If you are craving a rich, comforting meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome, this Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet is a winner every time. With tender chicken bathed in a dreamy garlic-infused cream sauce and vibrant, perfectly steamed broccoli, this dish hits all the right notes. What makes it even better is the simplicity of the process: An Incredible 7-Step Recipe that brings elegance and flavor together on your dinner table with minimal effort, yet maximum satisfaction.

An Incredible 7-Step Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward yet incredibly essential for perfecting the taste, texture, and color of this dish. Each one contributes a little magic, from the fragrant garlic to the creamy sauce that lovingly coats the chicken and broccoli.

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh pieces for tender, juicy bites throughout the dish.

2 cups broccoli florets: Fresh and bright to add freshness, crunch, and a pop of green color.
4 cloves minced garlic: The star flavor that delivers aromatic warmth and depth.

1 cup heavy cream: Creates the rich, velvety sauce that ties every ingredient together beautifully.
1 cup chicken broth: Adds savory complexity and keeps the sauce luscious without being too heavy.

1 tablespoon olive oil: The ideal fat for searing chicken and sautéing garlic with a silky finish.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that enhances every bite with herbs like oregano and basil.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning for balancing and highlighting all flavors.

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a nutty, salty kick as a finishing touch.
Fresh parsley (optional): A burst of fresh color and mild herbal brightness for garnish.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet: An Incredible 7-Step Recipe

Step 1: Heat the Skillet

Start by warming your skillet over medium-high heat and adding that tablespoon of olive oil. This step is crucial since a hot pan gives the chicken a beautiful golden crust, locking in juices for perfectly tender meat. The olive oil also brings subtle fruity undertones that gently meld with garlic later on.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Once the oil is shimmering, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This seasoning blend introduces herbal notes that complement the creamy sauce perfectly. Cook the chicken for around 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Then, remove it from the skillet and set aside—this keeps it from overcooking while you prepare the sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, add your minced garlic and sauté for just about 30 seconds. This brief cooking time is key—it softens the garlic and releases its fragrant oils without burning, which would add bitterness. Your kitchen should start smelling like comfort food heaven.

Step 4: Add Broth and Cream

Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir them together until combined, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This creates the luscious base of your sauce—rich, comforting, and perfectly balanced so it won’t overpower the delicate chicken and broccoli.

Step 5: Return the Chicken

Now it’s time to return the seared chicken to the skillet. Let it gently simmer in the creamy sauce for about 5 minutes. This allows the chicken to soak up flavors and the sauce to thicken slightly into a dreamy consistency that clings to each piece.

Step 6: Steam the Broccoli

Just as the sauce is reaching its creamy perfection, stir in the fresh broccoli florets. They’ll steam in the sauce for about 5 minutes until bright green and tender. This method keeps the broccoli crisp yet cooked and infused with the delicious garlicky creaminess.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Once everything is cooked through and the sauce is thickened to your liking, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle over grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley if you like those extra layers of flavor and color. This final flourish makes each bite feel that much more special.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet: An Incredible 7-Step Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishes can elevate this dish from everyday to extraordinary. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty finish that perfectly complements the creamy sauce. Meanwhile, some bright green chopped parsley provides a fresh herbal note and pops of vibrant color that make the plate look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This skillet meal is beautiful on its own or paired with simple sides. Serve it over fluffy mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce. Alternatively, a side of garlic bread or crusty baguette is great for dipping and adds a satisfying crunch to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve the chicken and broccoli straight from the skillet placed on a trivet at the table—this creates a cozy, communal vibe. You can also plate it individually over a bed of freshly cooked rice or pasta for a complete, colorful dinner plate. Drizzle a little extra sauce around the plate and finish with a sprinkling of Parmesan and herbs for a restaurant-worthy touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover creamy garlic chicken and broccoli tastes great the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the sauce from becoming too thick or separating, you can stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating.

Freezing

If you want to save this dish for later, it freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove. Keep in mind that fresh broccoli might lose some of its texture but will still be delicious.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Add a small amount of broth or cream to help loosen the sauce and bring back that fresh, creamy texture. Avoid reheating on high heat to prevent curdling.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli?

Absolutely! While broccoli adds great color and texture, you can swap in vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or even spinach. Just adjust cooking times accordingly so veggies stay tender yet crisp.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free creamer, and use a chicken broth brand without dairy. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Chicken thighs work great if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful cut. They may take a bit longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Garlic cooks very quickly, so keep your heat at medium or medium-low during this step and sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir constantly and remove from heat if you notice it browning too fast.

Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?

Definitely! Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet: An Incredible 7-Step Recipe scales up well. Use a larger skillet or sauté pan to maintain even cooking and don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet is a perfect example of comfort food made simple and stunning. With its rich sauce, tender chicken, and fresh-tasting broccoli, it’s a dish that smiles back at you with every bite. So go ahead, give this Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet: An Incredible 7-Step Recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you, and it might just become your go-to weeknight favorite.

Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet: An Incredible 7-Step Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 23 reviews

Author: lina

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Carb

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Description

This Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet is a quick and delicious one-pan meal featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich garlic cream sauce with fresh broccoli. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it combines comforting flavors with healthy veggies in just 7 simple steps.

Instructions

Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the hot skillet. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it for approximately 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
Add Broth and Cream: Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to allow the flavors to meld.

Return the Chicken: Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Allow it to simmer in the creamy sauce for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken.
Steam the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets into the skillet during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Stir them in so they steam in the sauce, becoming tender and vibrantly green.
Serve and Garnish: Once the chicken is fully cooked and broccoli tender, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter dish, though the sauce will be less rich.
If broccoli florets are large, cut them into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.
For a dairy-free option, consider using coconut milk instead of heavy cream, and omit Parmesan garnish.

Serve over cooked rice, pasta, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet Cooking

Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 370 kcal

Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 550 mg
Fat: 26 g

Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g

Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 30 g

Cholesterol: 120 mg

Keywords: creamy garlic chicken, chicken skillet, broccoli chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner, one-pan meal, low carb chicken recipes