If comfort food has a soulmate, then it’s surely Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce. Imagine tender pieces of chicken and vibrant broccoli enveloped in a golden, velvety cheese sauce that’s pure magic in every bite. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between homey and indulgent, with a decadently creamy base that clings to every morsel of meat and veggie. It’s a crowd-pleaser and a weeknight savior, effortlessly earning a place in your regular rotation with its simple prep and irresistible flavor. Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce is the dish you’ll crave once you’ve tasted it, and trust me—it delivers every single time.

Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients and you’re halfway to pure comfort! Each item here brings something essential—whether it’s juicy tenderness, a pop of green, or that signature ooey-gooey cheesiness—to make Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce unforgettable.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces to soak up all that luscious sauce.
Olive Oil: For the perfect sear on your chicken and a little depth of flavor.
Garlic Powder: Infuses the chicken with mellow, fragrant undertones.
Salt: Enhances every savory bite—don’t skip it!
Black Pepper: A pinch brings subtle heat and complexity.
Broccoli Florets: Steamed or blanched, these contribute a pop of color, nutrition, and earthy crunch.
Butter: Adds richness, melds the roux, and boosts flavor.
Fresh Garlic: Minced and sautéed for a burst of aromatic sweetness.
All-Purpose Flour: The key to thickening your dreamy sauce—gluten-free flour swaps work too.
Milk: Helps form the smooth, creamy backbone of the sauce.
Heavy Cream: Adds pure decadence for a sauce that’s thick and silky.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the sauce, providing that beloved gooey, cheesy stretch.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Boosts the savory umami and ties all the flavors together.
Dijon Mustard (optional): A splash delivers a gentle punch and a subtle tang.
Chopped Parsley (for garnish): A fresh, herby finish that makes every plate pop.

How to Make Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Begin by scattering garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over your chicken pieces. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Sauté for 6–8 minutes, stirring now and then, until each piece is golden brown and cooked through. Scoop the chicken out and set it aside; those caramelized edges are flavor gold!

Step 2: Start the Creamy Cheesy Sauce Base

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out, you want those tasty bits!), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the fresh minced garlic and stir for about one minute, until it’s fragrant and just turning golden.

Step 3: Make the Roux and Build the Sauce

Sprinkle the flour into the skillet and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes. You’re creating a roux here—this is what will thicken your sauce and give it body. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking to keep the mixture smooth and lump-free. Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, until thickened slightly; you’ll notice the sauce clinging to the whisk.

Step 4: Add Cheeses and Optional Flavor

Reduce the heat and toss in the shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, and Dijon mustard if using. Whisk until the cheeses fully melt, creating a rich, creamy, and totally irresistible cheesy sauce. If you love a gentle hint of heat or aroma, this is the perfect moment to add a pinch of crushed red pepper or nutmeg.

Step 5: Combine Chicken, Broccoli, and Finish

Return the cooked chicken and steamed broccoli to the skillet. Gently stir everything to coat in that shiny, molten cheese sauce. Let it all simmer together for 2–3 more minutes—just enough to heat through and mingle all the flavors. That’s it—Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce is ready to wow!

How to Serve Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce

Garnishes

For a fresh pop and pretty finish, sprinkle each plate with chopped parsley—its herbal brightness plays beautifully against the rich sauce. A few extra shavings of Parmesan on top take things truly over the top!

Side Dishes

This chicken with broccoli in a creamy cheesy sauce is heaven on its own, but it absolutely loves a bed of fluffy rice, buttered noodles, or pillowy mashed potatoes. Serve with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to help soak up every drop of that cheesy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant dinner, plate individual servings in shallow bowls, swirling the sauce around the chicken and broccoli. Or, for a casual family-style meal, serve straight from the skillet with a big spoon and let everyone dig in. You can even spoon it into baked potatoes or toast rounds for a fun twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover chicken with broccoli in a creamy cheesy sauce into airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours of serving. This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to three days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches and dinner leftovers.

Freezing

If you want to freeze portions for later, let the dish cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe bags or containers. The sauce may thicken up a bit after freezing, but a splash of milk during reheating will help bring it back to life. It stays tasty for up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating

Gently reheat chicken with broccoli in a creamy cheesy sauce on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a little milk if the sauce needs thinning. Give it a good stir to re-incorporate the cheese and sauce. You can also microwave individual servings in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until hot throughout.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra richness and stay tender and juicy—just trim and cut them into similar bite-sized pieces before following the recipe as written.

Is there a gluten-free way to make this recipe?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch. Just be mindful of blends with strong flavors that might affect the sauce’s taste.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Yes, this dish is a meal prep star! Simply store fully cooked portions in the fridge or freezer, then reheat gently before serving. The flavors meld even more after a day or two, making leftovers especially delicious.

What cheese works best in the sauce?

Cheddar is classic for its melt and tang, but feel free to swap in mozzarella for extra gooeyness, or Gruyère if you like a nutty kick. Parmesan is key for depth, but you can add more for an intensified savory edge.

My sauce is too thick or thin—how can I fix it?

If it’s too thick, just whisk in a splash of milk or broth until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a few extra minutes (the sauce will naturally thicken), or add another sprinkle of cheese to help bind it.

Final Thoughts

If you’re hunting for a meal that blends comfort and flavor in the coziest way, Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce is your new go-to. It’s easy, deeply satisfying, and the kind of dish you’ll want seconds (and thirds) of. Gather your ingredients and give this a try—your taste buds and your dinner guests will thank you!

Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a comforting meal with this Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce recipe. Tender chicken and crisp broccoli are coated in a luscious cheese sauce that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

3 cups broccoli florets, steamed or blanched
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1½ cups milk
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

For Garnish:

Chopped parsley

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Instructions

Season and Cook the Chicken: Season chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, add garlic, then whisk in flour to make a roux. Slowly add milk and cream, whisking until smooth. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Combine and Simmer: Stir in cheeses and mustard. Add chicken and broccoli. Simmer until heated through.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.