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
Scale
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.
