Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (raw or lightly blanched)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (red and yellow)
- 1 large yellow bell pepper
- 1/2 cup cucumber slices, halved
- 4–5 pretzel sticks or a thick celery stalk (for the trunk)
- Optional: Cauliflower florets for “snow” at the base
- Your favorite high-protein dip (like Greek yogurt ranch or hummus)
Instructions
- Wash all your vegetables thoroughly. Cut the broccoli into small, manageable florets. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half if they are large, or leave them whole for a rounder “ornament” look. Slice the yellow bell pepper into a star shape using a small cookie cutter or a sharp paring knife. Set all the vegetables aside on a clean towel to dry completely, as excess moisture will make the platter messy.
- Place the cubed chicken breast in a medium bowl and toss with olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid crowding the pan. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from the heat and let the chicken cool slightly so it doesn’t wilt the fresh vegetables during assembly.
- Find a large rectangular serving platter or a clean wooden cutting board. Start at the bottom of the board and place your pretzel sticks or a celery stalk vertically to create the tree trunk. If using cauliflower “snow,” scatter the white florets along the very bottom of the board to create a wintry landscape.
- Starting just above the trunk, create a wide horizontal row of broccoli florets to form the base of the tree. Above the broccoli, add a row of the cooked chicken cubes. Continue alternating rows of broccoli and chicken, making each subsequent row slightly shorter than the one below it. This creates the classic triangular evergreen shape. Ensure the chicken is tucked tightly against the broccoli to keep the structure stable.
- Place the yellow bell pepper star at the very top of your tree. Decorate the “branches” (the broccoli rows) by nestling the cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices into the gaps to act as ornaments. Serve immediately with a side bowl of Greek yogurt ranch or hummus for dipping. Enjoy your festive, high-protein masterpiece!
- Cook Time: 35 minutes