Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Steamed Broccoli & Cauliflower
A light, bloating-friendly meal featuring lean chicken and cruciferous vegetables to support digestion and energy levels during Whole30. This american-inspired whole30 (low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 ounces each) chicken breasts, tablespoon olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 (6 ounces each) chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Season chicken breasts with 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, then heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), then remove and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned, then stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
- Step 4: Add 1 cup broccoli and 1 cup cauliflower florets to the skillet, cover, and steam for 6-7 minutes until crisp-tender, stirring once halfway through.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Steamed Broccoli & Cauliflower take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Steamed Broccoli & Cauliflower?
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 tablespoon olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Steamed Broccoli & Cauliflower?
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 Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Steamed Broccoli & Cauliflower for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.
Is Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Steamed Broccoli & Cauliflower low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 15-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.