If you’re craving something hearty and comforting that comes together in under 30 minutes, this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli checks all the boxes. Tender seared chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a lusciously silky sauce make every bite feel like a cozy hug—a total weeknight winner that’s secretly healthy (but you’d never guess it!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Creaminess, No Heavy Cream: All the luscious texture you crave—with a lighter twist thanks to almond milk (and it works with any milk you love!).
- Fast, Weeknight-Friendly: From fridge to table in just 30 minutes, so you can get dinner on the table even on the busiest nights.
- Super Customizable: Make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or switch up the veggies and seasonings—this recipe is endlessly adaptable.
- Family-Approved Flavors: Even picky eaters love the tender chicken, bright broccoli, and that creamy garlic sauce. Everyone goes back for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli recipe is how a small collection of everyday ingredients transforms into something truly comforting. Each component has a role, bringing irresistible flavor and that signature creamy finish.
- Boneless Chicken Breasts: Slice thick breasts in half for even cooking and ultra-tender results—thighs work great too!
- Kosher Salt and Ground Pepper: Simple, essential seasonings that amp up the natural flavor of your chicken.
- Italian Seasoning: Adds herby warmth to the dish; feel free to experiment with your favorite blends or DIY your own mix.
- Olive Oil: For a golden sear and subtle richness—any neutral oil will do in a pinch.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the sauce with depth and delicious aroma; fresh is best, but garlic powder is a fine swap.
- Almond Milk (or any milk): The base for the creamy sauce, keeping things lighter; use whole milk, coconut milk, oat, or whatever you have.
- Gluten-Free Flour (or any flour): Whisked with the milk, it gently thickens the sauce for that luxurious texture.
- Broccoli: Adds vibrant green color and slight crunch; florets cook up tender in minutes right in the sauce.
- Fresh Parsley: A shower of chopped parsley at the end brightens up each bite.
- Lemon Wedges (optional): For serving—a little squeeze wakes up all the flavors and adds sparkle.
Variations
The beauty of Creamy Chicken and Broccoli? It loves a remix. Don’t be shy about making it your own—swap veggies, play with flavor, or adjust for anyone at your table. Here are some tasty ways to shake it up:
- Use Other Veggies: Try asparagus, green beans, zucchini, or even sautéed mushrooms for a colorful twist.
- Bump Up the Protein: Swap in boneless chicken thighs for juicier results; shrimp works for a lighter seafood vibe!
- Add Cheese: A handful of shredded mozzarella or Parmesan stirred in right at the end makes it extra decadent.
- Spice It Up: Sprinkle in a pinch of crushed red pepper, smoked paprika, or a dash of Cajun seasoning.
- Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free: This recipe works beautifully with almond, oat, or coconut milk and your favorite gluten-free flour.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry, then rub them all over with kosher salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. If your chicken breasts are on the thick side, slice them horizontally into thinner cutlets to keep everything tender and ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Sauce Base
In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the almond milk and flour. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and lump-free—this step ensures your sauce turns out silky and luxurious later on.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat half the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add your chicken pieces and cook for about 6–7 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden-brown and fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely to keep them warm and juicy.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic
With the skillet still on medium, add the remaining olive oil. Toss in your minced garlic and sauté for about a minute—just until fragrant. Don’t walk away, as garlic can brown quickly!
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Pour your milk-flour mixture into the pan, stirring constantly. The sauce will begin to thicken almost right away as it heats, thanks to the flour. Stir gently to keep it smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Add Broccoli and Finish the Dish
Add your broccoli florets directly to the thickened sauce. Cover and let them steam for 6–8 minutes, just until tender and vibrantly green. Slide the seared chicken back into the skillet, coating every piece in the velvety sauce, and let everything heat together for a minute or two.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with plenty of chopped fresh parsley and add a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving. Your Creamy Chicken and Broccoli is ready to wow everyone at the table!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken and Broccoli
- Slice Chicken for Even Cooking: If your chicken breasts are thick, halve them horizontally—this helps them cook evenly and stay juicy, no dry surprises.
- Steam Broccoli Right in the Sauce: Covering the skillet just long enough gets the broccoli fork-tender and infused with savory, garlicky flavor.
- Sauce Thickness, Your Way: Prefer a richer sauce? Use whole milk, add a splash of cream, or simmer a little longer for extra thickness; thin out with a bit more milk if needed.
- Garlic Timing is Everything: Add garlic once the oil is hot but don’t let it brown—browned garlic can turn bitter, so keep things moving and fragrant.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Broccoli
Garnishes
For the perfect finishing touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top and add a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving. Want even more flavor? A little grated Parmesan or a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil can really take your Creamy Chicken and Broccoli into restaurant territory!
Side Dishes
This dish loves company! Spoon it generously over rice, fluffy quinoa, your favorite pasta, or a pile of creamy mashed potatoes. A crisp green salad or a loaf of warm bread to mop up that luscious sauce is always a good idea, too.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Creamy Chicken and Broccoli family-style straight from the skillet for a cozy, rustic vibe, or plate individual servings with a twist of lemon and delicate parsley sprigs for an elevated, dinner-party-ready look. It even makes a beautiful filling for toasted sandwich rolls or wraps—hello, creamy chicken melt!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken and Broccoli keeps beautifully! Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making lunches something to look forward to.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, though the sauce may separate slightly when thawed. Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, then reheat gently while stirring to bring the sauce back together.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating works, too—just make sure to stir halfway through to keep the sauce creamy and the chicken juicy.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Creamy Chicken and Broccoli?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They’re even juicier and add a bit more richness—just adjust cooking time as needed, since thighs may take a minute or two longer to cook through than breasts.
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What’s the best way to thicken the creamy sauce?
Whisking flour into your milk before adding to the pan is the secret for a smooth, thick sauce. If you prefer it thicker, simmer a little longer or add another teaspoon of flour mixed with cold milk until it reaches your preferred consistency.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free and gluten-free?
Definitely! Use almond, coconut, soy, or oat milk to keep it dairy-free. Swap in your favorite gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce—everything else stays the same, and your Creamy Chicken and Broccoli will still be creamy and satisfying.
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Will the sauce still be creamy if I use non-dairy milk?
Yes, non-dairy milks like almond or coconut work well, though the sauce is slightly lighter in flavor and texture than with whole milk or cream. If you want extra creaminess, try canned coconut milk or add a spoonful of dairy-free cream cheese.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli—it’s the kind of recipe that makes any night feel special, but is easy enough for even your wildest weeknight. Give it a go, make it your own, and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!
Print
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli recipe is a comforting and delicious meal that comes together quickly. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned and cooked to perfection, then paired with a creamy almond milk sauce and fresh broccoli. Serve over rice or pasta for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt and ground pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Sauce:
- 1 1/2 cup almond milk or any other milk
- 1 tablespoon gluten-free flour or any other flour
Additional:
- 1 medium broccoli head, chopped (about 3 cups)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, optional to serve
Instructions
- Rub the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Prepare the sauce: Whisk almond milk and flour together until smooth.
- Cook the chicken: Brown the chicken in olive oil on both sides, then set aside.
- Make the sauce: Sauté garlic, then add the almond milk mixture and broccoli.
- Combine: Return the chicken to the pan and heat through.
- Garnish and serve: Finish with parsley and lemon wedges.
Notes
- For best results, slice thick chicken breasts into thinner pieces for even cooking.
- Feel free to use whole milk or canned lite coconut milk for a creamier sauce.
- Experiment with different seasonings and vegetables to customize the dish to your taste.
- Adjust cooking times if using different cuts of chicken or vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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