Healthy Garlic Lime Chicken With Roasted Broccoli

Name: Healthy Garlic Lime Chicken With Roasted Broccoli
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 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 teaspoon paprika; 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Clean Healthy Food Ideas

I love making this Healthy Garlic Lime Chicken with Roasted Broccoli for a quick weeknight dinner. It’s vibrant, packed with flavor, and the bright lime zest combined with the garlicky marinated chicken makes for a mouthwatering dish. The roasted broccoli adds a nice crunch and a pop of color, complementing the chicken beautifully. Plus, it's a meal that not only satisfies my taste buds but also aligns with my goal of eating healthier. I promise, after one bite, you'll be making this again and again!

Created by

Maribel Sutton

Last updated on 2026-02-23T21:16:51.415Z

When I first experimented with this recipe, I was amazed at how well the lime and garlic meld together to create a vibrant taste that's hard to resist. The key is to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes; this allows the flavors to penetrate deeply and tenderize the meat. I often prepare the marinade ahead of time, making dinner even faster during busy evenings.

As for the broccoli, roasting it brings out its natural sweetness and gives it a delightful crispiness. Drizzling it with a little olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper makes all the difference. I've found this method helps everything cook at the same time, resulting in a beautifully balanced meal on one sheet pan!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Crisp roasted broccoli with a hint of garlic
Juicy chicken infused with zesty lime
Quick and easy preparation for busy nights

Marinating: The Key to Flavor

Marinating the chicken is crucial for infusing it with rich flavors. Allowing the chicken to soak in the garlic, lime juice, and spices for at least 30 minutes enhances the taste dramatically. For optimal flavor, consider marinating for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. Just be cautious not to exceed this time, as acidic marinades like lime juice can begin to alter the texture of the chicken if left too long.

Use a resealable plastic bag for marinating to ensure every part of the chicken is coated evenly, and it also minimizes cleanup. When you're ready to bake, let the excess marinade drip off the chicken; this will help prevent steaming and promote better oven browning.

Roasting Broccoli for Perfect Texture

Roasting broccoli not only brings out its natural sweetness but also gives it a delightful crispness. Make sure the florets are cut into evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. When tossing them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, aim for a glossy finish; this indicates that the oil has evenly coated the broccoli.

If you want extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some lemon zest to the broccoli before roasting. Keep an eye on the oven; the perfect broccoli will be bright green with slightly charred edges, usually around 20–25 minutes at 400°F. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to maintain airflow, which helps achieve that crispy texture.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

This Healthy Garlic Lime Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a heartier meal, serve it over quinoa or alongside brown rice. A simple salad of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette complements the flavors beautifully. For an extra zest, consider drizzling some additional lime juice over the dish right before serving.

If you have leftovers, store the chicken and broccoli separately in airtight containers. They will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or return to a preheated oven to maintain texture, aiming for about 10 minutes at 350°F until warmed through. You can also freeze portions of the chicken; just ensure it's well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare this delicious meal:

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
1 teaspoon paprika

For the Roasted Broccoli:

1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to have all ingredients measured and ready for cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a seamless cooking experience:

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Add the chicken breasts and coat them well. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Broccoli

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Cook the Chicken and Broccoli

After marinating, place the chicken breasts on the same baking sheet as the broccoli. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the broccoli is tender and slightly charred.

Serve

Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve alongside the roasted broccoli and enjoy your healthy meal!

Now your delicious meal is ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips

Always check the internal temperature of chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

Ingredient Variations

If you're looking for a different protein option, turkey breasts or thighs can also work well in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as turkey may take slightly longer to cook through. For a plant-based alternative, try marinating and roasting tofu or tempeh with the same garlic-lime marinade; be sure to drain and press the tofu beforehand to minimize excess moisture.

For a gluten-free option, double-check your spices and oils to ensure they're certified gluten-free. Additionally, you can substitute the broccoli with other vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus. Just be aware that different vegetables will have varying roasting times, so adjust accordingly to achieve that perfect char and tender bite.

Make-Ahead Meal Prep

This dish is an excellent candidate for meal prep! You can marinate the chicken a day in advance and keep it stored in the fridge until ready to cook. Pre-cut the broccoli and store it in a sealed container so it's ready to go when you are. On busy nights, this can save you significant time in the kitchen.

Once cooked, you can easily portion out the chicken and broccoli into meal prep containers for grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week. This not only helps with portion control but also keeps you on track with your healthy eating goals. Just tweak the seasoning or sides for variety throughout the week!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your chicken isn't browning as expected, it might be due to overcrowding on the baking sheet or low oven heat. Ensure that the chicken pieces are spaced out and not touching, allowing for proper air circulation which promotes browning. Additionally, make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing your dish inside to achieve that nice sear.

For broccoli that turns too soft during roasting, cut your florets larger and keep an eye on cooking times. If you notice that the broccoli is looking too wilted, try tossing them halfway through cooking to promote even roasting. If cooking time has passed and they’re still crisp, give them a few more minutes, checking frequently to find that ideal tender yet crunchy texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli?

Absolutely! Asparagus, green beans, or bell peppers work great as substitutes.

→ How long can you marinate the chicken?

You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours for deeper flavor!

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no gluten-related ingredients.

→ Can I cook this in a skillet instead of the oven?

Yes, you can pan-sear the chicken in a skillet and steam or sauté the broccoli on the stovetop.