This garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli recipe has become a family staple. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner because it’s so quick and easy. Honestly, some nights I just don’t have the energy for complicated meals, and this is my “secret weapon.” Plus, it’s packed with protein and veggies – a total win-win!
I’ve had my fair share of cooking mishaps, though! One time, I got distracted by a phone call and totally burned the broccoli. The chicken was still good, thankfully, but the broccoli was charcoal! Now, I set a timer religiously when I make my garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli.
What I love most is how versatile it is. You can easily swap out the herbs, add different veggies, or even use chicken thighs instead of breasts. It’s a forgiving recipe, which is perfect for those of us who aren’t always perfect in the kitchen. This healthy chicken broccoli tomato recipe fits perfectly into our busy lives, especially with after-school activities and sports practices.
Trust me, once you try this garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli, it’ll become a regular in your rotation, too. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both delicious and nutritious!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious and healthy meal. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your family’s needs and preferences:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons garlic herb blend (I love using Italian seasoning or a blend of dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Okay, so here’s what I always use for my garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli: I swear by fresh garlic. The pre-minced stuff just doesn’t have the same zing. But hey, if you’re short on time, the jarred stuff works in a pinch! Also, I always grab organic cherry tomatoes when making garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli. They’re a little sweeter, in my opinion.
When making garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli, you can usually find a good garlic herb blend at any grocery store. But honestly, I like to make my own. It’s cheaper, and I can control the ingredients. Plus, it makes me feel like a real chef!
Here’s a garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli trick I learned from my mom: Before you roast the broccoli, toss it with a little bit of lemon juice. It brightens up the flavor and keeps it from getting too soggy.
For busy families making garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli, pre-cut veggies are your best friend! Most grocery stores sell already chopped broccoli and halved cherry tomatoes. It’s a little more expensive, but it saves you so much time.
Want to save a few bucks on your garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli ingredients? Buy chicken breasts in bulk when they’re on sale and freeze them. They thaw out quickly and are perfect for this recipe.
Storage tips for leftover garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli ingredients: Keep your garlic in a cool, dark place. It’ll last for weeks! And store your broccoli in the fridge in a plastic bag with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. This helps it stay fresh for longer.
How to Make Garlic Herb Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Broccoli – Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and healthy meal that your whole family will love:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure the rack is in the middle position. While the oven heats up, prepare your sheet pan with parchment paper for easy clean-up. This also helps prevent the garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli from sticking.
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, halved cherry tomatoes, and broccoli florets. It’s important to use a big enough bowl so you can easily toss everything together without making a mess.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and veggies. Then, add the minced garlic, garlic herb blend, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated. Don’t worry if your garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli isn’t perfectly coated; the flavors will meld together in the oven.
- Spread the chicken and vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure the chicken pieces aren’t overlapping, so they cook evenly. My garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli cooking tip: I learned the hard way with garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli that overcrowding the pan steams the veggies instead of roasting them.
- Dot the chicken and vegetables with butter. This adds richness and helps the garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli get a beautiful golden-brown color.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. In my kitchen, garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli usually takes about 22 minutes, but every oven is different, so keep an eye on it! I start checking the internal temp of the chicken (165°F) at 20 minutes to make sure I don’t overcook it.
- Remove from the oven and squeeze lemon wedges over the garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli before serving. This adds a bright, fresh flavor that really takes the dish to the next level.
While the garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli is cooking, I usually throw together a quick salad or cook some rice to serve alongside it. I also might set the table and load the dishwasher so that I’m more relaxed after we eat.
Your garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli should smell like savory herbs, roasted garlic, and sweet cherry tomatoes. If you smell burning, check on it immediately!
Family-tested garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli shortcut: use pre-cut broccoli florets from the store to save time on chopping.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some serving suggestions to make your garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli even more enjoyable:
The kids love our garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli when I serve it over rice or quinoa. They also like to dip it in a little bit of ranch dressing, which I know isn’t the healthiest, but hey, they’re eating their veggies!
My go-to side dishes that pair with garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli are a simple green salad or some roasted potatoes. The salad adds a refreshing element, and the potatoes are just plain comforting.
This garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli is perfect for a weeknight dinner, but it’s also fancy enough to serve to guests. I’ve made it for potlucks and casual get-togethers, and it’s always a hit.
For garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli presentation tips: Arrange the chicken and vegetables artfully on a platter and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a little kick, too.
If you have extra garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli, it’s delicious the next day in a salad or a wrap. You can also chop it up and add it to an omelet.
For seasonal garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli variations, try adding butternut squash and cranberries in the fall or asparagus and peas in the spring.
My friends always ask for this garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli recipe when I make it for them. They love how easy it is and how flavorful it is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute for chicken breasts in this garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli recipe. They’re more flavorful and stay moister during cooking. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. My family loves it either way, but chicken thighs are definitely more forgiving if you accidentally overcook them a bit.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
A: Of course! The beauty of this garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli is that it’s so versatile. You can add any vegetables you like. Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms all work well.
Q: What if I don’t have a garlic herb blend?
A: No problem! You can easily make your own garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli blend. Just combine dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. Or, use Italian seasoning.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: You can prep the vegetables and chicken ahead of time, but I recommend cooking it right before serving for the best flavor and texture. You know what I do when my garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli has to be made in advance? I usually toss the chicken and veggies in the herbs, garlic and oil and then keep it in the fridge and bake it right before we eat.
Q: How do I prevent the broccoli from getting soggy?
A: To prevent the broccoli from getting soggy when making garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli, make sure to spread the vegetables in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding the pan can cause the vegetables to steam instead of roast. Also, don’t overcook the broccoli. It should be tender-crisp, not mushy.
Q: Can I grill the chicken and vegetables instead of baking them?
A: Yes, you can definitely grill the chicken and vegetables. Thread them onto skewers and grill over medium heat until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Just be careful not to let the cherry tomatoes fall through the grates! I have one of those grill mats with tiny holes and I love using that for things like cut veggies.
Q: My chicken always comes out dry. What am I doing wrong?
A: The biggest culprit for dry chicken when making garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli is overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and don’t cook it any longer than necessary. Chicken thighs are more moist in general, so you might want to consider using that! Also, be sure not to buy too lean of chicken breasts, that can also cause them to be more dry when baked.
Final Thoughts and Pro Tips
This garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a reminder that healthy food can be delicious and easy to make. It’s a dish that my whole family enjoys, and it always brings a smile to my face when I see them happily eating their veggies.
My garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli Pro Tips:
- Don’t skip the lemon juice! It adds a bright, fresh flavor that really enhances the dish.
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible. They make a big difference in the overall flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. This will ensure that the chicken and vegetables roast properly.
Some garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli variations I’ve tried with my family include adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for extra flavor, using different types of herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, and adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness.
My husband loves the version with parmesan cheese, while my kids prefer the version with balsamic glaze. I like to experiment with different combinations to keep things interesting.
I really hope you give this garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli recipe a try! It’s a simple, healthy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. And remember, don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own! I have another simple chicken recipe Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry With Rice for you if you are interested in trying that one too. As well as Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves. These are both crowd pleasers as well.
I hope you enjoy making this garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes broccoli as much as I do. Happy cooking, friend! This herb roasted chicken with vegetables is sure to become a family favorite!
PrintGarlic Herb Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Broccoli Recipe
A collection of 5 delicious and easy-to-make garlic herb chicken recipes. Perfect for weeknight dinners!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts
- Garlic
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano)
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped herbs.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Coat chicken breasts with the garlic herb mixture.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before baking. You can also add lemon juice to the garlic herb mixture.