Microwave steamed chicken broccoli (Print Version)

Quick, nutritious meal blending tender chicken and fresh broccoli steamed with olive oil and spices.

# What You Need:

→ Protein & Vegetables

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

# How To Make:

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, then sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper evenly. Toss to coat thoroughly.
04 - Spread the mixture in a single layer. Place 2 ice cubes atop the chicken and broccoli.
05 - Cover tightly with microwave-safe plastic wrap or lid, leaving a small corner open to vent steam.
06 - Cook on high power for 6 to 7 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally and broccoli becomes crisp-tender.
07 - Allow dish to stand, covered, for 1 minute to complete cooking through retained steam.
08 - Remove cover carefully to avoid steam burns. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • You can have a hot, protein-packed meal on the table in under twenty minutes without turning on the stove.
  • The ice cube trick keeps the chicken unbelievably moist and prevents that rubbery texture microwaved chicken usually gets.
  • Cleanup is just one dish, which means more time eating and less time scrubbing.
  • Its endlessly adaptable so you can swap vegetables or seasonings based on whats in your fridge.
02 -
  • Don't skip slicing the chicken thin or you'll end up with rubbery, unevenly cooked pieces that need another minute and lose all their moisture.
  • Leaving a small vent in the cover is non-negotiable because a completely sealed dish can build up too much pressure and warp the plastic or blow the lid off.
  • Let the dish rest for that final minute after microwaving so the residual steam finishes the job without overcooking anything.
03 -
  • Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest piece of chicken because microwave hot spots can be deceptive and you don't want to guess on doneness.
  • If your microwave runs hot, start checking at five and a half minutes to avoid overcooking the broccoli into mush.
  • Marinating the chicken for even twenty minutes in lemon juice and herbs before cooking amps up the flavor without adding any extra time at the stove.
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