Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli is the ultimate feel-good dinner—packed with juicy, seasoned chicken and tender broccoli bathed in a silky, comforting sauce! It comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it a weeknight lifesaver that never sacrifices flavor.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how just a handful of simple, everyday kitchen staples transform into a restaurant-worthy Creamy Chicken and Broccoli! Each ingredient serves a purpose—bringing juicy texture, creamy sauce, or a pop of color and flavor—so don’t skip a thing if you can help it.

• Boneless chicken breasts (2 pounds): The star of the show—meaty, lean, and perfect for soaking up every drop of that luscious sauce. For faster cooking, slice thick breasts in half.
• Kosher salt & ground pepper: Essential for making every bite sing; season generously!
• Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Adds herby depth; feel free to use your favorite blend or a little dried oregano and basil.
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons, divided): For searing and sautéing, bringing out aromas and golden flavor.
• Fresh garlic (4–5 cloves, minced): Because every great cream sauce starts here—use fresh if you can!
• Almond milk (1 1/2 cups): Creates a light, creamy base with subtle nuttiness (swap for any milk you like).
• Gluten-free flour (1 tablespoon): Thickens up your sauce just enough; regular flour works, too.
• Broccoli (1 medium head, about 3 cups chopped): This veggie soaks up the sauce beautifully and adds color and crunch.
• Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Sprinkle on at the end for freshness and a burst of color.
• Lemon wedges (optional): Add brightness and a finishing touch for serving.

Variations

Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, Creamy Chicken and Broccoli becomes a blank canvas. Don’t be afraid to remix it! There are countless ways to tweak the ingredients to fit allergies, diets, or just your cravings.

• Swap the Milk: Try whole milk for extra richness, coconut milk for a hint of sweetness, or your favorite non-dairy alternative.
• Switch Up the Veggies: Add asparagus tips, spinach, zucchini, or even a handful of peas for a different twist each time.
• Bake with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or parmesan on top and broil for a golden, bubbly finish.
• Use Chicken Thighs: Try boneless thighs for juicier, richer bites—just adjust cooking time as needed.
• Add Spice: Kick things up with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, or toss in some paprika for warmth.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli

Step 1: Season and Prep the Chicken

Pat your chicken breasts dry, then rub them well on all sides with kosher salt, ground pepper, and Italian seasoning. This takes just a minute, but ensures every bite of chicken is full of flavor! If your chicken breasts are extra thick, slice them lengthwise so they cook evenly and quickly.

Step 2: Whisk the Creamy Sauce Base

In a small bowl, whisk together the almond milk and gluten-free flour until no lumps remain. This simple mixture is the secret to a smooth, creamy sauce—getting it ready now means dinner comes together fast later.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm—savor that delicious brown crust!

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Add the remaining olive oil to the same pan and reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Pour in your almond milk mixture and stir—watch as the sauce thickens up beautifully within a minute or two!

Step 5: Cook the Broccoli

Add the chopped broccoli to the pan, tossing it gently into the bubbling sauce. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the broccoli is bright green and just fork-tender—it’ll absorb that creamy flavor as it softens.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce and broccoli. Let it all simmer together a couple more minutes so the flavors meld and everything is hot. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a zesty lift—dinner is on the table!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Broccoli

Garnishes

Brighten each serving of Creamy Chicken and Broccoli with a generous shower of chopped fresh parsley and a lemon wedge on the side. For even more flair, a pinch of grated parmesan or a tiny drizzle of good olive oil just before serving can work wonders—little things that make dinner feel truly special.

Side Dishes

This dish loves classic pairings: fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or tender pasta all soak up the savory sauce beautifully. Prefer something lighter? Try a crisp green salad, steamed quinoa, or roasted sweet potatoes on the side for a wholesome, colorful plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party vibe, slice the chicken and artfully fan it over the creamy broccoli on a long platter. Or, pile everything into small individual ramekins and top with a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for a cozy casserole feel. Creamy Chicken and Broccoli is also fantastic tucked into warm wraps or even spooned over toasted sourdough for a fun, bistro-style meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Chicken and Broccoli will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it cool before storing and be sure it’s sealed tightly to lock in all that wonderful flavor and keep the chicken tender.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze portions of this recipe—just remember, the sauce texture may change slightly once thawed (especially if using non-dairy milk). Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months and reheat gently for a quick, cozy meal any time.

Reheating

To reheat, warm leftovers gently in a skillet with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from separating and keep the chicken juicy. Add fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon before serving for revived freshness!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a simple, crowd-pleasing dinner that delivers both comfort and freshness, Creamy Chicken and Broccoli is calling your name! There’s something about the way the juicy chicken, tender veggies, and velvety sauce come together that always makes people ask for seconds. Give it a try this week, and don’t forget to add your own twist—you might just find a new family favorite.

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