Creamy Chicken and Broccoli
A quick, delicious, and nutritious Creamy Chicken and Broccoli recipe featuring tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a rich, velvety sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights and offers a balanced blend of protein and vegetables with a creamy texture everyone will enjoy.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, washed thoroughly
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce and Cooking Base
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and wash the broccoli florets thoroughly. Mince the garlic to release its fragrant oils. Having everything ready before cooking makes the process smooth and quick.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until they develop a golden crust and are nearly cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. This locks in moisture and flavor.
- Sauté Garlic and Broccoli: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, toss in the broccoli florets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are bright green but still crisp, preserving their nutrients and texture.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, which will enrich the sauce with a creamy texture and savory flavor.
- Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the chicken to the skillet if removed, and mix everything thoroughly. Let the dish simmer for another 3-5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce coats all ingredients beautifully.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli for the best texture and flavor compared to frozen.
- Don’t overcook chicken to avoid dry, rubbery texture.
- Grate your own Parmesan cheese for better melting and intensified flavor.
- Adjust creaminess by adding more broth if the sauce is too thick or more cream for richness.
- Season gradually and taste as you go for perfectly balanced seasoning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: creamy chicken, broccoli recipe, quick dinner, healthy chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, low-carb chicken, family friendly chicken dish