Microwave Steamed Chicken Broccoli (Print View)

Tender chicken breast and vibrant broccoli cooked gently in the microwave for a quick, nutritious meal.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Protein & Vegetables

01 - 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 10.5 oz total)
02 - 2 cups broccoli florets (about 5.3 oz)

→ Seasonings

03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - ½ teaspoon paprika
06 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Moisture

07 - 2 ice cubes

→ Garnish (optional)

08 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
09 - Lemon wedges

# Directions:

01 - Slice chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
02 - Place broccoli florets and chicken pieces in a large microwave-safe dish.
03 - Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and broccoli, then sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat evenly.
04 - Spread the mixture in a single layer and place 2 ice cubes on top to maintain moisture during cooking.
05 - Cover dish tightly with microwave-safe plastic wrap or lid, leaving a small corner open to vent steam.
06 - Heat on high power for 6 to 7 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and broccoli is crisp-tender.
07 - Let stand, covered, for 1 minute to allow residual steam to finish cooking.
08 - Carefully remove cover, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The ice cube trick keeps the chicken from drying out, a lesson that changed every hurried weekday lunch.
  • Everything cooks together in one dish, so theres no juggling pans or timing anxiety.
  • You can prep it in the morning and microwave it at your desk without smelling up the office.
  • It feels like real cooking even when youre too tired to actually cook.
02 -
  • Slicing the chicken thin is non-negotiable, thick pieces will stay raw in the center while the broccoli turns to mush.
  • Dont skip the one-minute rest after microwaving, it keeps the chicken from being rubbery and lets the heat even out.
  • If your microwave runs hot, start checking at 5 minutes to avoid overcooking the broccoli.
03 -
  • Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest piece of chicken, guessing by time alone can lead to undercooked spots.
  • If your broccoli florets are large, chop them smaller so they cook at the same rate as the chicken.
  • Swap the paprika for smoked paprika or cayenne if you want a different flavor angle, both work beautifully.
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