If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Creamy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Skillet Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of tender chicken pieces and vibrant broccoli florets, all smothered in a velvety, cheesy sauce that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re after a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to share, this recipe promises rich flavors, satisfying textures, and a beautiful pop of green that makes every bite a joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, coming together to create a harmonious balance of creamy richness, savory chicken, and vibrant broccoli. Each one plays a key role in building flavor, texture, and color that makes this dish so irresistible.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and lots of tender bites.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh and crisp, they add a bright color and satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Olive oil: For a subtle fruitiness and to help brown the chicken perfectly.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create the roux base for the sauce.
- Garlic: Minced to bring a fragrant, savory depth to the dish.
- All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the sauce into a luscious, creamy consistency.
- Chicken broth: Builds flavor and enhances the sauce’s savory profile.
- Heavy cream: Brings that signature creaminess you expect in a cheesy sauce.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, it’s the star that gives the sauce its delicious cheesy punch.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that deepens the flavor complexity.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste, balancing and brightening all the other ingredients.
- Paprika (optional): Just a pinch for a subtle smoky warmth that complements the chicken wonderfully.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top for a fresh, colorful garnish.
How to Make Creamy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken with salt, pepper, and an optional pinch of paprika to give it a little extra depth. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then cook the chicken until it develops a golden crust and is cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Removing the chicken now ensures it stays tender and juicy without overcooking later.
Step 2: Build the Aromatic Base
In the same skillet, melt the butter to soak up all the chicken’s delicious flavors left behind. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds – enough for it to become fragrant but not browned, creating a perfect aromatic foundation for your sauce.
Step 3: Create the Roux
Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk vigorously for a full minute. This step is crucial as it cooks out the raw flour taste and ensures your sauce will thicken beautifully, creating that silky texture we all love in a creamy skillet dish.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Simmer
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps, then stir in the heavy cream. Let this mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly – the perfect canvas for our cheese to melt into.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheeses and Add Broccoli
Stir in shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan until they melt smoothly into the sauce. Next, add your broccoli florets and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes so they become tender but still retain a lovely bite and bright color. This step balances softness with just enough crunch to keep each forkful exciting.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the seared chicken to the skillet and stir everything together until each piece is coated in that dreamy cheesy sauce. This final step melds the flavors perfectly, ensuring every bite is packed with creamy, cheesy goodness.
How to Serve Creamy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color but also brightens the rich flavors with a subtle herbal note. You can also add a pinch of extra black pepper or some red chili flakes if you love a little heat.
Side Dishes
This skillet shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or your favorite pasta. These sides soak up the luscious sauce and turn the meal into a hearty, complete dinner that everyone will adore.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken and broccoli over toasted garlic bread or inside warm tortillas for a comforting cheesy wrap. You can also transfer it to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake for a crispy finish that’s fantastic for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your Creamy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Skillet Recipe taste even better the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, too! Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results – creamy sauce stays delicious without losing texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to keep the sauce smooth and prevent separation. If it thickens too much, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it back up.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain the broccoli well before adding it to avoid excess moisture, which can dilute the creamy sauce.
What cheese works best if I don’t have cheddar or Parmesan?
Gruyere or mozzarella can be great substitutes. They melt beautifully and give a lovely creamy texture, though cheddar adds a sharper flavor you won’t get quite as strongly.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It stores well and the flavors develop nicely, making it a perfect choice for preparing ahead and enjoying throughout the week.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, opt for plant-based butter, cream substitutes like coconut cream, and dairy-free cheese alternatives. The texture might vary slightly but the dish will still be delicious.
What’s the best way to prevent the chicken from drying out?
Cut the chicken into even bite-sized pieces and avoid overcooking it in the first step. Cooking just until golden and removing it from the heat allows it to stay juicy when combined back with the sauce later.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Skillet Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to meals when I want something both comforting and wholesome without fuss. It’s full of vibrant flavors, easy enough for busy evenings, and endlessly satisfying. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how such simple ingredients can come together to create something absolutely delicious and heartwarming.
Print
Creamy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy cheesy chicken with broccoli recipe is a comforting and delicious dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces and fresh broccoli florets cooked in a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines hearty flavors with a smooth texture that’s sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and optional paprika to enhance flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to create a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Add Liquids: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Then stir in the heavy cream to create a creamy base for the sauce.
- Simmer and Thicken: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring often to prevent sticking.
- Add Cheeses: Stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and cheesy.
- Cook Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the cheesy sauce and cook for 3–4 minutes until they become just tender but still vibrant in color.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, stirring everything together to coat the chicken and broccoli evenly in the creamy cheese sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top and serve warm over rice, pasta, or enjoy on its own for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like cauliflower or green beans if desired.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Serve with steamed rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste, adding more paprika or black pepper if preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
