Microwave Steamed Chicken Broccoli (Print Version)

Quick, healthy chicken and broccoli steamed in the microwave for juicy, tender bites with vibrant flavors.

# Components:

→ Protein & Vegetables

01 - 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (approximately 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 into a large microwave-safe dish.
03 - Drizzle olive oil over contents; sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly. Toss to coat thoroughly.
04 - Spread mixture evenly in a single layer. Place 2 ice cubes atop the chicken and broccoli.
05 - Seal dish with microwave-safe plastic wrap or lid, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
06 - Cook on high for 6 to 7 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and broccoli is crisp-tender.
07 - Allow to stand covered for 1 minute to enable steam to complete cooking.
08 - Remove cover carefully. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Your whole lunch is ready in under 20 minutes, and you barely touched a pan.
  • The chicken stays juicy instead of turning into rubber, thanks to that clever ice cube trick.
  • You can meal-prep this without it tasting reheated the next day.
02 -
  • Don't skip the ice cubes—I learned this the hard way by watching chicken turn into a sad, rubbery disk in the first version I tried.
  • Leaving that corner of the wrap slightly open prevents a pressure-cooker situation that can make things tough; steam needs a gentle escape route.
03 -
  • Marinate the chicken in lemon juice and fresh herbs for 30 minutes before cooking if you want more flavor complexity.
  • The one-minute rest after microwaving is when the real magic happens—carryover cooking finishes everything gently without overdoing it.
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