Microwave Steamed Chicken Broccoli (Printer-friendly)

Quick steamed chicken breast and broccoli with olive oil and spices for a healthy, protein-rich lunch.

# What You'll Need:

→ Protein & Vegetables

01 - 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (approximately 10.6 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 black pepper evenly. Toss to coat all pieces.
04 - Spread mixture into a single layer in the dish. Place 2 ice cubes atop the chicken and broccoli to retain moisture during steaming.
05 - Cover tightly with microwave-safe plastic wrap or lid, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
06 - Cook on high power for 6 to 7 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and broccoli is tender-crisp.
07 - Allow the dish to stand, covered, for 1 minute to complete the cooking process using retained steam.
08 - Remove cover carefully to avoid steam burns. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It cooks faster than ordering takeout and tastes fresher than anything from a restaurant.
  • The ice cube trick keeps the chicken juicy without any fuss or fancy equipment.
  • You only dirty one dish, which means less time scrubbing and more time eating.
02 -
  • Always check the chicken with a thermometer to hit 165 degrees F, because microwaves heat unevenly and guessing can leave cold spots.
  • Use a dish large enough to spread everything in one layer, or the bottom will overcook while the top stays pale.
  • Never skip venting the cover or the steam has nowhere to go and your chicken ends up soggy instead of tender.
03 -
  • Flatten thicker chicken breasts with your palm or a rolling pin before slicing so they cook at the same rate as the thinner pieces.
  • If your microwave has a turntable, place the dish off center so it rotates through the hot spots more evenly.
  • Use a glass or ceramic dish instead of plastic for better heat distribution and no weird chemical smell.
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