Microwave Chicken Broccoli Lunch (Printable)

Tender chicken and broccoli steamed with olive oil and spices for a quick, healthy meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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

# How to Make It:

01 - Slice chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
02 - Place broccoli florets and chicken pieces in a large microwave-safe dish.
03 - Drizzle olive oil over chicken and broccoli. Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper evenly and toss to coat.
04 - Spread chicken and broccoli mixture in a single layer. Top with 2 ice cubes for added moisture.
05 - Cover dish tightly with microwave-safe wrap or lid, leaving a small corner open for steam to vent.
06 - Microwave on high power for 6 to 7 minutes until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F and broccoli is crisp-tender.
07 - Let dish 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 if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The ice cubes melt into steam and keep the chicken from drying out, so you get tender bites every time without babysitting a pan.
  • Everything cooks in one dish, which means less cleanup and no oil splatter on the stovetop.
  • You can prep it in the morning, refrigerate it covered, and microwave it at lunch without any loss in flavor or texture.
02 -
  • If you skip slicing the chicken thin, it will cook unevenly and you'll end up with dry, chewy pieces on the outside and undercooked centers.
  • Leaving the corner of the wrap open is crucial, I once sealed it completely and the steam pressure warped my dish lid.
  • Always check the internal temperature with a thermometer, microwaves vary wildly in power and guessing can leave you with undercooked poultry.
03 -
  • Marinate the chicken in lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking to deepen the flavor and add extra moisture.
  • If you don't have ice cubes, a tablespoon of water or chicken broth works too, just don't skip the liquid entirely.
  • For crispier edges, transfer the cooked chicken and broccoli to a hot skillet for 1 minute after microwaving to get a light sear.
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