Steamed Citrus-Garlic Chicken with Herbal Broth
Tender steamed chicken breasts infused with garlic and citrus, served in a light herbal broth to ease sinus discomfort. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs (6 oz each) skinless chicken breasts, minced garlic cloves, fresh orange juice 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 oz each) skinless chicken breasts
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 4 fresh thyme sprigs
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp for garnish chopped green onions
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shallow dish, combine 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Add 2 skinless chicken breasts and marinate for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Step 2: Prepare a steamer basket over boiling water. Remove chicken from marinade and place in the steamer basket. Add 4 fresh thyme sprigs on top of the chicken.
- Step 3: Steam the chicken over simmering water for 15-18 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the meat is opaque and tender.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, warm 2 cups low sodium chicken broth in a small saucepan, keeping it hot but not boiling.
- Step 5: Plate the steamed chicken and ladle warm broth around it. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped green onions. Serve immediately to help clear sinuses and comfort the throat.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Steamed Citrus-Garlic Chicken with Herbal Broth take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (35 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 Steamed Citrus-Garlic Chicken with Herbal Broth?
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 minced garlic cloves from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Steamed Citrus-Garlic Chicken with Herbal Broth?
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 Steamed Citrus-Garlic Chicken with Herbal Broth 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.
What goes well with Steamed Citrus-Garlic Chicken with Herbal Broth?
Mediterranean 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.
