Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

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Golden-seared chicken breasts nestled in a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce — this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli recipe is what comfort food dreams are made of. Every bite melts in your mouth with tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a luscious, lemon-kissed cream that brings it all together. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

This meal strikes a beautiful balance between cozy and fresh. The cream sauce is flavored with garlic, lemon, and just a touch of parmesan to give it a savory depth without being too heavy. Bright green broccoli adds crunch and color, making it both nutritious and delicious. Whether you’re serving it over pasta, rice, or enjoying it on its own, this creamy chicken dish is a satisfying, one-pan wonder you’ll want to add to your regular rotation.

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Ingredients for Creamy Chicken and Broccoli

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium)
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
• Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
• Lemon slices, for serving

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Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and butter. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

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Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it — garlic cooks quickly.

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Step 3: Add Broccoli and Liquid Ingredients

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the broccoli florets, cover the skillet with a lid, and steam for about 3–4 minutes until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp.

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Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, add lemon zest, lemon juice, and parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened — about 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

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Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce and broccoli. Spoon some sauce over the chicken, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 3–5 minutes so all the flavors blend together. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings total):

• Calories: 460
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Cholesterol: 135mg

(Note: These are approximate values and may vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.)

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the pan to avoid excess water thinning the sauce.

2. What can I serve this with?

It pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

3. Can I make it dairy-free?

You can substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan, but the flavor will be different.

4. How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?

Keep the heat low when adding dairy and avoid boiling the sauce vigorously once the cream is added.

5. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Thighs are juicier and work just as well in this recipe — just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

6. Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s low in carbs and high in fat and protein, making it great for a ketogenic diet.

7. How can I make it spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a mild kick.

8. Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes! Cook and store the components separately, then reheat and combine just before serving to maintain the best texture.

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