A rich and velvety chicken and broccoli dish made in under 30 minutes—packed with flavor, protein, and comfort. A one-pan masterpiece that tastes like fine dining, right in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy chicken and broccoli recipe is the ultimate comfort food with a nutritional twist. Juicy, golden-seared chicken is simmered in a silky garlic cream sauce, paired with tender-crisp broccoli that adds both texture and color. It’s an easy, family-approved meal that feels indulgent but delivers balanced nutrition.
Whether you’re cooking for weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or impressing guests, this recipe checks every box — fast, flavorful, and foolproof.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless chicken breast | 500g (about 1 lb) | Cut into thin strips or bite-size cubes |
| Fresh broccoli florets | 2 cups | Lightly steamed or blanched |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | Use full-fat for best texture |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced | Adds depth and aroma |
| Butter or olive oil | 2 tbsp | For searing chicken |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | ½ cup | Adds savory umami flavor |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | Season at multiple stages |
| Lemon zest (optional) | ½ tsp | Brightens up the sauce |
| Chili flakes (optional) | Pinch | Adds a light heat |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden on both sides, about 5–6 minutes total. Remove and set aside.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—this ensures a nice golden sear instead of steaming the chicken.
Step 2 – Sauté Garlic and Broccoli
In the same pan, add a little more butter if needed. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Add the broccoli and toss gently to coat in the garlic butter. Cook for 2 minutes, then remove and set aside.
Step 3 – Make the Cream Sauce
Lower the heat. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let it gently simmer (not boil) until it starts to thicken. Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and velvety. Season with salt, pepper, and optional lemon zest.
Chef’s Insight:
Cream thickens naturally through evaporation. Avoid boiling, which can cause separation.
Step 4 – Combine Everything
Return the chicken and broccoli to the skillet. Toss gently to coat in the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of cheese or fresh parsley.
Pro Chef Tips for the Perfect Creamy Texture
- Use full-fat cream for best consistency. Low-fat cream can separate.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli. A slight crunch keeps it vibrant and nutritious.
- Add the cheese off heat for a smooth, glossy sauce.
- A splash of white wine or a pinch of Dijon mustard adds gourmet complexity.
Nutrition & Health Benefits
This dish doesn’t just taste incredible—it’s nutritionally balanced, too.
- High in protein: Chicken breast provides lean, muscle-building protein.
- Rich in vitamins: Broccoli delivers Vitamin C, K, and antioxidants.
- Healthy fats: Cream and olive oil add satiety and flavor without refined carbs.
- Low-carb friendly: Great for keto, paleo, and low-carb diets.
Approximate per serving (based on 4 servings):
Calories: 410 | Protein: 32g | Carbs: 6g | Fat: 28g | Fiber: 2g
Recipe Variations
- Dairy-Free: Replace cream with coconut cream and cheese with nutritional yeast.
- Low-Fat Version: Use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
- Gluten-Free: Serve over rice, mashed cauliflower, or gluten-free pasta.
- Extra Flavor Additions: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for variety.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Can be frozen up to 1 month (reheat gently to preserve sauce texture).
- Reheat: Warm over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
Safety Note: Avoid reheating multiple times; reheat only what you’ll eat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking chicken: Makes it tough and dry.
- Boiling cream: Causes it to split or curdle.
- Skipping seasoning: Layering salt and pepper throughout cooking builds depth.
- Using frozen broccoli without thawing: It releases excess water and thins the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy chicken and broccoli pairs beautifully with:
- Pasta: Fettuccine, penne, or linguine.
- Rice: Jasmine or basmati rice for a lighter option.
- Low-Carb Alternatives: Mashed cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
- Bread: A slice of garlic toast or crusty baguette for dipping in the sauce.
Wine Pairing: A buttery Chardonnay or light Sauvignon Blanc complements the cream sauce perfectly.
FAQs
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken works great—just add it in at the sauce stage and heat through.
2. How can I make it spicy?
Add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce to the cream.
3. Can I replace heavy cream with milk?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner. To thicken, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with milk before adding.
4. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely. It’s creamy, mild, and full of familiar flavors kids love.
5. How can I make it vegetarian?
Swap chicken for mushrooms, tofu, or chickpeas—still creamy and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is your golden ticket to a restaurant-quality meal made effortlessly at home. With perfectly seared chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a luscious cream sauce, it delivers flavor, balance, and comfort in every bite.
It’s not just a meal—it’s an experience of texture, aroma, and warmth that brings families together around the table. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant weekend dish, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
