Microwave-Steamed Chicken Broccoli (Print Version)

Tender chicken and vibrant broccoli steamed quickly with ice for extra moisture and flavor.

# Components:

→ Protein & Vegetables

01 - 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 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 - 0.5 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

# Directions:

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 mixture, then sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
04 - Spread mixture into a single layer in the dish. Position ice cubes on top of chicken and broccoli.
05 - Cover dish tightly with microwave-safe plastic wrap or lid, leaving a small corner open to allow steam to escape.
06 - Microwave on high power for 6 to 7 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and broccoli is crisp-tender.
07 - Allow to stand covered for 1 minute to complete cooking with residual steam.
08 - Carefully remove cover to avoid steam burn. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Seventeen minutes from hungry to eating, with almost no cleanup required.
  • The chicken stays so juicy you'll wonder why you ever baked it the old way.
  • It's basically cheating at the healthy lunch game, packed with protein and vegetables.
02 -
  • Don't skip the ice cubes or try to add water instead—ice melts into exactly the right amount of steam, while water pooling at the bottom creates a soggy mess.
  • Chicken breast thickness matters more than you'd think; if yours are particularly thick, either pound them slightly or slice them thinner so everything cooks together.
03 -
  • Uniform piece sizes matter more in the microwave than almost any other cooking method—uneven pieces will either overdry or undercook.
  • That one-minute rest after cooking is genuinely essential, not just something that sounds nice; it lets the residual heat finish cooking the centers without toughening the edges.
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