Creamy Chicken and Broccoli

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There’s something about the combination of juicy seared chicken and tender broccoli nestled in a silky, garlicky cream sauce that feels like the warmest kind of comfort. I’ve made this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli recipe more times than I can count, and every single time it gets the same reaction: complete silence followed by satisfied sighs around the dinner table. It’s the kind of dish that just feels like home.

I created this recipe on a weeknight when I needed something quick but wholesome, and I had chicken breasts and broccoli staring back at me from the fridge. With a splash of cream, a hint of garlic, and some lemon to brighten everything up, it turned into a meal worth repeating. Now it’s part of our regular dinner rotation—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What I love most is how easy it is to pull together, yet it tastes like something from a restaurant. It’s cozy, flavorful, and nourishing, perfect on its own or with a side of rice or pasta to soak up that luscious sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli

This dish is perfect when you want something hearty but not heavy. The chicken is seared until golden, locking in moisture and flavor. The broccoli adds a bright, slightly crunchy contrast to the richness of the creamy garlic sauce. That sauce? It’s the real star here. Infused with garlic, a splash of lemon, and seasoned just right—it’s rich but balanced, indulgent but not overwhelming.

You’ll love that this recipe comes together in one pan, saving you cleanup time while still delivering big flavor. It’s also naturally low-carb and gluten-free, making it great for a variety of dietary preferences. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends, this recipe always hits the mark.

How to Make the Creamy Chicken and Broccoli

Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through. This usually takes about 5–6 minutes per side. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add a bit of butter. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then pour in heavy cream. Let the cream simmer gently, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in grated parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and a touch more seasoning. Let it reduce slightly to thicken.

Step 3: Add Broccoli
While the sauce simmers, add your broccoli florets. You can either steam them lightly beforehand or let them cook directly in the sauce until just tender, about 5–7 minutes depending on their size.

Step 4: Combine and Serve
Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce and broccoli. Let it warm through for a few minutes so the flavors meld together beautifully. Garnish with fresh parsley or an extra squeeze of lemon before serving.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

If you don’t have heavy cream, half-and-half can work in a pinch, though the sauce will be slightly thinner. For a dairy-free version, use canned coconut milk and skip the cheese, or opt for a dairy-free alternative.

This recipe is also delicious with boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts—they’re juicy and full of flavor. If broccoli isn’t your favorite, swap it out for asparagus, spinach, or even green beans.

To make it more filling, serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. You could also stir in cooked pasta directly into the pan for a creamy chicken and broccoli pasta dish.

Want to spice it up a bit? Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the sauce. Craving more veggies? Mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes make great additions.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli recipe is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. I often serve it over fluffy white rice or a bowl of buttery mashed potatoes to soak up every bit of that garlic cream sauce. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles are fantastic alternatives.

You could also toss it with cooked fettuccine or penne pasta for a creamy pasta dinner. Add a fresh green salad on the side with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. A few slices of crusty bread also make a perfect companion, especially for wiping the skillet clean.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To store leftovers, transfer the chicken and broccoli along with the sauce into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the creamy sauce can separate when thawed and reheated.

When reheating, warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to help loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just thaw and drain it first, and reduce the cooking time slightly so it doesn’t get mushy.

What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are both excellent choices. Thighs are juicier, while breasts offer a leaner option.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time, then reheat and combine everything when ready to serve. It’s great for meal prep.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

It’s naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your broth and parmesan cheese labels to ensure there are no added gluten ingredients.

Is there a non-dairy alternative to heavy cream?

Yes, canned full-fat coconut milk or an unsweetened plant-based cream can be used. The flavor will change slightly, but it still turns out delicious.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you love creamy, one-pan meals like this one, you’ve got to try my Garlic Butter Tuscan Chicken. It features juicy chicken in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce with spinach and a touch of parmesan—equally indulgent and easy to prepare.

Another favorite is my Lemon Herb Chicken with Roasted Vegetables. It’s lighter, bright with flavor, and just as satisfying when you want something wholesome and colorful on your plate.

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

Don’t forget to save this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli recipe for your next weeknight dinner! Pin it to your Pinterest board so you can find it easily later. If you tried it and loved it, be sure to share the recipe with your friends and family on Facebook, Instagram, or wherever you share your food favorites.

Every share helps others discover delicious, home-cooked meals like this one—and I always love seeing how it turns out in your kitchen. Tag me if you post a photo!

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