Microwave Steamed Chicken Broccoli (Printable)

Quickly steamed chicken breast and broccoli combine for a tender, flavorful high-protein dish.

# What You 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

08 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
09 - Lemon wedges (optional)

# Directions:

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 the mixture in a single layer. Place 2 ice cubes on top to add moisture during cooking.
05 - Cover the dish tightly with microwave-safe plastic wrap or lid, leaving a small corner open to vent steam.
06 - Microwave on high power for 6 to 7 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and broccoli is crisp-tender.
07 - Let dish stand, covered, for 1 minute to allow residual steam to complete cooking.
08 - Carefully remove cover to avoid steam burns. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges as desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The ice cubes are your secret weapon for keeping everything juicy while the microwave does the heavy lifting.
  • Seventeen minutes from craving to eating means you can actually make this on a weeknight without stress.
  • You get real food—just chicken and broccoli—with zero guilt and actual flavor.
02 -
  • If you skip the ice cubes or the oil, the chicken turns into something that feels like it's already been pre-chewed—I learned this the hard way.
  • That one minute of resting actually matters; it's when the carryover heat finishes cooking the thickest parts without drying out the edges.
03 -
  • A quick 30-minute marinade in lemon juice and fresh herbs before cooking adds a layer of flavor that feels fancy but requires zero extra effort.
  • If your microwave runs hot (and many do), start checking at 5 minutes and go from there—overcooked chicken is harder to fix than undercooked.
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