Creamy Chicken Broccoli: 7 Easy Steps to a Perfect Dinner

Creamy Chicken Broccoli is the ultimate weeknight comfort meal, combining tender chicken, vibrant green broccoli, and a rich, velvety sauce into one satisfying dish. This recipe promises a burst of flavor and a wonderfully creamy texture that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s incredibly adaptable, making it a perfect canvas for adding extra vegetables, different cheeses, or even a kick of spice. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this Creamy Chicken Broccoli is straightforward to prepare, delivers consistent delicious results, and keeps meal prep simple with its one-pan approach.

My journey with Creamy Chicken Broccoli began years ago, a trusty go-to when I needed a hearty meal that didn’t skimp on flavor or nutrition. I remember trying countless versions, from overly thick sauces to mushy broccoli, before perfecting this balanced approach. A common question I had was, “What’s the best way to cook chicken for Creamy Chicken Broccoli so it stays tender?” The key, I found, is a quick sear to lock in juices before simmering it gently in the sauce. This ensures every bite of chicken is succulent, not dry.

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What Makes Creamy Chicken Broccoli Special

The magic of Creamy Chicken Broccoli lies in its simplicity and the harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The dish achieves a perfect balance between the savory, juicy chicken and the slightly crisp, earthy broccoli, all enveloped in a luxurious sauce. Many home cooks ask, “Can I use frozen broccoli in Creamy Chicken Broccoli, and how should I prepare it?” Absolutely! Frozen broccoli is a great time-saver; just thaw it partially or add it directly to the sauce, allowing a few extra minutes for it to cook through, ensuring it doesn’t get watery.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Broccoli: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prep the Chicken:

Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes and pat dry. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sear Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown, then remove.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics:

Add onion to the skillet and cook until soft. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes.

Step 4: Build the Sauce:

Pour in chicken broth and simmer, scraping up browned bits. Add heavy cream and Italian seasoning, simmering until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Cook Broccoli & Cheese:

Add broccoli to the sauce, cover, and cook until tender-crisp. Stir in Parmesan until melted. This is often where people wonder, “How can I make Creamy Chicken Broccoli healthier without sacrificing flavor?” You can use half-and-half or milk with a cornstarch slurry instead of heavy cream, and increase the amount of broccoli.

Step 6: Combine & Serve:

Return chicken to the skillet, heat through, and garnish with parsley. Serve immediately.

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Storing Your Creamy Chicken Broccoli

Proper storage is key to enjoying your Creamy Chicken Broccoli for days to come. Once the dish has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly within two hours of cooking. It will typically stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, I often get asked, “How do I prevent the sauce in Creamy Chicken Broccoli from becoming too thin or breaking?” Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently. If the sauce appears to separate or is too thin, a quick whisk or adding a tablespoon of fresh cream or broth can help bring it back together to its original luscious texture.

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Variations & Substitutions

This Creamy Chicken Broccoli recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing for many creative twists. For instance, if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut milk or a plant-based cream substitute can be used, though the flavor profile will shift slightly. You could also swap chicken breast for chicken thighs for a richer, more succulent bite. Experiment with other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. For those who enjoy a bit more heat, a pinch more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce would be excellent. If you’re out of Parmesan, a sharp cheddar or Gruyere could offer a different, yet equally delicious, cheesy dimension. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

The History of Creamy Chicken Broccoli

While Creamy Chicken Broccoli isn’t steeped in centuries of culinary tradition like some dishes, its popularity surged as home cooks sought quick, satisfying meals. It emerged from the broader trend of “skillet dinners” and “one-pan wonders” in the mid-to-late 20th century, a time when efficiency in the kitchen became increasingly valued. Recipes featuring chicken and a creamy sauce were already staples, often found in casserole form. The addition of broccoli brought a nutritious, vibrant element, solidifying its place as a go-to weeknight dinner that delivers both flavor and convenience. It’s a testament to practical, delicious American home cooking.

There you have it – your guide to crafting the perfect Creamy Chicken Broccoli, a dish that consistently delivers on comfort and flavor. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and a velvety sauce, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen. Remember, cooking should be an enjoyable experience, so feel free to adapt this recipe to your tastes. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this irresistible, easy-to-make meal. Enjoy every creamy, savory bite!

💡 Try This Next: Looking for protein-packed meals? Check our chicken dishes.

FAQs

Creamy Chicken Broccoli

This Creamy Chicken Broccoli recipe delivers a comforting, flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and satisfying any craving.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

 

• Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. This helps create a nice sear and prevents the chicken from sticking.
• Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
• Create Cream Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Continue to simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
• Add Broccoli and Cheese: Add the broccoli florets to the simmering sauce. Cover the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
• Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it evenly with the creamy sauce and broccoli. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to heat the chicken through. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing chicken for a better crust.
• Always use fresh garlic and onion for the best flavor.
• For a thicker sauce, you can create a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) and whisk it into the simmering sauce at the end.