Nina Johnson
Golden-seared chicken bathed in a buttery garlic herb sauce, paired with sweet cherry tomatoes and vibrant broccoli, makes this a dinner worth repeating. It’s a nourishing plate that balances protein, veggies, and crave-worthy flavor in each bite. Simple enough for weeknights, yet elegant enough for guests.
This meal leans into the charm of fresh herbs, sizzling garlic, and quick-cooked vegetables for a wholesome medley that doesn’t skimp on satisfaction. Whether you’re aiming for a healthy reset or a flavor-packed dinner, this one-skillet favorite hits all the right notes.
What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe because they cook evenly and absorb flavor quickly. If you prefer a richer bite, boneless thighs are also an excellent option. The key is to cut the chicken into evenly-sized strips to ensure a perfect sear and consistent cooking.
Ingredients for the Garlic Herb Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes & Broccoli
Chicken breasts – Lean protein and the base of the dish. Sliced into strips for quicker, even cooking.
Fresh garlic – The aromatic backbone of the herb butter sauce, it infuses deep flavor throughout.
Butter and olive oil – A mix of fats for richness and golden browning. Butter adds depth, while olive oil prevents burning.
Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme) – Brings balance and earthiness to the sauce; dried or fresh work beautifully.
Fresh parsley – Stirred in at the end for a pop of freshness and color.
Cherry tomatoes – Juicy, slightly sweet, and quick to blister for bright contrast to the savory chicken.
Broccoli florets – Adds crunch, color, and plenty of fiber. Lightly steamed or sautéed.
Salt and black pepper – Simple seasoning to enhance all the natural flavors.
Lemon juice – Just a splash brightens everything and balances the buttery sauce.
How To Make the Garlic Herb Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes & Broccoli
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian herbs. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken until golden on both sides and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Herbs
In the same skillet, lower the heat and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and remaining herbs, stirring until fragrant. Scrape up the brown bits left by the chicken for added flavor.
Step 3: Add the Veggies
Toss in the cherry tomatoes and broccoli florets. Sauté just until the tomatoes begin to blister and the broccoli turns vibrant green. Keep them slightly crisp for texture.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return the chicken to the skillet. Squeeze in lemon juice and toss everything together with chopped parsley. Let it all warm through for a minute before serving.
Serving and Storing Garlic Herb Chicken
Serve this dish straight from the skillet for a rustic presentation, or plate it over rice, couscous, or mashed potatoes. It also pairs well with garlic bread or a side salad.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just thaw it beforehand and pat it dry to avoid excess water in the skillet.
What herbs work best in this recipe?
A mix of basil, thyme, and oregano is classic, but feel free to adjust based on what you have on hand.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Swap the butter for more olive oil or a dairy-free margarine substitute.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature hits 165°F, or slice into a piece to check for white, opaque meat.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely. It stores well and reheats beautifully, making it a great make-ahead lunch or dinner.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely. Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms are all delicious add-ins.
Want More Dinner Ideas with Flavor?
If you love this garlic herb chicken, you’ll probably enjoy these savory dishes too:
- Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Sautéed Garlic Butter Chicken
- Low-Carb Greek Chicken Bowls
- Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
- Classic Chicken with Buttered Noodles
- Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the garlic? Try roasted instead of sautéed broccoli? I’d love to hear what twist you added to make it your own. Questions are always welcome too—let’s make dinner magic together.
Garlic Herb Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes & Broccoli
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
Description
A simple yet flavor-packed one-skillet meal featuring tender chicken, buttery garlic herb sauce, juicy cherry tomatoes, and vibrant broccoli. This balanced dinner is perfect for busy nights but impressive enough for guests.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 cup cherry tomatoes
2 cups broccoli florets
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Season chicken strips with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian herbs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic and remaining herbs. Sauté for about 1 minute.
- Add cherry tomatoes and broccoli. Cook until tomatoes blister and broccoli is tender-crisp.
- Return chicken to skillet. Add lemon juice and fresh parsley. Toss everything to coat evenly.
- Let warm through for a minute and serve hot.
