Garlic Butter Chicken & Veggies

Name: Garlic Butter Chicken & Veggies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter; 4 cloves of garlic, minced; 2 cups of broccoli florets; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 zucchini, sliced; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs

Highlighted under: Instant Meal Solutions

I absolutely love making Garlic Butter Chicken & Veggies for dinner! The combination of juicy chicken and colorful vegetables sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce is simply irresistible. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when I want something delicious and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. Plus, it really showcases the fresh flavors of the vegetables while the garlic butter elevates every bite. It’s a meal that my whole family enjoys, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your home as well.

Created by

Tina

Last updated on 2026-02-12T13:02:19.500Z

When I first tried to create this dish, I wasn't sure how to balance the flavors, but after a few experiments, I found that letting the garlic infuse in the butter before adding the chicken makes a huge difference! It brings out such a deep flavor that marries perfectly with the vegetables. I love using fresh zucchini and bell peppers, as they complement the chicken beautifully and add color to the plate.

Another tip is to make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cooking in batches allows the chicken to sear beautifully, locking in those juices for a tender bite. Every time I serve this, my family asks for seconds, and I know you'll love it just as much!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Satisfying one-pan meal with minimal cleanup
Rich garlic flavor infused in chicken and veggies
Customizable with your favorite vegetables
Quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights

Flavorful Chicken Preparation

The key to achieving juicy and flavorful chicken breasts lies in the seasoning. Use fresh ground salt and cracked black pepper to enhance the natural flavors. For the Italian herbs, I prefer using a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme; this creates a more aromatic profile during cooking. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly with the seasoning, allowing it to marinate for about 10-15 minutes if time allows. This brief resting period helps the chicken absorb the flavors more effectively.

When cooking the chicken, aim for a medium heat setting. A hot skillet is crucial for achieving a golden crust without overcooking the inside. Keep an eye on the chicken, and use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures it’s cooked thoroughly while retaining moisture. If you're using particularly thick chicken breasts, consider butterflying them to reduce cooking time.

Sautéing Vegetables to Perfection

Sautéing not only cooks the vegetables but also intensifies their natural flavors. When adding the garlic to the skillet, be vigilant as it can burn quickly; cook it just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. The vibrant veggies should retain their bright colors—this indicates they’re cooked to tender-crisp perfection. If they seem overly soft, you've gone too far! A splash of vegetable broth can also be added to create a little steam and enhance the flavors while preventing burning.

The beauty of this dish lies in its customization. Feel free to swap out the broccoli, bell pepper, or zucchini for other vegetables you love or have on hand. Asparagus, snap peas, or carrots can work wonderfully in this recipe. Just remember to adjust the cooking time for heartier vegetables, which may need slightly longer to achieve that perfect tender-crisp texture.

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Veggies

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 cups of broccoli florets
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 zucchini, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs

Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go before cooking!

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Chop all the vegetables and set them aside.

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the broccoli, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Combine and Serve

Return the chicken to the skillet, mixing it with the veggies. Allow everything to cook together for an additional 2 minutes so the flavors meld. Serve warm and enjoy!

This dish pairs well with rice or pasta if you want to add a starch!

Pro Tips

Feel free to substitute the veggies based on what's in season or what you have in your fridge.

Storage and Reheating Tips

For any leftovers, allow the chicken and veggies to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored this way, they can last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to get ahead, consider prepping the vegetables the night before; just store them in a sealed bag to keep them fresh until you're ready to cook.

Reheating is simple and can be done in the microwave or on the stovetop. If using a microwave, place the food in a microwave-safe dish, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming. On the stovetop, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep everything moist and prevent drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic Butter Chicken & Veggies pairs beautifully with various sides. For a low-carb option, serve it over a bed of cauliflower rice or zoodles. If you're feeling more indulgent, a side of creamy mashed potatoes or a crusty baguette to mop up that delicious garlic butter sauce would be fantastic. This dish is versatile enough to be showcased on a formal dinner table or as a comforting weeknight family meal.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra layer of freshness. Not only does this brighten the flavor, but it also adds a pop of color to the plate, making it even more enticing. For a complete meal, consider serving with a side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the garlic butter.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables instead?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables; just adjust the cooking time as they may require additional time to heat through.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn't contain any flour or bread.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can pre-cook the chicken and veggies and then reheat them when you’re ready to serve.

→ What can I use instead of chicken?

You can substitute chicken with turkey or tofu for a lighter or vegetarian option.