Best Ever Quick Chicken Skillet

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A one-pan wonder combining tender chicken, crispy broccoli, and a savory soy-garlic sauce. The dish is ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs chicken breast, soy sauce, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season chicken cubes with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and nearly cooked through, stirring occasionally.
  2. Step 2: Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside. Add 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the same skillet. Add broccoli florets and sauté for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp, stirring frequently.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup soy sauce, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp water until smooth. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the broccoli and stir to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  4. Step 4: Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors meld. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Best Ever Quick Chicken Skillet take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Best Ever Quick Chicken Skillet?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Best Ever Quick Chicken Skillet?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Best Ever Quick Chicken Skillet for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Best Ever Quick Chicken Skillet?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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