Description
This Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet recipe is a one-pan wonder combining tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a rich, garlicky cream sauce for a fast and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 head broccoli, cut into florets (about 4 cups)
4–5 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook chicken in a single layer for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Add broccoli to the same skillet and cook 4-5 minutes until slightly tender. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
4. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 2 minutes.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low, stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 3-4 minutes until thickened.
6. Return chicken to skillet and heat through 2 minutes. Serve immediately.
Notes
Avoid overcooking chicken to prevent dryness.
Do not overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if needed.
Add garlic at the end with broccoli to prevent burning.
Keep cream sauce at gentle simmer to prevent separation.
Optional swaps: shrimp, steak, asparagus, mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, half-and-half or coconut milk, Romano or Asiago cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg