This dish combines convenience and indulgence in one skillet. The creamy garlic sauce coats every bite, while the broccoli adds freshness and balance. It’s a low-effort recipe with minimal cleanup, yet it feels like a restaurant-quality meal. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with rice, pasta, or enjoy on its own.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.) chicken breast or thighs olive oil or butter garlic broccoli florets heavy cream chicken broth parmesan cheese salt black pepper paprika onion powder italian seasoning cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Directions
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder, then add it to the skillet and cook until golden and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add broccoli florets and cook for a few minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently. Add parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it in the sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a little water and stir it in.
Let everything simmer together for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve warm.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20–25 minutes Total time: about 30–35 minutes
Variations
You can swap broccoli with asparagus, spinach, or green beans. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Add mushrooms for extra depth of flavor or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. You can also make it low-carb by serving it as is, or pair it with pasta or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just thaw and drain it before adding to avoid excess water in the sauce.
What cut of chicken works best?
Both chicken breast and thighs work well, depending on your preference.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can substitute the cream with coconut milk and skip the parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat low when adding cream and avoid boiling the sauce.
Can I add pasta directly to the skillet?
Yes, cooked pasta can be added at the end and tossed in the sauce.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs if served without pasta or rice.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but you can cook the chicken and prep ingredients in advance.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Use a cornstarch slurry or let it simmer longer to reduce.
What other cheeses can I use?
Mozzarella or cream cheese can be used for a different texture and flavor.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely, vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms work great.
Conclusion
Creamy garlic chicken and broccoli skillet is a simple yet indulgent meal that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s a versatile dish you can easily customize to suit your taste while keeping things quick and satisfying
This Creamy Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Skillet is a rich, one-pan dinner made with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a velvety garlic parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy skillet meal is comforting, flavorful, and ready in under 35 minutes.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast or boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups broccoli florets
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
1 tablespoon water (if using cornstarch)
Instructions
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6–8 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add broccoli florets and cook for 3–5 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it in the sauce.
If a thicker sauce is desired, mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the skillet.
Simmer for another 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
Adjust seasoning as needed and serve warm.
Notes
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.Swap broccoli with asparagus, spinach, or green beans if preferred.Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes.To keep it low-carb or keto, serve as is without pasta or rice.Add cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.
