Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet Recipe

This Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet recipe is an ideal one-pan meal that’s quick, satisfying, and incredibly healthy. With tender, juicy chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a creamy, flavorful sauce, this dish offers a delicious combination of textures and flavors without the carbs!

Perfect for keto and low-carb lifestyles, this recipe is also packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making it a balanced and nutritious choice for lunch or dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup and maximum convenience, as everything cooks in one skillet.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Low in carbs but high in protein and vitamins, especially from the broccoli and chicken.
• Keto-Friendly: Creamy and delicious without any added flour or thickeners.
• Easy to Customize: You can easily add or swap out veggies, or use a different protein.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

1. Slice the Chicken: Start by slicing your chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes or thin strips. This helps it cook evenly and quickly in the skillet.
2. Chop the Broccoli: Separate fresh broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. You can also use frozen broccoli, but thaw it first to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Swirl the oil to coat the bottom of the skillet.
2. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the diced chicken with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This gives the chicken a flavorful, well-seasoned base.
3. Sear the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Steam the Broccoli

1. Add Broccoli to the Skillet: Using the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and the chicken broth.
2. Steam the Broccoli: Cover the skillet with a lid and let the broccoli steam for about 3-4 minutes, or until it’s bright green and slightly tender. Be careful not to overcook – you want the broccoli to retain a bit of crispness.
3. Remove Broccoli: Transfer the steamed broccoli to the plate with the chicken. Set it aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

1. Add Garlic and Spices: In the same skillet, add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant.
2. Pour in Heavy Cream: Slowly add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring continuously to incorporate the garlic and spices.
3. Add Dijon and Parmesan: Stir in the Dijon mustard (optional) and shredded Parmesan cheese. The mustard adds a subtle tang, and the Parmesan helps thicken the sauce while giving it a cheesy, savory taste.
4. Simmer the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. It should thicken slightly and become creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Combine Chicken, Broccoli, and Sauce

1. Return Chicken and Broccoli to the Skillet: Add the cooked chicken and broccoli back into the skillet, stirring well to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
2. Simmer Together: Let the mixture cook together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken around the chicken and broccoli.
3. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Serving Suggestions

1. Over Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice for a filling meal.
2. With Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles): Another great low-carb side, zoodles add a bit of extra nutrition and a fresh taste.
3. With a Green Salad: Pair with a simple side salad for a light and balanced meal.

Tips for Perfect Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet

1. Use Fresh Parmesan Cheese: Grating your own Parmesan makes a difference in flavor and texture, as it melts smoother than pre-grated versions.
2. Keep an Eye on the Sauce: Heavy cream can thicken quickly, so monitor it closely while simmering to avoid it becoming too thick.
3. Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Overcooking can make the broccoli mushy; keep it crisp-tender for the best results.

Variations and Additions

1. Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the garlic for an extra layer of flavor.
2. Add Spinach: Stir in a handful of baby spinach when adding the chicken and broccoli back into the skillet. It will wilt quickly in the hot sauce.
3. Make It Spicier: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. They may require a bit more cooking time depending on their thickness.

2. Is there a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream?
You can substitute with coconut cream or a thick, unsweetened almond milk if you’re looking to make it dairy-free, though the flavor will vary slightly.

3. What can I add to make this recipe heartier?
To make it more filling, add extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or sliced mushrooms.

4. Can I cook this recipe in the oven?
Yes, if you prefer, transfer everything to a baking dish after searing and steam, then bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious option for any weeknight dinner. With simple ingredients and one skillet, you can whip up a creamy, flavorful dish that satisfies without all the carbs. Whether you’re on a keto diet or just looking for a balanced meal, this recipe delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. Perfect as-is, or customized with your favorite low-carb additions, it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again! Enjoy the fresh, creamy flavors, and happy cooking!

Yield: 4

Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet Recipe

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This Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet recipe is an ideal one-pan meal that’s quick, satisfying, and incredibly healthy. With tender, juicy chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a creamy, flavorful sauce, this dish offers a delicious combination of textures and flavors without the carbs! Perfect for keto and low-carb lifestyles, this recipe is also packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making it a balanced and nutritious choice for lunch or dinner.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 large head broccoli, cut into small florets
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken:
   Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
   
2. Cook the Chicken:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
   
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, then add the garlic and onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and onions are softened. Add broccoli florets and cook for another 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
   
4. Add the Broth and Cream:
   Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
   
5. Add Cheese and Seasonings:
   Stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir until everything is coated in the creamy sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through.
   
6. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

• Variations: Add mushrooms or bell peppers for more vegetables, or ouse shredded mozzarella for a different cheese flavor
• Low-Carb Sides: Serve with ccauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for an extra low-carb meal.