Microwave Steamed Chicken Broccoli (Print)

Healthy chicken and broccoli steamed quickly with olive oil and seasonings, delivering tender, flavorful results.

# Components:

→ 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 for uniform 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 to coat evenly.
04 - Arrange the mixture in a single layer and place 2 ice cubes on top for added moisture.
05 - Cover the dish tightly with microwave-safe plastic wrap or lid, leaving a small corner open for venting.
06 - Cook on high power for 6 to 7 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally and broccoli is crisp-tender.
07 - Let the dish stand, covered, for 1 minute to allow residual steam to finish cooking.
08 - Carefully remove the cover to avoid steam. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Genuinely ready in under twenty minutes—no waiting, no fuss, just hot food when you need it most.
  • The chicken stays juicy instead of turning into rubber, which honestly surprised me the first time I made it.
  • So simple it feels almost like cheating, but the broccoli actually tastes good, not like microwave sadness.
02 -
  • Don't skip the rest period—I learned this the hard way when I unwrapped it immediately and had slightly undercooked chicken in the middle even though the outside looked perfect.
  • The ice cubes are not optional; they're the difference between chicken that's actually tender and chicken that's rubbery and sad.
  • Venting the cover matters because sealed steam pressure will either overcook everything or cause the wrap to burst.
03 -
  • Keep your microwave-safe dish big enough that you're not crowding the chicken and broccoli—they need space for steam to circulate.
  • If your microwave runs hot, start at five minutes and add time in thirty-second increments rather than overcooking and wishing you could take it back.
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