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Easy One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken Stir-Fry

one-pan garlic butter chicken stir-fry - featured image
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A quick and healthy one-pan garlic butter chicken stir-fry with crisp-tender veggies and a rich garlic butter glaze, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or oregano (optional)
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into strips
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
  • 1 small zucchini, sliced into half-moons
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Cut chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Slice bell pepper into thin strips, julienne carrot, cut broccoli into small florets, and slice zucchini into half-moons. Mince garlic finely.
  2. Heat the pan and melt butter: Place skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons butter. Melt until foamy and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Cook the chicken: Add chicken pieces in a single layer, season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian herbs if using. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden, then stir and cook 2-3 more minutes until no longer pink. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Sauté garlic and veggies: Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter to pan. Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add broccoli, carrot, and bell pepper; sauté 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add zucchini and cook 2 more minutes until veggies are crisp-tender.
  5. Combine and finish: Return chicken to pan, stir to combine. Pour in lemon juice and stir to coat. Adjust salt and pepper if needed. Cook together 1 more minute to meld flavors and thicken sauce slightly.
  6. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure chicken sears properly. Use room temperature chicken for even browning. Add garlic last to butter to avoid bitterness. Add harder veggies first and softer ones later to keep crisp-tender texture. Butter provides a rich finish but watch heat to prevent burning. Can swap chicken for turkey, shrimp, or tofu. For dairy-free, use coconut oil instead of butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter chicken, one-pan meal, chicken stir-fry, quick dinner, healthy meal, easy recipe, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/easy-one-pan-garlic-butter-chicken-stir-fry-recipe-for-quick-healthy-meals/