Are you craving a comforting, satisfying dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but is actually a breeze to whip up at home? Let me introduce you to my tried-and-true Creamy Chicken and Broccoli—a delicious one-pan meal that checks every box: juicy chicken, fresh broccoli, and the kind of luscious Parmesan cream sauce you’ll want to mop up with bread. Impossibly creamy yet light enough for a weeknight, this family-favorite recipe comes together in under 40 minutes and, bonus, it fits nearly any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or savoring some solo comfort food, Creamy Chicken and Broccoli is here to steal the spotlight tonight!

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Creamy Chicken and Broccoli comes from simple, fresh ingredients—each one playing its own delicious part. From the subtle earthiness of broccoli to the richness of cream and Parmesan, every item matters. Here’s what you’ll need, with some handy tips for the tastiest results.

Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease and a lean, tender bite; slice them to even thickness for perfect cooking.
Olive oil: A couple of tablespoons is all you need to get a gorgeous sear and add unmistakable Mediterranean flavor.
Broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli brings a pop of color and crunch, plus sneaks green veggies into a cozy meal.
Garlic: Three cloves, minced and sautéed, fill your kitchen with irresistible aroma and robust flavor.
Heavy cream: The secret to that dreamy, silky sauce—don’t skimp on the real stuff here!
Chicken broth: Boosts savory depth and balances the richness of the cream.
Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, adding nutty complexity and beautiful texture.
Italian seasoning: Just a teaspoon brings together herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme for subtle warmth.
Paprika: A hint of smokiness and color that elevates the whole dish.
Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer—always taste and adjust as you go.
Butter: Enriches the garlic and helps create a glossy base for the sauce.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Sprinkle on top for a gentle, palate-tingling kick!

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by generously seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. This is your chance to pack in savory flavor before the cooking even starts. Make sure to coat both sides well—it’ll help the chicken form a gorgeous crust and infuse every bite.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the seasoned chicken and let it sizzle for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until beautifully golden and cooked through. You’re building flavor here, so don’t rush. Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate—don’t worry if it isn’t completely cooked, it’ll finish in the sauce!

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Broccoli

In the same skillet, drop in a tablespoon of butter and let it melt, scraping up those tasty browned bits from the chicken. Add your minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—not too long or it’ll burn! Next, toss in your broccoli florets and let them cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re bright green and slightly tender with a bit of crunch.

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

Pour in your heavy cream and chicken broth, giving it all a good stir to combine. Turn the heat down to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This is where the flavors start to meld and the sauce thickens just enough to cling seductively to every piece of chicken and broccoli.

Step 5: Add Parmesan and Return Chicken

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese—it’ll melt into the sauce, creating irresistibly creamy richness. Once the sauce looks smooth and slightly thickened, nestle your cooked chicken back into the skillet. Spoon that glorious sauce over the top and let everything simmer together for another 2–3 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly heated and everything is coated in creamy goodness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the skillet from the heat and, if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes over the top. Spoon big helpings over rice, pasta, or fluffy mashed potatoes, making sure everyone gets plenty of sauce and broccoli to go with their chicken. Dive in while it’s hot!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Broccoli

Garnishes

You can elevate your Creamy Chicken and Broccoli with a shower of freshly chopped parsley, a few extra shavings of Parmesan, or a hit of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick. Even a twist of cracked black pepper right at the table adds a simple but elegant touch!

Side Dishes

This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but it truly shines when paired with something that lets that creamy sauce soak in. I love it with fluffy white rice, al dente pasta, or buttery mashed potatoes. A crisp green salad or some crusty bread is perfect for scooping up the last drops.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party spin, slice the chicken and plate it over a bed of broccoli, then drizzle sauce artfully over the top. Or, serve family-style right from the skillet—let guests help themselves for a cozy, communal vibe. You can even make individual bowls layered with grains and greens for a modern, meal-prepped take on Creamy Chicken and Broccoli.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Chicken and Broccoli in a shallow airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day! Always allow the dish to cool to room temperature before sealing it up to keep everything fresh.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well! Let it cool completely, then spoon portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, squeezing out as much air as possible. Freeze for up to two months—just know that the sauce might separate slightly after thawing, but a gentle stir during reheating works wonders.

Reheating

To reheat your Creamy Chicken and Broccoli, gently warm individual portions in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce is too thick. You can also microwave it in intervals, stirring between bursts for even heat. Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can dry out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are fantastic in Creamy Chicken and Broccoli. They’re juicier and a bit more forgiving if you’re worried about overcooking. Just adjust the cook time slightly, as they might take a minute or two longer to cook through.

Is there a lighter way to make the sauce?

For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream or use a blend of light cream and 2% milk. The sauce will be a bit thinner but still wonderfully flavorful. For added nutrition, consider mixing in more broccoli!

Can I make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli gluten-free?

Great news—this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to check the labels on your chicken broth and Parmesan if you’re especially sensitive, as some brands can sneak in gluten-containing additives.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to get creative with veggies! Mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers are delicious additions. Just sauté or steam any extra veggies before adding them to ensure they cook evenly in the sauce.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer—the thickest part of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part to check for clear juices and no pink in the center. Moist, perfectly cooked chicken is key to the perfect Creamy Chicken and Broccoli!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s quick, comforting, and bursting with flavor, Creamy Chicken and Broccoli should be at the top of your list. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your new weeknight favorite, too!

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a comforting and flavorful dish with this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli recipe. Tender chicken breasts are seared to perfection, then simmered in a luscious cream sauce with broccoli florets, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. This easy stovetop meal is perfect for a satisfying dinner any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste

Sauce:

2 cups broccoli florets
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon butter
Optional red pepper flakes for garnish

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Instructions

Season Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add broccoli florets and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
Add Cheese: Stir in Parmesan cheese until sauce thickens slightly. Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer for 2–3 more minutes until heated through.
Serve: Serve hot with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.