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
Scale
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.
