If you’re craving a dish that’s comfort food at its finest but also packs a wholesome punch, you’re going to love this Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce Recipe. Imagine tender chicken bites and crisp broccoli florets enveloped in a rich, smooth sauce bursting with sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese. It’s a dish that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make, bringing cheesy goodness and vibrant greens together in every single bite. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce Recipe lies in a handful of simple, fresh ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from creating that velvety sauce to balancing the hearty flavors with bright, natural color.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and perfect tenderness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity base and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Brings richness and enhances the sauce’s creamy texture.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Offers a fresh crunch and vibrant green color that brightens the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant punch that elevates the overall flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, silky sauce that carries the cheese perfectly.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Lightens the sauce slightly and adds depth.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and complexity to the creamy sauce.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Brings that classic cheddar punch—melty, gooey, and full of flavor.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth that rounds out the cheesy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional): A fresh, herbal garnish that adds a pop of color and subtle freshness.
How to Make Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Let them cook untouched long enough to develop a lovely golden crust, usually about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the chicken is cooked through and browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside—you’ll come back to it soon.
Step 2: Sauté the Broccoli and Garlic
In the same skillet, toss in the broccoli florets and allow them to cook for 3 to 4 minutes until tender-crisp. The broccoli should still have a bit of snap to complement the creamy sauce later on. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute; this step releases a fragrant aroma that will make you eager to dive into the dish.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and Dijon mustard, stirring to combine everything well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the sauce to cook for 4 to 5 minutes so it thickens just slightly—this step will help you get that perfect creamy texture.
Step 4: Melt in the Cheese
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Slowly fold them into the sauce until everything melts smoothly and forms a rich, cheesy coating. This is the moment the dish transforms into a luscious treat you won’t want to resist.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Finish Cooking
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it gently in the creamy cheesy sauce, making sure every bite is coated. Let everything simmer together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully. If you like, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top just before serving to add a fresh touch.
How to Serve Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
While the parsley offers a simple burst of green and freshness, you can also sprinkle a bit of extra Parmesan cheese or even finely chopped chives to elevate the presentation and add subtle flavor contrasts. A little cracked black pepper on top right before serving is a classic move that brightens the whole plate.
Side Dishes
This Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce Recipe is wonderfully versatile when it comes to pairings. Serving it over fluffy rice helps soak up every bit of that irresistible sauce. Alternatively, creamy mashed potatoes or even buttery cooked pasta make for fantastic comfort-food companions. For a lighter touch, pair it with a crisp green salad on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for an extra textural contrast. Or, for a fun twist, use it as a filling in a warm pita or wrap with some greens for a cozy handheld meal. Making mini portions in a muffin tin for a party appetizer can be a delightful surprise for guests too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. This Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce Recipe keeps beautifully for up to 3 days without losing its creamy appeal or flavor.
Freezing
Freezing creamy dishes can be tricky, but this recipe freezes reasonably well. Make sure to cool it completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When thawing, it’s best to do so overnight in the fridge to preserve the texture as much as possible.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Stir occasionally to prevent separation and ensure the chicken stays tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and Parmesan give a classic flavor, you can swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a milder melt, or add a bit of mozzarella for extra stretchiness. Just make sure the cheese melts well into the sauce.
Will this recipe work with frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli is a convenient alternative. Just thaw and drain any excess water before adding it to the skillet to avoid a watery sauce, and adjust cooking time slightly to achieve the desired texture.
Is there a lighter version of this Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce Recipe?
To lighten up the dish, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a little cornstarch for the heavy cream. Using less butter or skipping it entirely also helps reduce the fat without compromising much on flavor.
Can I prepare this dish using a different cooking method?
While stovetop cooking is ideal for controlling the creamy sauce, baking this dish covered at 350°F for about 20 minutes after combining the ingredients can work too. Just keep an eye to prevent drying out and stir in cheese at the end for the smoothest sauce.
What can I serve if I want to make this meal gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you verify that your chicken broth and mustard are gluten-free. Serve it over rice or gluten-free pasta to keep every element safe and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, effortless to make but guaranteed to impress. With its perfect blend of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and that decadently cheesy sauce, it’s ideal for family dinners or a cozy night in. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new go-to comfort meal!
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Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce recipe is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, cheesy sauce made with sharp cheddar and Parmesan. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it is naturally gluten-free and can be served over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes for added heartiness.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté broccoli and garlic: In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and cook for 3–4 minutes until just tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to release the aroma.
- Prepare the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and Dijon mustard into the skillet. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it cook for 4–5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add the cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and stir to coat them evenly with the cheesy sauce. Let it simmer together for 2–3 more minutes to meld flavors and heat through.
- Finish and serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if using, then serve hot. This dish pairs wonderfully over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a more filling meal.
Notes
- Serve over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes to make the meal more substantial.
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to create a lighter sauce with less fat.
- For a quicker version, use cooked rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts.
