Pan sizzlin’, garlic poppin’, and a spoon scrapes the last drop of sauce. That’s this Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet in real lifecozy, fast, and all over Pinterest right now. It’s a one-pan wonder, ready in about 30. Beginner-friendly. Big flavors. Minimal cleanup.
This skillet tastes like a creamy pasta night… just without the pasta. Juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and dreamy garlic sauce all made from pantry staples. Think easy hearty meals meets a lighter Sunday supper. Full details in the blog!
We first tossed this together after a long test kitchen dayneeded something hot and cozy in under an hour. I grew up shooting food with my aunt’s Polaroid, so I know how to catch a plate worth craving. I tested this 3 times. You’ll love the garlic twist.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet
This skillet dinner is pure comfortperfect for busy weeknights or when you need an effortless, cozy vibe. Here’s why it’ll be on repeat in your kitchen:
One-pan magic: Less mess, fewer dishes. Everything cooks together, bringing the flavors to life.
Simple, everyday ingredients: Everything here is pantry-friendly and easy to find at your local grocery store.
Quick and satisfying: Done in just 30 minutes, it’s a lifesaver for when you need flavorful easy hearty meals fast.
Customizable: Not making this for a crowd? Halve the recipe or adapt it for your healthy dinner for big family.
If you’re craving a lighter spin on classic comfort foods, this delivers without sacrificing the creamy indulgence.
Key Ingredients and Swaps
No fancy ingredients herejust simple staples you probably already have. Let’s break it down:
Ingredient
Purpose
Possible Swaps
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 pounds)
Provides juicy protein as the star of the dish.
Boneless thighs or meals to make with leftover chicken.
Broccoli (2–3 cups)
Adds fresh texture and a healthy veggie boost.
Cauliflower or frozen broccoli for convenience.
Condensed cream of chicken soup (1 can)
Makes the sauce creamy and flavorful.
Swap for a gluten-free or low-sodium version.
Butter
Rich base for sautéing and sauce.
Olive oil or a dairy-free option.
Pro Tip: Keep a bag of frozen broccoli on hand for last-minute easy dinner ideas with broccoli. No chopping required!
Step-by-Step: Making Your Skillet Dinner
Step 1: Season the chicken. Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika for flavor. Trust us, this step is worth it!
Step 2: Brown the chicken. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and cook the chicken until golden on both sides (about 5 minutes per side). Set aside.
Step 3: Make the creamy garlic sauce. Using the same pan, melt the remaining butter. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, then whisk in the soup and water. Stir until smooth.
Step 4: Simmer and finish. Add the chicken back to the skillet along with the broccoli. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the broccoli is tender.
Note: For crispier broccoli, wait to add it until the chicken is nearly done. This keeps the broccoli slightly al dente!
Serving and Storage Tips
This skillet is super versatile. Here’s how to serve it and what to do with leftovers:
Serving ideas: Serve warm over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta. For a fresher finish, squeeze a lemon wedge over the top.
Larger families: Double the recipe to turn this into a healthy dinner for big family gatherings.
Storage Method
How Long It Lasts
Reheating Tip
Refrigerator
Up to 3 days
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water.
Freezer
Up to 2 months
Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stove.
Pro Tip: Store leftover chicken and sauce separately from the broccoli if possible. This keeps the broccoli from getting too mushy when reheated.
Quick Cooking Timing Reference
Step
Time Needed
Seasoning and pre-cooking the chicken
10 minutes
Making the garlic sauce
5 minutes
Simmering with broccoli
10 minutes
Total Cook Time
25 minutes
This simple breakdown will have dinner on the table in no timeperfect for stove top dinners healthy.
Expert Insight: Balancing Flavor and Nutrition
The Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet expertly combines lean protein and nutrient-rich vegetables, making it both satisfying and health-conscious. The creamy sauce leverages garlic’s natural antioxidants, enhancing flavor without overpowering the dish’s wholesome qualities. This recipe is a great example of comfort food that doesn’t compromise on nutrition.
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Perfecting the Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet
This creamy garlic chicken and broccoli skillet didn’t come together on the first try. I learned the hard way that timing the broccoli just right makes all the difference, after a few too-soft batches. Now, after several attempts, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of tender chicken and crisp, flavorful broccoli every time.
FAQs ( Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet )
How long does it take to make Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet?
This delicious skillet dinner takes about 25-30 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need easy dinner ideas with broccoli that don’t compromise on flavor. Most of the cooking happens in one pan, making cleanup a breeze too!
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully as one of those meals to make with leftover chicken. Simply skip the initial chicken cooking step and add your pre-cooked chicken during the last 5 minutes to heat through. It’s a great way to transform yesterday’s chicken into tonight’s comfort food masterpiece.
Is this Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet healthy for families?
Yes, this makes an excellent healthy dinner for big family gatherings! It’s packed with lean protein from chicken and nutrients from fresh broccoli. You can make it even healthier by using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream or adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
What can I serve with this skillet dish?
This versatile skillet pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up that creamy garlic sauce. For a lower-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice or with a simple side salad. It’s one of those easy hearty meals that stands well on its own or with your favorite sides.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! To make this one of your go-to healthy dinner recipes for family gluten free, simply substitute the flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend for thickening. Make sure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free, and you’ll have a delicious meal everyone can enjoy safely.
Conclusion
The Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet comes together in about 30 minutes, delivering tender chicken and perfectly bright broccoli in a luscious, garlicky sauce. You’ll love how effortlessly it turns everyday ingredients into a comforting, wholesome meal that feels special without fuss.
Feel free to swap in leftover chicken or try adding a sprinkle of parmesan for extra depth. For families, doubling this is a breeze, making it an ideal healthy dinner for big family nights. And reheating? Keep it gentle on the stove top for best textureone tip I picked up from a pro cook.
Have you made this skillet your own with a twist? I’d love to see your photos or hear your favorite add-ins! Pass this along to someone who’d appreciate easy hearty meals with a cozy touchyou’ll wanna make it again and again.
Thomas Baker
Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet: Easy & Comforting
A flavorful one-pan meal combining tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. This creamy garlic chicken broccoli skillet is perfect for easy, comforting weeknight dinners.
10.5 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup (1 can)
1 cup water
2 to 3 cups broccoli, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Method
Season the chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika, then set aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chicken and cook about 5 minutes per side until browned. Transfer chicken to a plate, cover, and keep warm.
Use the same skillet to melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden.
Whisk in the condensed cream of chicken soup and water, stirring until hot, smooth, and bubbling. Reduce heat to low.
Return chicken to the skillet along with chopped broccoli. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and broccoli is tender.
For firmer broccoli, add it later when the chicken is nearly done.
Serve warm over rice or pasta, garnish with fresh parsley, and lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
Adjust broccoli cooking time for preferred tenderness. Use more cream of chicken soup for a thicker sauce. Store leftovers refrigerated up to 3 days.
