Lemon-Sesame Chicken Skillet with Broccoli

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

A vibrant skillet meal featuring tender chicken breasts and crisp broccoli florets tossed in a tangy lemon and toasted sesame sauce, perfect for a low-carb Whole30 dinner. This asian fusion-inspired whole30 (low-carb, paleo) ready in about 35 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 calories and feeds 3, 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: 25 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 340 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts and season with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, then lightly dust both sides with 2 tbsp tapioca flour.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp coconut oil and 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering; add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, then remove and tent with foil.
  3. Step 3: To the same skillet, add 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 cups broccoli florets and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 3 tbsp coconut aminos, 1 tsp fish sauce, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for another 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats the broccoli.
  6. Step 6: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce and broccoli over them; cook together for 1 minute to meld flavors before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Sesame Chicken Skillet with Broccoli take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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-Sesame Chicken Skillet with Broccoli?

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 kosher salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Sesame Chicken Skillet with Broccoli?

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-Sesame Chicken Skillet with Broccoli for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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-Sesame Chicken Skillet with Broccoli low-carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb, paleo, dairy-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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