Microwave Steamed Chicken Broccoli (Printable)

Quick, healthy lunch with tender chicken breasts and broccoli steamed for vibrant, juicy results using ice cubes.

# What You Need:

→ 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 - ½ 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 the 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 the chicken and broccoli. Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly. Toss to coat thoroughly.
04 - Spread the mixture in a single layer. Top with 2 ice cubes to enhance moisture during steaming.
05 - Cover the dish tightly with microwave-safe plastic wrap or lid, leaving a small vent open for steam release.
06 - Cook on high power for 6 to 7 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and broccoli is crisp-tender.
07 - Allow dish to stand covered for 1 minute to complete cooking with steam.
08 - Carefully remove cover to avoid steam burns. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges as desired.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • It turns your microwave into a steamer that delivers restaurant-quality texture in under ten minutes.
  • The ice cube trick locks in moisture so the chicken stays juicy instead of turning rubbery and dry.
  • Cleanup is almost nonexistent because everything cooks in one dish with no pots or pans to scrub.
  • You can prep it in the morning and microwave it at your desk for a lunch that actually feels nourishing.
02 -
  • Always slice the chicken into uniform pieces or the thinner parts will overcook while the thicker sections stay undercooked and potentially unsafe.
  • Don't skip the ice cubes because they're what transforms the microwave into a steamer and prevents the chicken from turning rubbery.
  • Vent the cover by leaving a small corner open or the steam pressure can cause the wrap to balloon and potentially burst.
  • Let the dish rest covered for a full minute after microwaving so the steam finishes the cooking process evenly.
03 -
  • Use a microwave-safe dish that's wide and shallow rather than deep so the heat distributes evenly and everything cooks at the same rate.
  • If your microwave has a turntable, place the dish slightly off-center so it rotates through different heat zones and cooks more uniformly.
  • Let the chicken come to room temperature for ten minutes before microwaving because cold chicken straight from the fridge can cook unevenly.
  • Keep a few ice cube trays in the freezer just for cooking so you always have this trick ready when you need a fast, healthy meal.
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