Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Chicken is an easy, comforting dinner that combines tender seasoned chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Everything comes together in one skillet, making this a perfect choice for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces with paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
2. Cook the Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets to the same skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
For softer broccoli, add 2 tablespoons of water or chicken broth, cover the skillet, and steam for another 2 minutes.
Transfer the broccoli to the plate with the chicken.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet.
Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Let the sauce gently simmer for 2–3 minutes.
4. Add the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low. Add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan gradually, stirring until the cheeses melt into a smooth, creamy sauce.
Avoid boiling the sauce after adding the cheese, as high heat can sometimes cause the sauce to become grainy.
Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
5. Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken and broccoli to the skillet.
Gently stir everything together until the chicken and broccoli are coated in the cheesy sauce. Allow it to cook for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors come together.
6. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Remove it from the skillet as soon as it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Use freshly shredded cheese: It generally melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Keep the heat low after adding cheese: This helps create a smooth sauce.
- For extra flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a little Dijon mustard.
- For a thicker sauce: Let it simmer gently for another minute or two before adding the cheese.
What to Serve With It
This creamy chicken and broccoli is delicious served over:
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Pasta
- Mashed potatoes
- Egg noodles
- Cauliflower rice
- Crusty bread
For a lighter meal, simply serve it on its own with a fresh green salad.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a small splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Chicken is the kind of comforting meal that tastes much more complicated than it actually is. Tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and a rich three-cheese sauce come together in one skillet for a satisfying dinner that’s easy enough for a busy weeknight and delicious enough for the whole family.