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe is how quickly it becomes a go-to. It’s flavorful, filling, and feels like a meal you actually look forward to making — not one you’re stuck cooking.
Step-by-Step
Gathering, Measuring, and Prepping with Ease
The secret to making this 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe feel even easier is getting organized before the pan gets hot. Lay everything out first — chicken cut into chunks, broccoli florets ready, garlic minced. Keep the soy sauce close and olive oil within reach. You don’t need fancy prep bowls, just a few small plates to separate what’s going in when.
This 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe moves quickly once it starts, so having your ingredients prepped makes it stress-free. It’s one of those dishes where a little setup pays off in a big way. If you’re also serving a side like my 5 ingredient guacamole recipe, you can prep that while the chicken sizzles.
Simple prep is the key to success here. With just a few thoughtful steps upfront, you’re on your way to a real dinner in minutes.
Visual Cues & Timing for Perfect Results
One thing I love about this 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe is how easy it is to cook without overthinking it. You don’t need a timer — just pay attention to how things look, smell, and sound.
- When the chicken hits the pan, you should hear a light sizzle. That means the oil’s hot enough. Once it turns golden on one side, flip it and let it finish cooking through.
- Broccoli should turn a vibrant green and feel tender when pierced with a fork but still hold its shape.
- Garlic should smell rich and aromatic, not burnt. Once it hits that sweet spot, it’s time to move fast.
- When the soy sauce is added, stir everything together so the sauce lightly coats the chicken and broccoli. You’ll see it begin to shine — that’s your cue it’s ready.
This 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe doesn’t require perfection. It’s built for flexibility. A little more garlic? Go for it. Broccoli a minute longer? Still good. That’s why it’s a favorite for weeknights and a perfect fit for real-life cooking.
Creative Twists & Dietary-Friendly Versions
Flavor Variations & Add-In Ideas
What I love most about this 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe is how easily it bends to whatever you’re craving. With just a few little tweaks, you can take it in bold, savory, sweet, or spicy directions — all without losing its simplicity.
Add some red pepper flakes or sriracha if you like heat. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup gives the dish a sweet-salty balance that’s amazing over rice. Feeling herby? Toss in chopped scallions or cilantro at the end for a bright finish. Even a squeeze of fresh orange or a touch of ginger can wake it up in a whole new way.
And yes — adding extras means you’re technically going beyond five ingredients, but that’s okay. This 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe gives you a strong, flexible base. Once you’ve got that down, you can riff on it however you like.
Sometimes I’ll serve it with a fresh side like my 5 ingredient guacamole recipe to round out the meal. It’s fast, colorful, and just makes the plate feel more complete.
Vegan, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free Options
One of the reasons this 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe is a keeper is how naturally clean it already is. It’s dairy-free, low in sugar, and with one easy swap, it’s gluten-free too. Just use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.
To make it vegan, swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh. Pan-sear it until golden, then follow the recipe as written. You still get the same garlic-soy goodness and the tender broccoli that makes this dish so satisfying.
Need lower sodium? Use a reduced-salt soy sauce and skip added salt entirely. Want to go grain-free? Serve it solo or on a bed of sautéed greens. However you adjust it, this 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe always finds a way to work — because real food should fit your life, not the other way around.
Serving & Storing Guidelines
Presenting It Beautifully
The best part of this 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe? It already looks good the moment it comes out of the skillet. No extra work needed. The chicken is golden, the broccoli is bright, and the light soy-garlic glaze gives everything a warm shine that makes it feel special, even on a regular Tuesday night.
When I want to make it feel more like a complete meal, I’ll serve it over rice, noodles, or even greens. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or sliced scallions adds just enough contrast. If I’m making it for guests or want something refreshing on the side, I’ll bring out my 5 ingredient guacamole recipe — it’s a surprising but fun pairing that keeps things easy and vibrant.
The real win? This 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe is as comfortable on a weeknight plate as it is at the center of your weekend table.
Shelf Life & Storage Tips
This 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe holds up really well as leftovers, making it perfect for prepping ahead or packing into tomorrow’s lunch. Once it cools, just store it in an airtight container and pop it into the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 3 days and reheats easily.
When warming it up, add a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken tender and the sauce smooth. I usually reheat it in a skillet, but the microwave works fine too — just cover it so nothing dries out.
If you want to freeze this 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe, I recommend freezing the chicken and sauce separately, then adding fresh broccoli when reheating. This keeps the texture just right and avoids that overly soft veggie situation. It’s one of those meals that works with your schedule — because dinner should never feel like a chore.
Avoiding Mistakes & Mastering Techniques
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though the 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe is simple, there are a few common slip-ups that can sneak in. The first? Overcooking the chicken. Since you’re working with small, quick-cooking pieces, they don’t need long in the pan. Just a few minutes on each side is enough. Going too far makes the chicken tough and dry.
Next is broccoli that’s too soft. The key to this 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe is keeping the broccoli tender but crisp — not mushy. Let it cook just until it turns bright green and you can pierce it with a fork. And don’t forget the garlic. It should be fragrant and lightly golden, not burnt. Burned garlic can throw off the whole flavor.
These are easy things to fix — and once you’ve made this recipe once or twice, you’ll know exactly how your pan and timing work.
Rescue Techniques
If your chicken ends up a bit dry, stir in a splash of water, broth, or even soy sauce at the end. It brings everything back together without losing flavor. You can also add a quick squeeze of lime or lemon to brighten up the whole dish — one of my favorite last-minute tricks.
And if the broccoli gets too soft? No problem. Mix it into cooked rice or use it as a warm topping in a grain bowl. The flavor is still spot on, and nothing goes to waste. That’s the beauty of the 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe — it works with you, not against you.
Nutrition Facts & Health Benefits of Chicken
Nutritional Score (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Sodium | 620mg |
| Cholesterol | 80mg |
These values are estimates based on a typical serving of the 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe and may vary depending on your ingredients and portion sizes.
Maya’s Personal Note on Key Ingredients
What I love most about this 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe is how naturally balanced it is. Chicken gives you lean protein without heaviness, broccoli brings in fiber, and garlic and soy sauce make everything pop with flavor. Olive oil adds healthy fat without weighing the dish down.
It’s one of those rare meals that feels light but still keeps you full — and you don’t have to track a dozen ingredients to get there. This 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe delivers the kind of nutrition that supports a full day without slowing you down.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 5 Ingredient Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
What is chicken and broccoli sauce made of?
In this 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe, the sauce is incredibly simple — just soy sauce, garlic, and the natural juices from the chicken and broccoli as they cook. The soy sauce adds that classic salty depth, garlic builds warmth, and a quick toss at the end brings everything together. You can add lime juice or red pepper flakes for a kick, but the base stays clean and light.
How to make chicken and broccoli interesting?
Start with a great base — like this 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe — and make small tweaks to suit your taste. Add fresh ginger, sesame oil, or crushed red pepper for extra flavor. You can also serve it over noodles or in wraps. A topping like toasted sesame seeds or green onions goes a long way with almost no effort. It’s the kind of dish that invites creativity without needing complexity.
Is it healthy to just eat chicken and broccoli?
Yes — especially when it’s made simply, like in this 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe. You’re getting lean protein, fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats if you cook with olive oil. That said, balance matters. Pair it with a grain like rice or quinoa, or rotate it into a weekly routine with other vegetables for variety and long-term satisfaction.
How to make Chinese broccoli and chicken?
Chinese-style broccoli and chicken often includes oyster sauce, sesame oil, and ginger. For a quick version, start with this 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe and add fresh ginger and a splash of oyster sauce. You can even swap in Chinese broccoli (gai lan) if you find it fresh. Cook it the same way — just until tender but still bright — and finish with a drizzle of sesame oil for that classic restaurant-style taste.
Cooking Glossary
Key Techniques Explained Simply
Sautéing: This is one of the main cooking methods in the 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe. Sautéing means cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil over medium-high heat. It keeps the broccoli crisp-tender and helps the chicken brown without drying out.
Deglazing: When you add soy sauce back into the hot pan, it lifts the flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom. That’s deglazing. It’s a quick way to boost flavor using just one ingredient — and it’s what gives the 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe that rich, savory taste without needing stock or sauce packets.
Simmering: This is when you let your ingredients cook just below boiling. While it’s not heavily used in this recipe, it can help marry flavors if you want to stretch the sauce a little or warm the dish gently.
Additional Concepts (with Linked Resources)
This 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe is a great example of one-pan cooking, a technique where everything cooks in a single pan for easy cleanup and better flavor layering. You’ll also notice how it leans into the power of umami — the savory taste that soy sauce naturally brings to the dish.
The method of stir-frying used here is rooted in Asian cuisine and focuses on quick, high-heat cooking that preserves texture. Broccoli, for example, benefits from this because it retains nutrients when cooked quickly — a fact supported by nutritional science showing that light cooking actually enhances absorption of some antioxidants.
By keeping the cooking simple and clear, the 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe invites anyone to get comfortable in the kitchen — no matter their experience level.
Conclusion: Make the 5 Ingredient Chicken and Broccoli Recipe Part of Your Everyday Joy
Why You’ll Want to Make It Again
What makes the 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe so special isn’t just how easy it is — it’s how much it delivers with so little. Five simple ingredients, one skillet, and dinner is ready in 20 minutes or less. But even more than that, this dish has heart. It’s built for real kitchens, busy schedules, and the kind of days where you just need something that works.
This is the recipe you’ll return to on a weeknight, pass to a friend who’s learning to cook, or prep ahead for lunches you’ll actually want to eat. It’s reliable, flexible, and full of flavor — and once you make it, you’ll see why it’s become a go-to in so many kitchens like mine.
A Real-Life Recipe for Confidence
Cooking with fewer ingredients doesn’t mean compromising. It means trusting your instincts, choosing well, and giving yourself space to enjoy the process. This 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe isn’t just a meal — it’s a reminder that food can be simple and still feel like a win.
“What you have is already enough. Let’s cook.” – Maya
I’d love to hear how this recipe worked for you — what you added, what you paired it with, or how you made it your own. Drop a comment, share your version, or send it to someone who needs an easy win tonight. Because that’s what we’re building here — more time around the table, and less stress in the kitchen.