A Busy Mom’s Secret to Weeknight Wins
Dinner used to be my daily stress point. After school chaos, work emails, and managing four kids, I’d hit that 5 p.m. wall wondering what to cook. That’s exactly how this 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe was born. One night, I had chicken breasts, broccoli, garlic, soy sauce, and olive oil. I threw them into a pan, crossed my fingers—and wow. It turned out better than expected.
It was so good my kids asked for seconds, and my husband swore it beat our favorite takeout spot. That win felt huge. From then on, this 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe became part of our regular rotation. It’s fast, flexible, and uses ingredients I almost always have on hand. Whether you’re using fresh or frozen broccoli or swapping in chicken thighs, it still works.
What I love most? It takes 25 minutes tops. And it’s not just a time-saver—it’s a real dinner that feels like I tried (even when I didn’t have much energy left).
Here at 2to5ingredients, I’m all about real-life meals that are simple and satisfying. This 5-ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe is just that. If you’re looking for other lifesaving dinners, try my Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp or Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs. They’re just as fuss-free and full of flavor.
Let’s get into how to make this easy, tasty meal your new weeknight go-to.
Table of Contents
Quick Chicken and Broccoli Dinner That’s Always a Win
Make This Recipe Work With What’s in Your Kitchen
What I love most about a 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe is its flexibility. Got frozen broccoli instead of fresh? No problem. Chicken thighs instead of breasts? Go for it. You only need five simple ingredients to pull together a meal that feels complete.
Start by cutting your chicken into small, even chunks so everything cooks evenly. Toss the broccoli florets in when the chicken’s almost done. A little oil and garlic go in first to bring that big flavor. Then finish it off with soy sauce for savory depth. In less than 25 minutes, you’ve got a full dinner on the table with zero fuss.
You can serve it over rice, noodles, or keep it low-carb with cauliflower rice. I’ve even used it as a filling for lettuce wraps. That’s the beauty of a 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe—it meets you where you are. For more real-life fast dinners, take a peek at my Garlic Chicken Sheet Pan Meal or 3-Ingredient Teriyaki Bowl.
A Takeout-Inspired Twist in Minutes
When you’re craving something that tastes like your favorite takeout, this 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe can totally deliver. Just tweak it slightly: mix a little cornstarch with the soy sauce to thicken it into a glossy, takeout-style glaze. Add a touch of honey or sugar if you want that sweet-savory combo.
Even without fancy sauces, this meal brings all the flavor with only five ingredients. It’s perfect for when you want something fast, satisfying, and budget-friendly. If you love meals that feel like takeout without the wait for delivery, check out my Honey Soy Garlic Chicken or Asian-Inspired Beef and Broccoli Skillet.
This 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe has become a go-to in my house—and I bet it’ll become one in yours too.
Healthy Chicken and Broccoli With Just 5 Ingredients
Is Chicken and Broccoli Actually Good for You?
When you’re trying to eat healthier without spending hours in the kitchen, this 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe checks every box. It’s full of lean protein, fiber, and vitamins—without extra additives or complicated prep. Chicken breast is low in fat and high in protein, making it great for energy and staying full. And broccoli? It’s packed with nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants.
What makes this recipe even better is that it’s naturally low-carb, gluten-free, and fits into clean eating, keto, or paleo diets. No heavy sauces or mystery ingredients—just five simple components working together to bring real flavor. For a more filling plate, pair it with brown rice, cauliflower rice, or even a baked potato. If you’re looking for more nourishing recipes like this one, try my Herbed Chicken with Roasted Veggies or Easy 2-Ingredient Zucchini Noodles.
Prep-Friendly and Built for Busy Weeks
The 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe is ideal for meal prep. You can make a double batch on Sunday and portion it into airtight containers for grab-and-go lunches or weeknight dinners. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to four days, and reheats beautifully in a skillet or microwave.
Want to save even more time? Prep the ingredients ahead—cut the chicken and broccoli, and store them separately in the fridge. When it’s time to cook, all you need is one pan and 15 minutes. This is a recipe you can count on during busy weeks, when even ordering takeout feels like too much work.
Best of all, this 5-ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe adapts to your routine without sacrificing flavor. For more prep-friendly ideas, check out my Freezer-Friendly Chicken Stir-Fry or Quick One-Pot Dinners for Busy Nights—simple Chicken and Broccoli Recipe You’ll Make Again and Again.
Simple Chicken and Broccoli Recipe You’ll Make Again and Again
Quick Add-Ins and Sauce Options That Work
Even with just five ingredients, this 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe leaves plenty of room for creativity. Add red pepper flakes for heat, a splash of sesame oil for depth, or fresh ginger if you want an Asian-inspired flair. Want more veggies? Mushrooms, snap peas, or thinly sliced carrots pair perfectly.
The sauce is what ties it all together. Soy sauce brings that salty umami kick, garlic adds richness, and a touch of olive oil keeps everything smooth. Want a slightly thicker sauce? Mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir it in at the end. That’s it—fast, flavorful, and satisfying.
This 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe is also easy to convert into a full stir-fry. Just toss in some cooked rice or noodles and dinner is done. I love pairing this with my 2-Ingredient Garlic Noodles or Quick Stir-Fried Veggie Medley for a complete meal.
Print
5 Ingredient Chicken and Broccoli Recipe That’s Quick & Healthy
This 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe is a lifesaver for busy nights. Ready in under 25 minutes, it’s healthy, flavorful, and totally kid-approved.
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until golden and nearly cooked through, about 5–6 minutes.
3. Add garlic and stir for 1 minute.
4. Toss in broccoli and stir-fry until tender, about 4–5 minutes.
5. Pour in soy sauce, stir to coat, and cook for 1–2 minutes more until everything is well combined and heated through.
Notes
You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if preferred.
Frozen broccoli works—just add it straight to the pan, no need to thaw.
To make it saucier, stir in 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water.
Serve over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe, healthy chicken broccoli, quick chicken dinner
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it healthy to just eat chicken and broccoli?
Yes, especially when prepared simply like in this 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe. It’s low in carbs, high in protein, and full of nutrients. That said, variety is key for long-term nutrition—consider rotating in different veggies or grains.
How to make Chinese broccoli and chicken?
Use Chinese broccoli (gai lan), chicken, garlic, ginger, and soy or oyster sauce. Stir-fry over high heat for that takeout-style flavor. You can even adapt this 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe to follow that same method with fewer ingredients.
What is chicken and broccoli sauce made of?
Typically soy sauce, garlic, a bit of oil, and sometimes cornstarch to thicken. This recipe sticks to those basics, making it simple and clean without sacrificing flavor.
How to make a chicken and broccoli bake?
Layer cooked chicken and broccoli in a casserole dish, top with shredded cheese or a cream sauce, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. You can even use leftovers from this 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe as a shortcut.
Conclusion
If there’s one meal I always come back to, it’s this 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe. It’s quick, versatile, and just plain dependable. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding kids, or rushing through a weeknight, it checks every box—without the stress.
It’s healthy, full of flavor, and adapts to whatever’s in your fridge. And if you’re building a simple recipe rotation, this one deserves a spot near the top. Check out more real-life, family-tested favorites on 2to5ingredients.com—all made for busy kitchens like ours.
