Creamy Broccoli With Chicken
This creamy broccoli with chicken is one of those dinners that feels instantly comforting. Tender chicken and broccoli simmer in a rich garlic cream sauce, all made in one pan. Simple enough for a weeknight, but cozy enough to feel special.
If you love creamy chicken dinners, you might also enjoy my creamy chicken recipes collection.
If you enjoy creamy chicken dinners like this one, you might also love my Creamy Garlic Chicken, Creamy Parmesan Chicken, and Creamy Mushroom Chicken Skillet. They’re all cozy, easy-to-make chicken recipes with rich sauces and simple ingredients, perfect for a comforting family dinner.
This Creamy Broccoli with Chicken is one of those recipes that feels comforting and familiar, yet still special. The sauce is smooth and savory, the broccoli stays tender, and everything comes together quickly on the stovetop.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Broccoli
This dish is made in one pan and ready in about 30 minutes. The broccoli turns tender without becoming mushy, and the creamy sauce coats everything perfectly. It’s great served over rice or enjoyed with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
About the Cream Sauce
This sauce comes together without flour or a traditional béchamel. Heavy cream thickens naturally as it simmers, creating a smooth, rich texture. If you prefer a lighter option, you can use light cream and thicken it slightly with a cornstarch slurry.
If you enjoy cozy dinners like this, take a look at my One-Pan Dinner Recipes. They’re all simple, comforting meals made with minimal cleanup.
How to Make Creamy Broccoli
This recipe is very forgiving and easy to follow, even if you don’t cook often. The chicken gently simmers in the sauce while the broccoli becomes tender, creating a cozy and satisfying dinner in under 30 minutes.
This one-pan creamy broccoli is perfect for busy evenings when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s rich, filling, and easy to make with simple ingredients.
INSTRUCTIONS
Pat the chicken breast dry, then cut it into small, even pieces so it cooks quickly and evenly.
Finely chop the onion and garlic, keeping everything ready before you start cooking.
Add the onion to a skillet and cook gently until soft. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until lightly golden.
Rinse the broccoli and cut it into bite-sized florets so it’s easy to eat and cooks evenly.
Add the bay leaves and broccoli to the skillet. Season with a little more salt and pepper, then add the oregano and garlic. Stir everything together so the broccoli is coated in all the flavor.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently until the sauce is smooth and starts to coat the chicken and broccoli.
Let everything simmer over medium heat for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender (but not mushy) and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Remove the bay leaves. Sprinkle in the cheese, stir until melted and creamy, then turn off the heat.
Serve right away while the sauce is hot and silky. It’s perfect over rice or with crusty bread for soaking up every bit of that garlic cream sauce.
Pro Tips
- Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces so it cooks quickly and stays tender.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli. It should be tender but still bright and slightly firm.
- Let the cream simmer gently, not boil aggressively, so the sauce stays smooth.
- Stir in the cheese at the end over low heat for the creamiest texture.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a small splash of milk or broth to loosen it up.
Variations and Substitutions
You can easily adjust this recipe based on what you have in the kitchen. Chicken thighs work well instead of chicken breast if you want a richer flavor. Parmesan, mozzarella, or even a little white cheddar can be used depending on the kind of cheesy finish you like. For extra flavor, add a pinch of dried Italian seasoning or a little Dijon mustard to the sauce. If you want to lighten it up, use light cream and thicken the sauce slightly with a cornstarch slurry.
What to Serve with Creamy Broccoli and Chicken
This creamy broccoli and chicken is delicious served over rice, spooned over mashed potatoes, or enjoyed with warm crusty bread for soaking up the sauce. If you want to keep things simple, it also works well on its own as a complete one-pan dinner.
Easy Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb. (450g.) Broccoli
- 1 lb. (450g.) Chicken Breast
- 1 Onion
- 4 Garlic cloves
- 1 1/2 cup. Heavy Cream
- 7 oz / 200 g. Cheese
- 2 Bay leaves
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breast dry, then cut it into small, even pieces so it cooks quickly and evenly.
- Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Having everything prepped makes the cooking process smooth and easy.
- Add the onion to a skillet over low heat and cook until soft and lightly golden, stirring occasionally.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, season with salt and black pepper, and cook over medium heat until the chicken is mostly cooked through.
- Rinse the broccoli and cut it into bite-sized florets so they cook evenly and stay tender.
- Add the bay leaves and broccoli to the skillet, along with the garlic and oregano. Stir gently so the broccoli is coated in the sauce and seasonings.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir until everything is evenly combined and the sauce begins to come together.
- Let the mixture simmer for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Remove the bay leaves, sprinkle in the cheese, and stir until melted and creamy. Turn off the heat and serve right away.
Nutrition
Video
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a small splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce and bring back the creamy texture. I don’t usually recommend freezing this one, since cream-based sauces can separate after thawing.
