Description
This One Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner is a quick and hearty meal featuring tender chicken bites cooked with fresh broccoli in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines wholesome ingredients with minimal cleanup, delivering a flavorful, comforting dinner that can be enjoyed on its own or served over rice or pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Sauce
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
Serving Suggestion
- Cooked rice or pasta for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare and season chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper evenly.
- Cook chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through.
- Add broccoli and steam: Stir in the broccoli florets. Pour in the chicken broth, cover the skillet, and let it steam for 3–4 minutes until the broccoli becomes tender but still crisp.
- Create the creamy sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, and Dijon mustard if using. Let the sauce simmer gently until it slightly thickens.
- Optional thickening: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the skillet. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens further.
- Adjust seasonings and serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve the creamy chicken and broccoli warm on its own or over cooked rice or pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
- Swap cheddar cheese with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a milder cheese flavor.
- Using pre-steamed broccoli can reduce the cooking time.
- For a lower-carb alternative, serve with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice or pasta.
