Microwave Steamed Chicken Broccoli (Printable)

Healthy chicken breast and broccoli steamed together quickly for a tender, flavorful meal.

# Required Ingredients:

→ 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

# Preparation Steps:

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

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Lunch is genuinely ready in 17 minutes from cold fridge to hot plate, no waiting around.
  • The broccoli stays bright and crisp while the chicken turns out juicy, which is harder than it sounds in a microwave.
  • It's the kind of meal that tastes way more intentional than the effort it actually takes.
02 -
  • If you skip the vent hole, pressure builds and your cover becomes a projectile—learned that one the noisy way.
  • Cutting the chicken smaller than you think you need to is the single biggest difference between rubbery results and tender bites.
03 -
  • Marinating the chicken in lemon juice and herbs for even 15 minutes while you prep the broccoli makes everything taste like you actually planned ahead.
  • If your microwave has a defrost setting, it runs cooler and more gently—using that gives you more control if you're cooking for someone who prefers things on the drier side.
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