Description
Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce is a comforting, one-pan meal featuring juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce. This family-friendly dinner is quick to prepare and perfect served over rice, pasta, or enjoyed on its own for a satisfying low-carb option.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Prepare the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in the Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add cheese: Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses until they melt completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Cook broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender yet crisp.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, folding it into the sauce until fully coated. Simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to heat everything through evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped parsley on top if desired, and serve hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
Notes
- For a lower-carb version, serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional grains.
- You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich and creamy.
- Make sure not to overcook the broccoli to maintain its vibrant green color and slight crunch.
- Using fresh garlic adds more flavor, but garlic powder can be used as a substitute in a pinch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
