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Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet Recipe

Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet Recipe

5 from 11 reviews

Indulge in this creamy and flavorful Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a rich garlic-infused cream sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp paprika (optional, for color and mild heat)

Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (for lighter version)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)

Broccoli:

  • 3 cups fresh broccoli florets

Thickening (Optional):

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets, or use whole thighs if you prefer juicier cuts. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion until fragrant and translucent—about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Deglaze and Simmer Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to lift all the delicious brown bits. Stir in the cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
  5. Steam the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets directly to the skillet and cover with a lid. Let them steam for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. If you prefer softer broccoli, cook a bit longer.
  6. Thicken Sauce (Optional): If the sauce needs thickening, add the cornstarch slurry and stir continuously for another minute or two until thickened.
  7. Return Chicken to Pan: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce and broccoli. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes so the flavors meld.
  8. Serve and Garnish: Turn off the heat and garnish with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot, optionally over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.

Notes

  • Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or herbs.
  • For a lower-calorie option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Garlic Chicken, Skillet Recipe, Easy Dinner Recipe, Chicken and Broccoli