Quick Creamy Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Skillet (Print Version)
Quick, creamy garlic chicken and broccoli skillet for busy nights. A one-pan wonder that's cozy, flavorful, and a family favorite!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American (Homestyle)
Dietary: High Protein, One-Pan Meal
# Ingredients:
→ Main Skillet Stars
01 -
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 -
4 cups broccoli florets (from 1 large head)
03 -
1 tbsp olive oil
04 -
2 tbsp unsalted butter
05 -
6 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
07 -
1/2 cup heavy cream
→ Flavor Boosters
08 -
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
09 -
1/2 tsp onion powder
10 -
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
11 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Finishing Touches
12 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
13 -
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
# Instructions:
01 -
Alright, get your big skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once it's shimmering, toss in your chicken pieces. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you want a nice sear, not a steam bath! Cook until golden brown and almost cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. I swear, the smell of searing chicken always makes my stomach rumble. This is where I often forget to season the chicken *before* it goes in, so don't be like me – a little salt and pepper here goes a long way!
02 -
Once your chicken is looking good, push it to one side of the skillet. Add the butter and let it melt. Then, toss in your broccoli florets and all that minced garlic. Oh, and the red pepper flakes too, if you're using them! Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the broccoli starts to turn bright green and the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic here; it goes from perfect to bitter in a flash. I've ruined a batch or two by getting distracted by a text, oops!
03 -
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that's flavor gold, folks! Bring it to a gentle simmer. This step is where all those yummy bits join the party. Let it bubble for a couple of minutes, allowing the broccoli to soften slightly and the flavors to meld. You'll start to see a nice little reduction happening, which means a richer sauce for your Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet.
04 -
Reduce the heat to low. Now, for the magic! Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently until it's fully combined. Add your Italian seasoning, onion powder, a good pinch of salt, and a grind of black pepper. Stir it all together. Let it gently simmer for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. You want it to coat the back of a spoon. If it's too thin, let it go a little longer; too thick, a splash more broth will do the trick.
05 -
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in about half of the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the creamy sauce. This adds another layer of savory goodness and helps thicken it just a touch more. Taste and adjust seasonings one last time. This is my favorite part because I get to "sample" a spoonful or two, you know, for quality control!
06 -
Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley over the top. The vibrant green of the parsley against the creamy sauce and golden chicken just looks so inviting! Serve your Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet immediately. It’s truly best straight from the pan, when everything is warm and the sauce is at its creamiest. Honestly, it’s a showstopper, even if you just threw it together on a whim!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcrowd the pan; it steams the chicken instead of searing it. I learned that the hard way, trust me.
02 -
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop for best texture.
03 -
No heavy cream? Milk works in a pinch, but the sauce won't be as rich or thick. I tried it once, it was okay.
04 -
A sprinkle of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens everything up! It's my secret weapon.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet (10-12 inch)
02 -
cutting board
03 -
sharp knife
04 -
measuring spoons/cups
05 -
grater (for Parmesan)
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 480
Total Fat: 32g
Total Carbohydrate: 12g
Protein: 35g