Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet Recipe
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.
- Author: Mia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Thicken Sauce (Optional): If the sauce needs thickening, add the cornstarch slurry and stir continuously for another minute or two until thickened.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: Creamy Garlic Chicken, Skillet Recipe, Easy Dinner Recipe, Chicken and Broccoli