Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Skillet

🧄 Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Skillet

🍴 Serves:

4 people

⏱️ Total Time:

30 minutes

🧂 Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts (or 3 small), cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp paprika

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

For the sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional but amazing for flavor)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or ½ tsp each dried basil and oregano)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Add-ins:

• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, thawed)

• ¼ cup shredded mozzarella or extra Parmesan (for topping, optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Pat the chicken dry and season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

   • Add chicken and cook for about 5–7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.

   • Remove chicken and set aside.

2. Make the Sauce:

   • In the same skillet, melt the butter.

   • Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

   • Pour in chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom (this adds flavor).

   • Stir in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.

   • Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

3. Add Broccoli:

   • Add the broccoli to the sauce and cover the skillet.

   • Steam for 3–4 minutes, until tender but still bright green.

4. Combine Everything:

   • Return chicken to the pan and toss in the creamy sauce.

   • Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Parmesan.

   • If desired, sprinkle mozzarella on top and let it melt for a minute.

5. Serve:

   • Serve warm over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or enjoy it on its own with a squeeze of lemon juice on top.

💡 Tips & Variations

• Low-carb: Serve as-is or with cauliflower rice.

• Add crunch: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits or toasted breadcrumbs before serving.

• Extra veggies: Add mushrooms or spinach to the skillet before the sauce step.