Creamy Broccoli Chicken: A Comforting One-Pan Meal

When it comes to easy weeknight dinners, few dishes can rival the comfort and flavor of creamy broccoli chicken. With tender pieces of chicken, crisp-tender broccoli florets, and a velvety cream sauce, this recipe combines protein, vegetables, and rich flavor in one delicious skillet. It’s simple enough for busy evenings but satisfying enough to serve for family gatherings.

My first taste of creamy broccoli chicken came as a homemade twist on the classic “chicken and broccoli casserole” my mother used to make. I wanted the same cozy flavors without the canned soups, so I set out to create a stovetop version with fresh ingredients and a real cream sauce. The result? A dish that’s rich, wholesome, and far more flavorful than anything from a can.

What Is Creamy Broccoli Chicken?

At its core, creamy broccoli chicken is a one-pan chicken dish cooked with garlic, cream, and cheese, paired with broccoli for freshness and texture. Think of it as a cross between a creamy chicken skillet and a broccoli Alfredo.

This recipe is versatile—you can serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, or keep it low-carb by enjoying it as-is. It’s a balanced meal that feels indulgent while sneaking in extra greens.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan meal – Minimal cleanup required.

• Quick and easy – Ready in about 35 minutes.

• Nutritious and satisfying – Protein from chicken + fiber and vitamins from broccoli.

• Creamy, garlicky sauce – The star of the dish.

• Family-friendly – Even picky eaters love it.

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Ingredients for Creamy Broccoli Chicken

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier results)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon mustard (Dijon or yellow, optional for depth)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Broccoli:

• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (blanched or steamed until crisp-tender)

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Extra Parmesan cheese

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.

2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter.

2. Add onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.

3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits.

5. Add heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and mustard. Simmer until slightly thickened (about 5 minutes).

6. Stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Broccoli

1. Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce.

2. Add broccoli florets around the chicken.

3. Simmer 5–7 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce coats the broccoli.

Step 4: Serve

1. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.

2. Serve immediately with your choice of pasta, rice, or bread.

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Serving Suggestions

This creamy chicken pairs well with a variety of sides:

• Pasta – Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti.

• Rice – Jasmine, basmati, or wild rice.

• Mashed potatoes – Creamy potatoes soak up the sauce beautifully.

• Crusty bread – Perfect for dipping.

• Salad – A light green salad for balance.

For drinks, pair with a crisp Chardonnay or sparkling water with lemon.

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Tips for the Best Creamy Broccoli Chicken

• Use fresh broccoli – It keeps its texture better than frozen.

• Cook broccoli separately – Lightly steam before adding to prevent overcooking.

• Sear chicken first – Adds flavor and keeps it juicy.

• Don’t over-thicken sauce – It should coat the chicken and broccoli smoothly.

• Adjust cheese – More Parmesan for salty richness, or swap with mozzarella for stretchiness.

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Variations of Creamy Broccoli Chicken

This dish is easy to customize. Try these variations:

• Creamy Chicken and Mushroom – Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce.

• Cheesy Broccoli Chicken – Mix in shredded cheddar along with Parmesan.

• Lemon Cream Broccoli Chicken – Add zest and juice of half a lemon for brightness.

• Low-carb version – Serve as-is, skip pasta or rice.

• Spicy twist – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.

• Bacon Broccoli Chicken – Add crispy bacon crumbles for smoky flavor.

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Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer – Freeze chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

• Reheating – Warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if the sauce thickens.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but thaw and pat dry before adding to prevent excess water in the sauce.

What’s the best cut of chicken to use?
Chicken breasts for lean protein, thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative.

What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
Grana Padano, Pecorino Romano, or mozzarella for a milder flavor.

Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes, if served without pasta, rice, or potatoes.

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Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving, 4 servings)

• Calories: 480

• Protein: 38g

• Carbohydrates: 8g

• Fat: 32g

• Fiber: 3g

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Conclusion

Creamy broccoli chicken is the ultimate comfort food: rich, flavorful, and satisfying, yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. The creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce ties together tender chicken and fresh broccoli into a dish that feels both hearty and wholesome.

Whether you pair it with pasta, rice, or simply crusty bread, it’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table. And with so many variations—mushrooms, bacon, lemon, or extra cheese—you can reinvent it again and again.

So grab your skillet, some fresh broccoli, and a little cream, and treat yourself to this comforting, family-friendly favorite.

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