Picture a skillet brimming with golden, juicy bites of chicken nestled amongst vibrant, crisp-tender broccoli, all draped in a melt-in-your-mouth Parmesan cream sauce. This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli recipe is pure comfort food with a fresher, lighter twist—delivering savory, garlicky satisfaction in just 30 minutes. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or you’re just craving something wholesome and cozy, this dish never disappoints with its silky texture and flavor-packed pan sauce the whole family will rally around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about Creamy Chicken and Broccoli is how every single ingredient is a powerhouse of flavor or texture. These basics come together to create something seriously crave-worthy—each component perfectly complementing the next for an unforgettable creamy skillet supper.
- Chicken breasts: Bite-sized, lean, and tender—they’re the heart of this dish and soak up all those fantastic flavors.
- Olive oil: Adds a fruity, rich foundation for browning the chicken and sautéing everything else.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing and balancing all the flavors—don’t be shy here!
- Black pepper: Brings a gentle kick and warmth to both the chicken and sauce.
- Broccoli florets: Provides vibrant color, fresh crunch, and soaks up all that savoury, creamy sauce.
- Garlic: Infuses the pan and sauce with lovely aromatic depth—freshly minced is best.
- Chicken broth: The savory backbone of the sauce, it keeps everything juicy and flavorful.
- Heavy cream: Delivers the ultra-creamy, luscious texture that sets the dish apart.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a wonderful salty tang and helps the sauce thicken beautifully.
- Dijon mustard: Brings brightness and a hint of gentle heat for a flavor boost.
- Onion powder: Adds savory depth—perfect for rounding things out.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who want a touch of gentle heat in the background.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the sizzling skillet. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for a few minutes so it gets that irresistibly golden crust—about 5 to 6 minutes in total, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are fully cooked through. When they’re nicely browned and juicy, transfer them to a plate and keep them warm.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for just about 30 seconds; you’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen floods with that mouthwatering, nutty aroma. This step infuses the skillet with layers of flavor, making the base of your sauce deeply aromatic.
Step 3: Steam the Broccoli
Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring it up to a gentle simmer. Add the broccoli florets, cover the skillet, and let them steam for 3 to 4 minutes, just until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp. You want them to hold their shape and bite, not turn mushy—this keeps your Creamy Chicken and Broccoli lively and fresh.
Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce
With the broccoli perfectly cooked, it’s time for the creamy magic! Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, Dijon mustard, onion powder, and (if you fancy) a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Let the sauce bubble gently for about 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens up slightly and takes on a lovely glossy finish.
Step 5: Return the Chicken and Finish
Add the browned chicken back into the skillet, tossing everything to coat the bites generously in creamy sauce. Let the whole mixture simmer for another 2 minutes so the flavors meld and everything is heated through. That’s it—your Creamy Chicken and Broccoli is ready to be devoured!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Broccoli
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top is always a hit—think frilly shreds melting into creamy puddles. Fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color, and a little cracked black pepper right before serving really wakes everything up. Don’t be afraid to experiment with lemon zest or even a dusting of crushed red pepper for added flair.
Side Dishes
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli is incredibly versatile. Pile it high over fluffy white rice, buttery noodles, or a cloud of mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of sauce. For a low-carb spin, cauliflower rice or quinoa offer a lovely base without overshadowing the main attraction.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the skillet! Spoon Creamy Chicken and Broccoli into a baked potato for utter comfort, stuff it into a warm pita, or layer it between pieces of crusty bread for a decadent sandwich upgrade. For family gatherings, serve it in a big serving dish garnished with herbs and extra cheese for a feast-worthy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Creamy Chicken and Broccoli stores beautifully! Simply transfer cooled portions into an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken a little but stays rich and flavorful, making leftovers just as satisfying the next day.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this dish! Place cooled Creamy Chicken and Broccoli in a freezer-safe container, pressing a layer of plastic wrap on top to prevent freezer burn. It’ll keep for 2 to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwave works in a pinch too—just cover and heat in short increments, stirring in between, to maintain a creamy consistency and avoid overcooking the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken instead of cooking it fresh?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver, and it’s a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken. Just skip the browning step and add the shredded chicken in when returning it to the skillet with the sauce.
Is there a way to make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli lighter?
For a lighter take, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half, or even whole milk, though the sauce will be a bit less rich. You might also toss in extra broccoli or a handful of spinach for more veggies and fiber.
What can I substitute for broccoli?
No broccoli on hand? Asparagus, zucchini, green beans, or even peas will work well. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure your veggies are crisp-tender and not overcooked.
How can I add more flavor to the sauce?
If you want to punch up the flavors, add a splash of white wine when sautéing the garlic, or toss in fresh herbs like thyme or basil. A squeeze of lemon right at the end gives the sauce extra brightness.
Is Creamy Chicken and Broccoli gluten-free?
Yes! The recipe as written is naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect comfort dish for those avoiding gluten. Just double-check your chicken broth and Parmesan to be certain.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fuss-free meal that delivers pure comfort and flavor, you can’t go wrong with Creamy Chicken and Broccoli. It’s cozy, simple, and endlessly adaptable—a true dinner hero you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a new favorite at your table!
Print
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner. Tender chicken pieces are cooked to perfection and combined with broccoli in a creamy Parmesan sauce that is both satisfying and easy to make.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Broccoli and Sauce:
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Season chicken with salt and pepper, cook until golden, then set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, add chicken broth, then broccoli. Steam until tender. Stir in cream, Parmesan, Dijon, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Return chicken to the skillet, simmer until heated through. Serve over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken to speed up the recipe.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Add mushrooms or spinach for more vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
