Lemon Pepper Chicken and Broccoli in a Lemon Garlic Sauce – Quick, Healthy & Flavor-Packed

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If you’re looking for a delicious weeknight dinner that’s bursting with lemon flavor, loaded with protein, and comes together in one skillet — you’re going to love this lemon pepper chicken and broccoli in a lemon garlic sauce.

This recipe is one of my favorite meals. It’s quick, wholesome, and so satisfying — thanks to juicy chicken thighs, crisp-tender broccoli, and a zesty homemade lemon garlic sauce that brings everything together.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a 30-minute dinner, this lemon pepper chicken and broccoli skillet is a keeper.

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Why You’ll Love This Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

• 🍋 Bright & Fresh Flavors – The tangy lemon juice, savory garlic, and peppery bite make every bite shine.
• 🍗 High-Protein & Low-Carb – With lean chicken thighs and loads of broccoli, this meal is naturally gluten-free and packed with nutrients.
• 🥦 One-Pan Wonder – Everything cooks in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze.
• ⏱️ Fast & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes or less. Perfect for weeknights.

Let’s jump into this flavor-packed skillet dinner!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make lemon pepper chicken and broccoli from scratch.

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, sliced thin)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 1 ½ teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• Fresh ground black pepper, to taste

For the Broccoli:

• 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Pinch of salt

For the Lemon Garlic Sauce:

• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, balances acidity)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
• 2 tablespoons cold water (for slurry)
• 1 tablespoon butter

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How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken and Broccoli

🔪 Step 1: Prep the Chicken

In a medium bowl, toss the chicken thighs with:

• lemon pepper seasoning
• garlic powder
• onion powder
• paprika
• salt and black pepper
• olive oil

Let the chicken marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prep the broccoli and sauce ingredients.

🥄 Tip: You can do this the night before and keep it in the fridge for extra flavor.

🍳 Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sear the chicken thighs for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temp).

Remove the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

🥦 Step 3: Cook the Broccoli

Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in the broccoli florets and sauté for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally until bright green and tender-crisp. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt.

If using frozen broccoli, steam for 2 minutes first, then sauté.

Transfer broccoli to the plate with the chicken.

🍋 Step 4: Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• lemon juice
• lemon zest
• garlic
• honey
• chicken broth

In a separate cup, mix the cornstarch and water to make a slurry.

Pour the lemon mixture into the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until thickened slightly. Stir in the butter at the end for a silky finish.

🧄 Garlic Tip: Use fresh garlic for best flavor.

🥘 Step 5: Combine & Serve

Chop the chicken. Return the chicken and broccoli to the skillet and toss everything in the sauce until well coated.

Let it all warm through for another 1–2 minutes.

Serve hot with your favorite sides — white rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice, or garlic mashed potatoes all work great!

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Recipe Variations & Add-Ins

This lemon garlic chicken and broccoli skillet is super versatile. Try these swaps:

• 🧈 Creamy Lemon Sauce – Stir in 2 tablespoons heavy cream or coconut cream at the end.
• 🍄 Add Mushrooms or Zucchini – Sauté with the broccoli for more veggies.
• 🍝 Serve Over Pasta – Spoon over angel hair, penne, or egg noodles for a hearty dinner.
• 🧀 Lemon Pepper Parmesan Chicken – Sprinkle fresh grated Parmesan right before serving.
• 🌶️ Spice It Up – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick.

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What to Serve with Lemon Pepper Chicken and Broccoli

This dish is pretty much a complete meal, but here are some tasty side ideas:

• Fluffy white or jasmine rice
• Soft Buttery rolls (see recipe here)
• Lemon herb quinoa
• Roasted garlic mashed potatoes
• Simple spring salad with vinaigrette

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How to Meal Prep or Store

This recipe makes amazing leftovers and is perfect for meal prep.

• ❄️ To Store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• 🔥 To Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
• 🧊 To Freeze: Freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the broccoli for best texture. Use within 2 months.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Makes 4 Servings)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 36g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbs: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Net Carbs: 9g

This is a high-protein, low-carb meal that still feels comforting and full of flavor.

Final Thoughts

This lemon pepper chicken and broccoli is a simple, nourishing, and flavor-loaded dinner that you’ll come back to again and again. The homemade lemon garlic sauce elevates everything and is way better than takeout!

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Want More Easy Dinner Recipes?

If you loved this, try these other Santa Rosa Homestead favorites:

• How to Pan-Fry Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
• Baked Chicken Leg Quarters
• Easy Marinated Chicken

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