If you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner that’s as satisfying as it is simple, this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chicken nestled in a rich, velvety sauce, fresh broccoli soaking up all that flavor, and everything coming together in a single skillet. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something creamy and comforting, this dish deserves a place at your table.

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe isn’t just a pantry staple—they truly shine and play a key part in making the finished dish taste irresistibly good. From the juicy chicken to the bright green broccoli and luscious creaminess, every item contributes its own magic to make something truly special.

Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless for ease; bite-sized pieces help everything cook evenly and soak up flavor.
Olive oil: Brings out the golden sear on the chicken and builds the base for a silky sauce.
Broccoli florets: Bright, crunchy, and nutrient-packed—they add color, taste, and substance.
Garlic: Just a couple of cloves, but they deliver a subtle kick and depth you’ll crave.
Chicken broth: Richens the sauce and helps steam the broccoli to tender perfection.
Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its signature creamy texture and a comforting, decadent taste.
Parmesan cheese: Brings salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce perfectly.
Cream cheese: Just a spoonful, but it creates an extra-smooth, irresistible creaminess.
Salt: Essential to bring out all the delicious layers of flavor in the dish.
Black pepper: Adds the right amount of warmth and balancing spice.
Red pepper flakes (optional): A hint of heat for those who like an extra little zing.
Fresh parsley (optional): Finishes everything with a touch of herby freshness and brightens up the plate.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your seasoned chicken pieces, and let them sizzle for 5–7 minutes. Stir occasionally, making sure every nugget gets beautifully golden and cooked through. This step is all about locking in juicy flavor, so take your time. Once the chicken is ready, scoop it out onto a plate and set it aside—you’ll need it again very soon!

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, drop in the minced garlic. Let it cook for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. That unmistakable garlicky aroma signals the start of your sauce, and it’ll make anyone passing by the kitchen instantly hungry.

Step 3: Simmer the Broccoli

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any golden bits left behind. Bring it to a simmer, then add the broccoli florets. Pop a lid on if you have one, and let the broccoli steam for 3–4 minutes until it’s just tender but still vibrantly green—nobody wants floppy broccoli here!

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Now comes the pure magic. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, cream cheese, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a hint of spice. Let everything simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring until the cheeses melt into the cream and the sauce thickens to the perfect consistency. At this point, you’ll want to have a spoon handy just for taste-testing—it’s that good.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the golden chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy pools. Stir to coat everything in the luscious sauce, then let it all simmer for another 2 minutes so the flavors meld and everything is piping hot. Top with freshly chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy, and serve immediately for creamy chicken dinner bliss.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate what a handful of vibrant, freshly chopped parsley can do for this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe. Not only does it add a pop of color that brightens up the plate, but it also hints at garden-fresh flavor. You could also sprinkle on a touch more Parmesan if you’re a cheese lover—no judgment here!

Side Dishes

This creamy creation is begging to be served over something that’ll soak up every last drop of sauce. Steamed white rice, fluffy mashed potatoes, or your favorite pasta are all lovely companions. If you want a lighter touch, try some cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a delicious, lower-carb base.

Creative Ways to Present

For something special, spoon the creamiest chicken and broccoli mixture into individual ramekins, top with breadcrumbs and extra cheese, then broil for a few minutes until bubbly—a dreamy, mini gratin. Alternatively, pile the dish over a toasted baguette slice, or stuff it into baked potatoes for a cozy twist. It’s hard to go wrong!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe keep beautifully in the fridge for three to four days. Just let the dish cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container, and pop it into the refrigerator. The flavors continue to meld, often making leftovers taste even richer and more delicious.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this recipe! The cream sauce might separate just a bit when thawed, but give everything a good stir during reheating and you’ll hardly notice a difference. Store cooled portions in freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the dish in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. This will ensure the cheese stays silky and the chicken remains tender, not dry.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are deliciously juicy and work just as well in this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and cook as directed.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, try using coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and swap in a plant-based cheese alternative. The result will be a bit different, but still wonderfully creamy and satisfying.

What’s the best way to keep the broccoli bright and crisp?

The key is to simmer the broccoli just until it turns bright green and is barely tender. Avoid overcooking, and if you’re extra picky about texture, you can blanch it separately and add it in at the end.

Can I add other vegetables?

Of course! Mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers are all delicious additions to the Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe. Just toss them in with the broccoli or sauté them briefly after the chicken for the best results.

What type Main Course

Freshly grated Parmesan brings the best flavor and melts smoothly into the sauce. The pre-grated stuff won’t blend as well and can leave your sauce a bit gritty—so go for the real deal if you can!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about homemade comfort food, and this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is always a hit—whether you’re sharing with family or treating yourself. If you’re craving a one-pan meal that’s both simple and full of flavor, I hope you’ll try this and fall in love just like I have!

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

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4.7 from 4 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of this easy-to-make Chicken and Broccoli recipe. Tender chicken and vibrant broccoli florets are smothered in a luscious cream sauce, creating a satisfying meal for any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cream Sauce:

3 cups broccoli florets
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon cream cheese
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish:

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, add chicken, season with salt and pepper, cook until golden. Set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, cook garlic, add chicken broth, simmer. Add broccoli, cook until tender. Stir in cream, Parmesan, cream cheese, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Combine and Serve: Return chicken to the skillet, simmer to heat through. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.