If you’re looking for a dish that tastes like a cozy night in, our Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. This skillet meal is full of juicy chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a dreamy Parmesan cream sauce that clings to every bite. It packs all the comfort of a casserole, but you’ll have it on the table in under 30 minutes. Whether you want something wholesome, low-carb, or just downright delicious, this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe checks all the boxes for easy dinners and happy family faces.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple, fresh ingredients—every item matters in bringing creaminess, flavor, and color to the dish. Even the optional additions turn ordinary into extraordinary with just a sprinkle or a dash.
- Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless pieces for quick cooking and maximum tenderness.
- Broccoli florets: Use fresh for vibrant color and crunch, or thawed frozen in a pinch.
- Olive oil: Adds subtle richness and helps everything brown beautifully in the pan.
- Garlic: Three cloves infuse the whole dish with bold, savory aroma.
- Salt and black pepper: Season the chicken perfectly and balance flavors in the sauce.
- Onion powder: Enhances flavor without chopping extra onions, so the recipe stays easy.
- Chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and delivers a savory depth to the sauce.
- Heavy cream: The secret to a velvety, luscious sauce every time—no shortcuts here!
- Parmesan cheese: Adds incredible umami and brings everything together with a salty finish.
- Dijon mustard: A touch of tang amplifies all the other flavors and brightens the creaminess.
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds a fresh, zesty pop to balance the richness—don’t skip it!
- Optional red pepper flakes and chopped parsley: For a hint of heat and a colorful, herby finishing touch.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your chicken pieces and season right away with salt, pepper, and onion powder, letting the flavors soak in. Sear the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring now and then, until each piece is golden on the outside and cooked through to juicy perfection. Transfer the chicken out of the skillet and onto a plate, transforming it into a well-deserved star waiting for its creamy encore.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Steam Broccoli
Using the same skillet (no need to dirty another pan!), toss in your minced garlic. Let it sizzle just 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Then, add the broccoli florets and pour in chicken broth. Cover and let it steam for 3 to 4 minutes, just until the broccoli is crisp-tender and bright green; this method keeps it vibrant and full of bite.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Once the broccoli is ready, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes. The sauce will start to thicken slightly and coat the back of your spoon, promising that every bite will be luxuriously creamy and packed with flavor.
Step 4: Combine and Warm Through
Return the cooked chicken (and any of those precious juices) to the skillet. Toss gently so everything is coated in that dreamy sauce. Let it all mingle over low heat for about 2 minutes, giving the chicken a chance to soak up all those silky flavors before serving. This is where the Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe truly comes together!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your skillet meal with a flurry of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color, or sprinkle some red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. An extra dusting of Parmesan never hurt, either! These easy garnishes take your Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe from homey to a restaurant-worthy presentation.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully versatile. Serve it over fluffy rice, al dente pasta, or a pillowy bed of mashed potatoes to catch every drop of that gorgeous sauce. If you want to keep it low-carb, you can spoon it over cauliflower rice or just enjoy it solo with a side salad—the rich flavors do all the heavy lifting!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe into meal-prep magic by dividing it into lunchboxes with a side of quinoa or roasted veggies. Hosting dinner? Dish it up in a shallow bowl and let those vibrant greens and glossy sauce take center stage. You can even use it as a filling for stuffed baked potatoes or serve with crusty bread for dipping—you’ll be mopping up every last bit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but the flavors develop even more, making those next-day lunches something to look forward to. Be sure to cool your Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe before storing to lock in freshness.
Freezing
For make-ahead convenience, freeze cooled portions of the Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. To prevent the cream sauce from separating, stir well after thawing. While the broccoli texture may soften slightly, the dish will still taste incredibly comforting straight from the freezer.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce seems too thick. The microwave also works in a pinch, but stirring halfway through ensures even heating. Either way, your Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe will taste like it was made fresh that day!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer extra flavor and tenderness. Just chop them to bite-sized pieces and cook as directed—you might need an extra minute or two due to their richer texture.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter twist, or use a mix of milk and Greek yogurt for some tang and creaminess. The sauce won’t be quite as rich, but it will still be delicious in this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe.
What if I only have frozen broccoli?
Frozen broccoli works beautifully! Thaw and drain it well before adding to the skillet to prevent watering down the sauce. The texture will be softer, but the overall dish remains spot-on.
Can I make this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe dairy-free?
You can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and your favorite vegan Parmesan to mimic that luscious sauce. The flavors will shift a bit, but you’ll still get plenty of comfort in every bite.
How do I avoid overcooking the broccoli?
Keep a close eye when steaming—it should turn bright green and just fork-tender, which usually takes only a few minutes. Overcooked broccoli loses its vivid color and fresh bite, so take it off the heat as soon as it’s tender.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to try this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe soon. It’s quick, comforting, and sure to find a spot in your regular dinner rotation. Once you taste how the creamy sauce wraps around juicy chicken and crisp-tender broccoli, you’ll see why it’s so loved. Give it a go, and don’t be surprised if there are no leftovers!
Print
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of this delectable Creamy Chicken and Broccoli recipe. Tender chicken and vibrant broccoli are bathed in a luscious sauce that’s perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
For the Broccoli:
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
Other Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Optional: red pepper flakes and chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook seasoned chicken until golden.
- Prepare the Broccoli: Steam broccoli with garlic and broth until tender.
- Create the Sauce: Mix in cream, Parmesan, mustard, and lemon juice; simmer.
- Combine and Serve: Add chicken back to the skillet, heat through, garnish, and serve warm.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
- You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Frozen broccoli can be used but should be thawed and drained before cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
