If you’re on the hunt for a quick, cozy, and extremely satisfying dinner, let me introduce my favorite weeknight hero: Creamy Chicken and Broccoli. This recipe brings tender, golden chicken breasts and vibrant broccoli together in a silkily smooth, garlicky sauce—all made in one pan and ready in just about half an hour. It’s the kind of meal that feels both homemade and a little indulgent, but still light enough to keep you coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan magic: All the ingredients come together in a single pan for minimal fuss and cleanup—perfect for busy nights or lazy Sundays.
- Healthier comfort food: Creamy Chicken and Broccoli gives you the classic coziness of a creamy dish, while using milk of your choice (even dairy-free!) and plenty of greens.
- Lightning fast: The entire dinner is yours in just 30 minutes from start to finish—no marathon cooking session required.
- Unbeatable flavor & texture: The combo of juicy chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and garlicky cream sauce is simply dreamy and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Chicken and Broccoli is that it turns humble, everyday staples into a meal that feels truly special. Each ingredient plays its part in building flavor and creating that lush, creamy texture—so don’t skip a thing!
- Boneless chicken breasts: These become golden and juicy, perfect for soaking up the rich, velvety sauce.
- Kosher salt & ground pepper: The basics that make every ingredient pop and give depth to the entire dish.
- Italian seasoning: Adds herby brightness and aromatic notes—feel free to adjust to your liking!
- Olive oil (divided): Helps achieve that gorgeous sear on the chicken and blooms the garlic.
- Fresh garlic: The aromatic backbone—nothing beats the flavor of freshly minced garlic in a creamy sauce.
- Almond milk (or any milk): Makes the sauce rich without being heavy. Swap in whole or coconut milk for extra creaminess.
- Gluten-free flour (or any flour): This thickens the sauce to the perfect spoon-coating consistency.
- Broccoli head, chopped: Brings color, crunch, and nutrition to the table. Cut into florets for even cooking.
- Fresh parsley: Just a sprinkle brightens everything with color and a fresh herbal finish.
- Lemon wedges (optional): A squeeze at serving wakes up all the flavors! Totally optional, but highly recommended.
Variations
No two kitchens are exactly alike—and that’s the beauty of Creamy Chicken and Broccoli! Feel free to make this recipe your own with small tweaks, swaps, or personal touches. Here are just a few ideas to spark your creativity.
- Swap in chicken thighs: If you prefer dark meat, boneless thighs are every bit as delicious and even more forgiving for juicy, tender chicken.
- Experiment with veggies: Use asparagus, zucchini, Brussels sprouts, or green beans for a twist—anything that cooks to tender-crisp suits this luscious sauce.
- Change up the milk: Try whole milk or coconut milk for an extra creamy sauce, or keep it light and dairy-free with almond or oat milk.
- Add some cheese: Stir in a handful of grated Parmesan or mozzarella at the end for an even richer, more decadent finish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Pat your chicken breasts dry and generously rub them with kosher salt, ground pepper, and Italian seasoning. If your chicken breasts are extra thick, go ahead and slice them in half horizontally so they cook more quickly and evenly. This step is what guarantees each bite will be flavorful, not bland!
Step 2: Whisk the Creamy Sauce Base
In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk the almond milk and gluten-free flour until totally smooth and lump-free. This little mixture is the secret that helps your sauce thicken up perfectly in the pan—no clumping or gritty texture!
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat half of your olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high. Add the chicken and cook until each side is beautifully golden-brown and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Once done, set the chicken aside and cover to keep it juicy.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce & Add Broccoli
To the same pan, add the rest of the olive oil and sauté the fresh minced garlic for a full minute—let the aroma fill your kitchen! Pour in the milk-flour slurry and stir continuously. The sauce will begin to thicken almost immediately. Toss in your broccoli florets, cover, and let everything cook for 6–8 minutes so the broccoli turns bright green and tender-crisp.
Step 5: Return Chicken & Finish
Return the golden chicken to the pan, nestling it into the creamy broccoli sauce. Allow everything to cook together for another couple minutes—just until everything is perfectly heated and the sauce hugs every nook and cranny. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and, if you like, lemon wedges on the side for a little zing!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken and Broccoli
- Chicken Slicing Trick: If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them into thinner cutlets—they’ll cook faster and stay juicier in the sauce.
- Sauce Consistency Control: If you want your sauce thicker, simply simmer uncovered a few more minutes, or add a sprinkle more flour and whisk well.
- Don’t Rush the Broccoli: Let the broccoli just reach tender-crisp; overcooking can mute that delightful color and crunch that balances the whole dish.
- Amp Up the Flavor: For extra depth, add a pinch of paprika or onion powder to your seasoning mix—or even a splash of white wine to the sauce before adding broccoli.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Broccoli
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a little pop of color and gentle herbal flavor to the finished Creamy Chicken and Broccoli. If you’re in the mood, a few shavings of Parmesan take things up a notch, and a wedge of lemon alongside brings brightness that’s irresistible.
Side Dishes
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli is lovely served over your favorite grain—think fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or even a bed of pasta to soak up that delicious sauce. For a lighter route, try cauliflower rice or a crisp green salad on the side. Don’t forget some crusty bread to swipe through every last drop!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the chicken and layer it in shallow bowls with the broccoli spooned alongside, then drizzle the sauce over everything. If you’re hosting, serve family-style in a big platter with extra parsley and lemon. Or, dice the chicken and use the saucy mixture as a filling for wraps, baked potatoes, or over toasted ciabatta slices for an open-faced sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken and Broccoli keeps like a dream! Cool the dish completely, then transfer into airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and develop even more, making second-day lunches extra special.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind that dairy-free sauces (like those made with almond milk) can separate slightly. Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and stir well when reheating—if it looks a little separated, a quick whisk works wonders!
Reheating
Gently reheat Creamy Chicken and Broccoli in a skillet over medium-low, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce as needed. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts—stirring between each—until fully heated through. Just avoid boiling the sauce, which can make it grainy.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just add frozen broccoli directly to the pan, but keep an eye on the texture—it can cook a little faster than fresh. Drain off any excess water if needed so your sauce stays luscious.
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How do I make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli even creamier?
If you want a super rich sauce, swap almond milk for whole milk, canned coconut milk, or stir in a bit of cream or cream cheese at the end. A handful of Parmesan also boosts creaminess with extra flavor.
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What’s the best way to ensure the chicken stays juicy?
To keep chicken moist and tender, don’t overcook it in the first sear. Aim for golden outsides and remove from the pan right as it’s cooked through. It’ll finish gently when returned to the sauce at the end!
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Can I make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli dairy-free and gluten-free?
Yes! Just use your favorite plant-based milk (like almond or oat) and a certified gluten-free flour. This recipe is naturally adaptable to a range of dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll treat yourself to this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli soon—it’s a dish that’s equally at home on a busy weeknight or when you want a little extra comfort. Each bite is a cozy hug of flavor and freshness. If you try it, let me know how you made it your own! Enjoy every creamy, garlicky, green-flecked forkful.
Print
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy chicken and broccoli recipe is a delicious and comforting dish that is easy to make. Tender chicken breasts are cooked in a creamy almond milk sauce with garlic and served with perfectly cooked broccoli. A simple and satisfying meal for any night of the week!
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt and ground pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Sauce:
- 1 1/2 cup almond milk or any other milk
- 1 tablespoon gluten-free flour or any other flour
Additional:
- 1 medium broccoli head, chopped (about 3 cups)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, optional to serve
Instructions
- Rub the Chicken: Rub the boneless chicken breasts with kosher salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Prepare the Sauce: Whisk almond milk and gluten-free flour until smooth.
- Cook the Chicken: Cook the chicken in olive oil until golden-brown and cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: Cook garlic in oil, then add the almond milk mixture and broccoli.
- Combine and Garnish: Return chicken to the pan, cook briefly, and garnish with parsley and lemon wedges.
Notes
- For best results, slice thick chicken breasts into thinner pieces for even cooking.
- Feel free to use whole milk or canned lite coconut milk for a creamier sauce.
- Experiment with different seasonings, oils, and types of milk for variety.
- Try other vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini in place of broccoli.
- You can use boneless chicken thighs for a different flavor profile.
- Any type of flour can be used in the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
