Healthy Garlic Lime Chicken With Roasted Broccoli

Name: Healthy Garlic Lime Chicken With Roasted Broccoli
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 3 cloves garlic, minced; Juice and zest of 2 limes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 pound broccoli florets; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Light & Wholesome

I absolutely love this Healthy Garlic Lime Chicken with Roasted Broccoli! It’s become a staple in our home because it’s both nutritious and bursting with flavor. The zesty lime and aromatic garlic bring the chicken to life, while the roasted broccoli adds a satisfying crunch. I appreciate how quick and easy it is to prepare on busy weeknights, and I rest easy knowing it's a healthier option for my family. Plus, the leftovers make for a delicious lunch the next day!

Created by

Rowena Clarke

Last updated on 2026-02-24T05:05:37.531Z

Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and discovering this Healthy Garlic Lime Chicken and Roasted Broccoli recipe has been a delightful journey. I had some fresh limes and garlic on hand, and decided to whip up a dish that highlights their flavors. The result was a vibrant meal that felt both light and satisfying. Grilling the chicken infused it with a smoky taste, which pairs beautifully with the tangy lime.

One day, I experimented with the timing in the oven, and the key turned out to be ensuring the broccoli is added halfway through the chicken's cooking. This not only ensures that both components are perfectly cooked but also allows the broccoli to absorb some of the lovely chicken juices. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Crisp roasted broccoli that complements the juicy chicken perfectly.
Zingy lime and savory garlic combine to create an irresistible marinade.
Quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.

Marinade Magic

The marinade for this chicken is what truly elevates this dish. The combination of fresh garlic and lime provides not just flavor, but also helps to tenderize the chicken. If you're prepping ahead, you can certainly allow the chicken to marinate for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator; just be careful not to go too long, as the acidity in the lime can start to 'cook' the meat.

When mixing the marinade, whisk until it's well combined; this ensures that the olive oil emulsifies with the lime juice for a consistent coat on the chicken. Depending on your preferences, you can increase the garlic or lime to achieve your desired punch, but I find this balance hits the sweet spot between zest and savoriness.

Perfectly Roasted Broccoli

Roasting broccoli enhances its natural sweetness and adds a delightful texture that complements the chicken wonderfully. For the best results, make sure not to overcrowd your baking tray; this allows each floret to roast evenly and develop that beautiful golden-brown crust. If you have a convection oven, use it! It circulates the heat better, resulting in even roasting in about 12-15 minutes.

If you're a fan of extra flavor, consider sprinkling some crushed red pepper or garlic powder over the broccoli before roasting. This adds a little heat and depth that pairs stunningly with the garlic-lime chicken. Remember to toss the broccoli halfway through cooking for even browning.

Serving and Storage Tips

Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful. Serve the sliced chicken over a bed of quinoa or brown rice for a wholesome meal, or simply enjoy it alongside the roasted broccoli for a lighter option. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro before serving will add an aromatic finish.

If you have leftovers, they store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The chicken can be easily reheated in a skillet over low heat to prevent it from drying out. I love using the leftover chicken in salads or wraps for a quick lunch.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 cloves garlic, minced
Juice and zest of 2 limes
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Roasted Broccoli

1 pound broccoli florets
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts, making sure they are evenly coated. Allow them to marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Prepare the Broccoli

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a baking tray.

Cook the Chicken

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Roast the Broccoli

While the chicken is cooking, place the broccoli in the oven. Roast for 15-20 minutes until slightly caramelized and tender.

Serve

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the chicken with the roasted broccoli on the side.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a hint of spice.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to tweak the recipe for dietary needs, swapping the chicken breasts for chicken thighs can work beautifully. Thighs have more fat, which may keep the dish moist and add extra flavor when cooked. To adjust cooking times, check for an internal temperature of 175°F (80°C).

For a vegan alternative, try substituting the chicken with marinated tofu or tempeh. The same marinade will infuse both options with vibrant flavors. Bake or grill them for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy on the outside.

Scaling Up the Recipe

This recipe is easy to double if you're having guests over. Just ensure that your grill pan is large enough—or use two pans—so that the chicken cooks evenly without steaming. You can also roast multiple trays of broccoli in the oven simultaneously; just remember to rotate them halfway through to achieve an even roast.

If you decide to scale down for a single serving, you can marinate just one chicken breast and adjust the broccoli quantity accordingly. This way, you can enjoy a freshly prepared meal without wasting ingredients.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use bone-in chicken instead?

Yes, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure it's cooked through.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! All the ingredients used are gluten-free, making it suitable for a gluten-free diet.

→ Can I substitute broccoli with another vegetable?

Definitely! Asparagus or green beans would be great alternatives that can also roast well.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.