Simple & Effortless Chicken And Broccoli Recipes Healthy Sheet Pan: A Flavor-Packed Dinner in Minutes
Busy nights call for quick and nutritious meals that don’t sacrifice flavor. Chicken and broccoli make the perfect duo for a sheet pan dinner that delivers protein, fiber, and deliciousness in every bite. With minimal prep and easy cleanup, this recipe keeps things simple while packing in bold flavors. A blend of herbs, garlic, and a hint of citrus brings out the best in tender chicken and crisp-tender broccoli.
Roasting everything on one pan allows the natural juices to enhance the taste while creating a satisfying texture. The result is a well-balanced meal that satisfies cravings without the guilt. Whether served as-is or paired with a side of cauliflower rice or quinoa, this dish fits into various diets, including keto, paleo, and gluten-free lifestyles. Say goodbye to complicated meal prep and hello to a wholesome, fuss-free dinner ready in no time.
Chicken And Broccoli Recipes Healthy Sheet Pan | Easiest Recipe
Chicken and broccoli make a perfect combination for a healthy, balanced meal. This sheet pan recipe offers a simple way to cook everything in one go, cutting down on cleanup. The chicken turns out juicy, while the broccoli gets a slight crisp on the edges.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish requires minimal effort. The flavors come from a mix of garlic, lemon, and simple spices that enhance the natural taste of the ingredients. No fancy techniques—just straightforward cooking that delivers delicious results.
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Serving: 4 people
- Calorie: 350 per serving
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients You Have To Collect
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Juice of ½ lemon
For the Broccoli
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Optional Additions
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed rosemary (for added aroma)
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Step By Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Sheet Pan
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Place the diced chicken in a large bowl. Add olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, oregano, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated.
Step 3: Season the Broccoli
In a separate bowl, toss the broccoli with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 4: Arrange and Bake
Spread the chicken pieces on one side of the sheet pan. Arrange the broccoli on the other side. Keep them in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. Stir halfway through to cook both sides evenly. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before removing from the oven.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Squeeze extra lemon juice over the dish for a fresh finish. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes or Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve warm.
Top Tips
Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh broccoli gives the best texture. Frozen works too, but it may release more water during baking.
Cut Even Pieces
Cutting the chicken into equal-sized cubes helps them cook at the same rate. The same goes for the broccoli—keep the florets similar in size.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
Leave space between the ingredients to ensure they roast instead of steaming. This helps achieve crispy edges and better flavor.
Customize the Spices
Adjust the seasoning to your preference. A little cumin or curry powder can add a new twist to the dish.
Variations
Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli
Marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes before baking. Drizzle extra sauce on top before serving.
Spicy Cajun Style
Swap paprika for Cajun seasoning. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Mediterranean Twist
Replace oregano with dried thyme and rosemary. Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce.
Cheesy Garlic Parmesan
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and minced garlic over the dish in the last 5 minutes of baking.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 550mg
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and remain juicy. Cooking time may increase by 5 minutes.
What can I serve with this dish?
This meal pairs well with quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Prep the ingredients a day before and store them in the fridge. Bake just before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but freeze only the cooked chicken. Broccoli may become mushy after thawing.
Conclusion
This chicken and broccoli sheet pan meal makes dinner effortless. The simple ingredients and easy steps allow anyone to prepare a healthy meal in no time. Perfect for meal prep or quick family dinners. Try different seasoning variations to keep things exciting.
Enjoy a healthy, delicious dinner with minimal cleanup!
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