One-pan creamy chicken and broccoli dinner recipe
This one-pan creamy chicken and broccoli recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are cooked in a rich, creamy sauce alongside crisp-tender broccoli for a satisfying and wholesome meal.
This dish combines protein-packed chicken and nutritious broccoli in a luscious, creamy garlic sauce, all cooked in one pan for minimal cleanup. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and pairs perfectly with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Easy to make and ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect weeknight healthy dinner recipes to serve the entire family.
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
1/2 cup Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Prepare the chicken:
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook the chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the broccoli:
In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets. Pour in the chicken broth and cover the pan. Let the broccoli steam for about 4-5 minutes until it’s tender but still bright green.
Make the creamy sauce:
Lower the heat and stir in the Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, and dried thyme (if using). Mix well to combine, making a creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Combine the chicken and broccoli:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon some of the creamy sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and serve immediately. This dish is great on its own or paired with a side like quinoa, rice, or mashed potatoes!
This creamy chicken and broccoli is a great healthy option for the family, packed with protein and veggies. It’s easy to make, and the creamy sauce adds so much flavor!
Notes:
Chicken:
Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs provide extra juiciness, while breasts cook faster.
Pound chicken to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
Broccoli:
Use fresh broccoli florets for the best texture. Frozen broccoli works but may release extra water into the sauce.
Creamy Sauce:
Made with heavy cream or a mix of cream and chicken broth for a lighter option.
For added depth, mix in a splash of white wine or Dijon mustard.
Cheese:
Parmesan cheese thickens and flavors the sauce. Adjust to taste or try a mix of Parmesan and Gruyère.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
One-Pan Efficiency:
Use a large skillet to accommodate the chicken and broccoli without overcrowding, ensuring even cooking.
Q&A
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, chicken thighs work beautifully and add more flavor. Just adjust cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer.
Q: How do I keep the broccoli crisp-tender?
A: Add broccoli to the pan during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking. Cover with a lid to steam it slightly in the creamy sauce.
Q: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: Yes, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Mushrooms, spinach, or asparagus are excellent additions to complement the flavors.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: The dish is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Q: How can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Ensure all ingredients, such as chicken broth and cheese, are gluten-free. Serve with gluten-free sides like rice or gluten-free pasta.
Q: Can I substitute cream with a lighter option?
A: Yes, use a combination of milk and a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to mimic the creaminess.