Skillet Creamy Garlic Chicken And Broccoli Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats the combination of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy garlic sauce. This Skillet Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is the perfect one-pan dish for busy weeknights or leisurely dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
2. Quick and Easy: Ready in 25–30 minutes, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners.
3. Balanced and Nutritious: Combines lean protein, fresh vegetables, and a creamy sauce for a wholesome meal.
4. Customizable: Easy to adapt with additional veggies or flavor tweaks.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli

1. In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets.
2. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender-crisp. Remove from the skillet and set aside with the chicken.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

1. Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the skillet.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for added flavor.
4. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. For a thicker sauce, whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
6. Add the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Return the cooked chicken and broccoli to the skillet, tossing to coat them evenly in the creamy garlic sauce.
2. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh florets give the best texture and flavor, but frozen broccoli can be used in a pinch (just thaw and drain before cooking).
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
3. Adjust Sauce Thickness: Use cornstarch slurry for a thicker sauce or add more broth for a lighter consistency.
4. Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh while the sauce is creamy and the broccoli is tender-crisp.

Variations

1. Add More Veggies: Include mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
2. Swap the Protein: Use shrimp, turkey, or tofu as an alternative to chicken.
3. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
4. Lighter Option: Substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk for heavy cream to reduce calories.

Serving Suggestions

• With Starches: Serve over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Low-Carb Option: Pair with cauliflower rice or zoodles for a keto-friendly meal.
• On Its Own: Enjoy as a standalone dish for a lighter meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken works well. Add it during the final step to heat through.

Can I make this dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and omit the Parmesan.

Can I freeze this dish?

The sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, but it’s still safe to eat. Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to minimize texture changes.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of garlic, cream, and Parmesan creates an indulgent yet balanced sauce that complements the chicken and broccoli perfectly. Cooking everything in one skillet enhances the flavors while keeping cleanup minimal. The addition of lemon juice brightens the dish, cutting through the richness of the sauce.

Conclusion

This Skillet Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner. It’s versatile, family-friendly, and sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Give it a try tonight and enjoy the perfect harmony of creamy, garlicky goodness with wholesome chicken and broccoli!

Yield: 4

Skillet Creamy Garlic Chicken And Broccoli Recipe

Print

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats the combination of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy garlic sauce. This Skillet Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is the perfect one-pan dish for busy weeknights or leisurely dinners.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Broccoli:
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or water

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken
   Season the chicken breast halves with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
   Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
   
2. Steam the Broccoli
   In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and chicken broth or water.
   Cover and cook for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still crisp.
   Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set aside with the chicken.
   
3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
   In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   Stir in red pepper flakes (if using) and pour in the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
   Add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens slightly (about 3-5 minutes).
   Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
   
4. Combine and Serve
   Return the chicken and broccoli to the skillet, tossing gently to coat them in the sauce.
   Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
   Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

Notes

Vegetable Options: Swap broccoli with asparagus, green beans, or zucchini for variety.

Serve With: Pair this dish with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy garlic sauce.