Creamy Chicken Broccoli Recipe

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Recipe: A Family-Favorite Comfort Dish

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering creamy chicken broccoli recipe that promises to satisfy every hungry palate.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Rich, velvety sauce coats tender chicken and vibrant broccoli florets in a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of protein and greens, making this dish both nutritious and indulgent.

The secret lies in the simple yet sophisticated combination of ingredients that come together effortlessly.

Home cooks of all skill levels can master this crowd-pleasing meal in under 30 minutes.

Prepare to fall in love with a dinner that will become a staple in your recipe collection.

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Comforting Features

  • Whip Up Quickly: This recipe delivers a delicious meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like almond milk for regular milk or try different seasonings to match your taste preferences, making it a versatile dish for various dietary needs.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults will love the creamy sauce and tender chicken, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that brings everyone together around the dinner table.
  • Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with protein from chicken and nutrients from broccoli, this dish offers a balanced meal that feels indulgent while still supporting your wellness goals.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken and Broccoli

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: A lean protein that serves as the primary component of this creamy dish.
Vegetable:
  • Broccoli: A nutritious green vegetable that adds texture and earthy flavor to the recipe.
Sauce and Seasoning Components:
  • Almond Milk, Flour: Creates a smooth and creamy base for the sauce.
  • Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Provides depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste of the chicken.
  • Garlic: Adds a rich, aromatic element to the sauce.
  • Oil: Helps with cooking and preventing ingredients from sticking to the pan.
  • Parsley, Lemon: Offers a fresh and bright garnish to finish the dish.

Steps for Creamy Chicken Broccoli Dish

Step 1: Prep the Poultry

Grab your chicken and sprinkle it generously with Italian seasoning, creating a flavorful coating.

Massage the salt and pepper into every nook and cranny of the meat to ensure maximum taste.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown

Grab a large skillet and warm up some oil over medium-high heat.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the pan, letting it dance and sear until it develops a gorgeous golden-brown exterior.

This should take about 6-7 minutes on each side.

Once perfectly cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Craft the Creamy Base

In a separate bowl, whisk together almond milk and flour until you create a silky-smooth mixture with no lumps.

In the same skillet, add a touch more oil and toss in minced garlic.

Let it sizzle and become fragrant for about a minute.

Pour in your milk mixture and stir continuously until the sauce transforms and thickens beautifully.

Step 4: Bring in the Greens

Introduce fresh broccoli florets into the creamy sauce.

Let them simmer and soften, absorbing all the delicious flavors for 6-8 minutes until they’re tender but still vibrant green.

Step 5: Final Flourish

Reunite the golden chicken with the creamy broccoli sauce, allowing everything to heat through and mingle.

Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley and squeeze a bright burst of lemon over the top for a zesty finish.

Serve immediately and enjoy your culinary creation!

Tips for Creamy Chicken and Broccoli

  • Use freshly ground black pepper and high-quality Italian seasoning for maximum flavor depth and aromatic profile.
  • Maintain medium-high heat to achieve golden-brown chicken without burning, ensuring even cooking and crispy exterior.
  • Whisk almond milk and flour thoroughly to prevent lumps, creating a silky, consistent sauce with rich texture.
  • Test broccoli tenderness by piercing with fork – it should be bright green and slightly crisp, not mushy or overcooked.
  • Slice chicken before cooking for faster, more even heating and to reduce overall cooking time.

Flavorful Twists for Chicken and Broccoli

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Swap almond milk with coconut milk and use coconut flour for a creamy, lactose-free version that maintains rich flavor.
  • Low-Carb Makeover: Replace flour with cauliflower rice and use heavy cream instead of almond milk to create a keto-friendly protein-packed meal.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, keeping the same seasoning and cooking method for a plant-based protein option.
  • Mediterranean Spin: Add sundried tomatoes, olives, and swap Italian seasoning for herbs de Provence to bring a Mediterranean flair to the classic dish.

Serving Creamy Chicken and Broccoli

  • Zesty Meal Companions: Pair this creamy chicken and broccoli dish with fluffy quinoa or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • Bright Side Boost: Sprinkle fresh lemon zest and chopped parsley on top for a tangy, fresh finish that elevates the entire meal's flavor profile.
  • Protein Power Plate: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the creamy texture and add extra nutrients to your dinner.
  • Comfort Combo Craving: Create a complete meal by adding warm garlic bread or roasted asparagus to complement the chicken's savory notes and broccoli's tender texture.

Storage for Chicken and Broccoli Dish

  • – Refrigerate Promptly transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • – Cool Down Allow the chicken and broccoli dish to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and potential soggy texture.
  • – Freeze Safely Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, ensuring you remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
  • – Reheat Carefully warm in microwave or skillet, adding a splash of almond milk to restore sauce's creamy consistency and prevent drying out.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of milk for the sauce?

Yes, you can substitute almond milk with regular milk, heavy cream, or even coconut milk for a different flavor profile.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour like rice flour or cornstarch instead of regular flour when thickening the sauce.

  • What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

Create your own blend using dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, or use a premade herb mix that’s similar to Italian seasoning.

  • Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just drain excess water from thawed frozen broccoli before adding it to the sauce to prevent the sauce from becoming too thin.

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Creamy Chicken Broccoli Recipe

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Recipe


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4.8 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comfort meets elegance in this creamy chicken broccoli recipe, blending wholesome ingredients with rich, velvety sauce. Hearty chicken and crisp broccoli unite in a classic dish that promises warmth and satisfaction for home cooks seeking delicious simplicity.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless chicken breasts

Vegetables:

  • 1 medium broccoli head, chopped (3 cups)
  • 45 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon gluten-free flour
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil, divided
  • 1 1/2 cups (355 milliliters) almond milk
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with a blend of Italian herbs, ensuring even seasoning on all exterior surfaces.
  2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Sear chicken until achieving a rich golden-brown coloration, approximately 6-7 minutes per side. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate and loosely tent with foil.
  3. Create a smooth, lump-free mixture by whisking almond milk with flour until completely integrated. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for one minute to release aromatic flavors.
  4. Pour milk and flour blend into the pan, stirring consistently until sauce reaches a creamy, thickened consistency.
  5. Introduce broccoli florets directly into the developing sauce, allowing them to simmer and become tender, roughly 6-8 minutes.
  6. Gently reintroduce chicken into the skillet, allowing it to warm through and absorb surrounding sauce flavors.
  7. Elevate the dish’s presentation by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley and squeezing fresh lemon juice over the final preparation, adding brightness and herbal notes.

Notes

  • Ensure Even Cooking Pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness before seasoning to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation Swap almond milk with coconut milk or vegetable broth for those avoiding dairy, maintaining the creamy sauce texture.
  • Low-Carb Option Replace flour with cornstarch or xanthan gum to thicken sauce, reducing overall carbohydrate content while preserving rich, velvety consistency.
  • Fresh Herb Enhancement Experiment with fresh thyme or basil instead of parsley to introduce additional layers of aromatic flavor and elevate the dish’s complexity.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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