Creamy Chicken & Broccoli

Creamy Chicken & Broccoli is the ultimate comfort food rich, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make. Tender seared chicken breasts are paired with vibrant green broccoli and enveloped in a silky, garlic-infused cream sauce. Whether you’re craving something cozy on a weeknight or looking for a meal that pleases the whole family, this dish ticks all the boxes. Best of all? It comes together in one skillet in under 30 minutes.

This creamy chicken dinner is flexible enough for weeknight cooking yet elegant enough for entertaining. You can serve it over mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or your favorite pasta. The combination of juicy chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and velvety sauce is pure magic especially with the brightness of lemon juice and the optional addition of mozzarella or red pepper flakes for a little extra oomph.

Let’s dive into how to make this easy and crowd-pleasing meal, step-by-step.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this creamy chicken and broccoli dish:

For the Chicken & Sauce:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Zest of 1/2 lemon (optional)

Optional Add-ins:

• Red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
• Sliced mushrooms or spinach
• Shredded mozzarella or cream cheese for extra creaminess

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels — this helps get a golden sear. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

If your chicken breasts are very thick, consider slicing them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This not only reduces cooking time but ensures even cooking.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken breasts. Sear for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).

Remove the chicken to a plate and loosely cover with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Broccoli

To the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add a splash more olive oil if needed. Add the minced garlic (3–4 cloves) and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the 3 cups broccoli florets and sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently. You want them to soften slightly but still maintain some bite. Add a splash of the chicken broth to help steam and brighten the broccoli.

Optional tip: If you prefer more tender broccoli, you can blanch it in boiling water for 2 minutes before sautéing.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the remaining 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream. Stir well to combine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan — they’re packed with flavor.

Add the 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using). Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.

Step 5: Stir in the Cheese

Add the 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until melted and fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Optional: For an ultra-rich version, add a handful of shredded mozzarella or a tablespoon of cream cheese. Stir until melted and silky.

Step 6: Return Chicken to the Pan

Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Simmer on low heat for another 3–5 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the broccoli is perfectly tender.

Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let everything marry together before serving.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan, chopped parsley, or a pinch of red pepper flakes. This dish pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up that irresistible sauce.

Pro Tips for Success

• Pound thick chicken breasts to an even thickness for quicker, more even cooking.
• Use fresh garlic — its pungency cuts through the richness of the cream sauce beautifully.
• Let the sauce simmer gently, not boil — overheating can cause it to split.
• Add greens like baby spinach toward the end of cooking for an extra nutrition boost.
• Fresh lemon juice lifts the dish and balances the creaminess — don’t skip it!

Ingredient Notes & Swaps

• Chicken: You can substitute boneless chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result.
• Broccoli: Cauliflower florets, asparagus, or green beans also work well here.
• Cream: Use heavy cream for richness. Half-and-half can be used for a lighter version, but the sauce may be thinner.
• Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts better and delivers more flavor than pre-shredded.
• Low-sodium broth: Helps control salt levels. If using regular broth, reduce added salt.

Variations to Try

1. Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta

Boil 8 oz of penne or linguine and toss it directly into the sauce for a complete one-pan pasta dish.

2. Mushroom & Spinach Version

Sauté mushrooms along with the garlic and add a handful of baby spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking. The earthy mushrooms complement the cream sauce perfectly.

3. Extra Cheesy Bake

Transfer the finished dish to a baking dish, sprinkle with mozzarella and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

4. Low-Carb Option

Serve with mashed cauliflower or zucchini noodles instead of rice or pasta.

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerate:

Let leftovers cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat:

Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring often to maintain the creamy texture. Add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Freeze:

Not ideal for freezing due to the cream sauce, which may separate upon thawing. If you do freeze, reheat gently and whisk the sauce to re-emulsify.

What to Serve with Creamy Chicken & Broccoli

• Buttery mashed potatoes
• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Caesar salad or a fresh garden salad
• Roasted baby potatoes or carrots

FAQs

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can try using coconut cream in place of heavy cream and nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative in place of Parmesan. The flavor will be different but still delicious.

How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?

Keep the sauce at a low simmer, not a boil. High heat can cause dairy to split. Adding the cheese gradually and stirring continuously also helps.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, but thaw it first and pat dry to avoid excess water in the sauce. Frozen broccoli may be softer than fresh.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as written, it’s naturally gluten-free. Just be sure your chicken broth and Parmesan cheese are certified gluten-free if needed.

What’s the best substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt can work in a pinch but will yield a thinner sauce.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Chicken & Broccoli is a satisfying, well-rounded meal that’s simple enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for guests. The richness of the cream sauce is perfectly offset by the freshness of the broccoli and the brightness of lemon. It’s endlessly versatile, family-approved, and a great addition to your regular recipe rotation.

Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned home cook, this is one of those dishes you’ll return to again and again. The ease of preparation, adaptability, and indulgent flavors make it a standout for any occasion.

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