Simple Creamy Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Skillet (Print Version)

Creamy Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Skillet - A fuss-free, delicious weeknight meal that comes together in one pan. Perfect for busy evenings!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American Comfort
Dietary: Gluten-Free Option (ensure broth is GF)

# Ingredients:

→ Skillet Stars

01 - 1-1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 4-5 cups fresh broccoli florets
03 - 2 tbsp olive oil

→ Creamy Sauce Essentials

04 - 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
06 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
07 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

→ Flavor Boosters

08 - Salt, to taste
09 - Black pepper, to taste

→ Optional Extras

10 - Pinch of red pepper flakes

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get that chicken ready! Pat your chicken pieces dry – this is a small step, but honestly, it makes a huge difference for a good sear. Then, season them generously with salt and pepper. I always forget this part until the chicken is already in the pan, and then I'm scrambling! Heat a large skillet (my trusty cast iron is usually my go-to for this dish) over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. Once shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the pan, or it won't brown properly; you might need to do this in batches.
02 - Let that chicken sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, until it's beautifully golden brown and cooked through. You're looking for that lovely crust, which adds so much flavor to the dish. This is where the magic starts to happen! Once it’s done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Don't worry about any browned bits left in the pan – those are flavor bombs waiting to be incorporated into our sauce. I used to scrape them out, thinking they were burnt, but oops, I was wrong!
03 - Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in your minced garlic. Oh, the smell! It's truly one of my favorite kitchen aromas. Sauté for just about 1 minute, until it’s fragrant but not browned. Watch it like a hawk here; burned garlic is bitter and just no fun. This is a crucial step for the dish, so take your time and enjoy the scent!
04 - Now, add your fresh broccoli florets to the skillet with the garlic. Pour in about a quarter cup of the chicken broth. Stir everything around, cover the skillet, and let the broccoli steam for 3-5 minutes. You want it tender-crisp, not mushy. I like my broccoli with a bit of a bite, so I usually lean towards the shorter cooking time. This steams it perfectly while absorbing all those garlicky flavors.
05 - Uncover the skillet. Pour in the remaining chicken broth and the heavy cream. Stir it all together, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan – see, I told you they were flavor bombs! Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, letting it thicken slightly for a few minutes. If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer. This is the heart of your dish, so taste it and adjust seasonings if needed.
06 - Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, if you're using them. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and the sauce is coating everything beautifully. The chicken will warm through, and the sauce will get even richer. Taste one last time for seasoning. Serve this gorgeous Creamy Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Skillet immediately, perhaps with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It's truly a simple dish that feels so fancy!

# Notes:

01 - Don't rush the garlic—a gentle sauté is key for that deep flavor, trust me, I've burned it before!
02 - This skillet reheats surprisingly well, but add a splash of broth when warming to keep that creamy texture. My leftover lunch secret!
03 - No heavy cream? Milk and a tablespoon of cream cheese can work in a pinch, I've done it, it's not quite the same but still tasty.
04 - Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color; it just makes everything feel a little more special.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large Skillet (cast iron recommended)
02 - Cutting Board
03 - Knife
04 - Tongs/Spatula
05 - Measuring Cups & Spoons

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 30g
Total Carbohydrate: 10g
Protein: 35g

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