Get ready to fall in love with the One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner! This dish is the kind of weeknight hero that combines juicy chicken with vibrant broccoli, all swirled in a creamy, savory sauce. And yes, the magic really happens in just one skillet—there’s minimal fuss, barely any cleanup, and maximum flavor. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal after a long day or an easy crowd-pleaser, this recipe delivers every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner is more than just a supporting player—they’re essential for creating the layered flavors and textures that make this dish memorable. Here’s how each item plays a delicious part in your skillet masterpiece:
- Chicken breasts: Lean, tender, and quick to cook, they soak up all the flavors in the pan beautifully.
- Fresh broccoli florets: Bring a pop of color and that perfect crisp-tender bite.
- Olive oil: Keeps the chicken juicy while adding a touch of fruity flavor.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps build a velvety sauce base.
- Garlic: Gives the entire dish an irresistible, aromatic depth.
- Onion: Turns sweet and savory as it cooks, forming the backbone of your flavor.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning every bite just right.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and lifts all the other flavors.
- Paprika: Offers subtle warmth and a lovely golden hue.
- Chicken broth: Layers in extra savoriness while keeping things saucy.
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and comforting.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a nutty, salty finish to the sauce.
- Cooked rice or pasta (optional): Perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce.
- Chopped parsley (optional): Adds a touch of freshness and color to finish.
How to Make One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat your olive oil with one tablespoon of butter in a broad, sturdy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, then sprinkle it with salt, pepper, and paprika. Let it sizzle undisturbed for a few minutes—this is where you’ll get that golden-brown color and the deeply savory flavor. Stir occasionally and cook until the chicken pieces are nicely browned and cooked through, about five to seven minutes. Once done, scoop them out of the skillet and set aside, but don’t clean the pan—those browned bits at the bottom are flavor gold!
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In that same skillet, melt your remaining tablespoon of butter. Toss in the minced garlic and chopped onion. Let them cook, stirring occasionally, for two to three minutes, just until the onions are soft and the kitchen smells incredible. This step builds a flavorful foundation for the rest of your One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner.
Step 3: Steam the Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets right into the skillet with your softened onions and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth, which will create just enough steam to cook the broccoli to tender-crisp perfection. Pop on a lid and cook for three to four minutes until the broccoli is vibrantly green and still has a bit of snap.
Step 4: Bring it All Together
Now, turn the magic up a notch! Return the seared chicken and any collected juices back into the skillet. Give everything a gentle toss to mingle the flavors, then pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle over the Parmesan cheese. Simmer for another two to three minutes until the sauce thickens just a touch and everything is beautifully coated. Take a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if you need.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner piping hot, either as is or ladled over fluffy rice or tender pasta. Sprinkle with parsley for a fresh finish. Get ready for happy faces around the table!
How to Serve One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brings a bright pop of color and fresh flavor to the top of your skillet. If you’re a cheese lover, try an extra dusting of Parmesan. For those who like a touch of heat, a few chili flakes work wonders too! These simple garnishes add a finishing flair without overshadowing the star flavors of your One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner.
Side Dishes
This dinner is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with soft dinner rolls, crusty baguette, or fluffy rice and pasta to soak up that luscious sauce. A light side salad with a zippy vinaigrette is also lovely if you want something refreshing alongside the cozy main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a special crowd or just want to add some extra pizzazz, spoon portions onto individual plates on top of a bed of rice or pasta, then drizzle with a little more sauce from the skillet. You can also serve right out of the skillet at the table family-style—the gorgeous colors of the broccoli and chicken look instantly inviting. For lunch the next day, tuck leftovers into a wrap or pita for a portable meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of your One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner should be cooled to room temperature, then transferred to an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making this a great recipe for meal-prepping or next-day lunches!
Freezing
If you have more than you can eat in a few days, portion out and freeze individual servings in freezer-safe containers. The sauce may thicken a bit after thawing, but a splash of milk or broth will bring it right back to creamy goodness. Aim to use your frozen portions within 2 months for the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
When you’re ready to reheat, gently warm your chicken and broccoli on the stovetop over low to medium heat, adding a bit of extra cream or broth to loosen up the sauce if needed. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring often to keep it creamy and prevent overcooking the chicken.
FAQs
Can I substitute the heavy cream for something lighter?
Absolutely! For a lighter version of the One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner, feel free to use half-and-half, whole milk, or even a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk. Just keep in mind, the sauce will be a bit less rich but still delicious.
What can I use instead of broccoli?
Broccoli is classic, but you can substitute with cauliflower florets, asparagus pieces, or even snap peas. Just keep an eye on the cook time to ensure your veggies stay vibrant and crisp-tender.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Definitely! If you’re short on time, shredded rotisserie chicken works beautifully. Add it to the skillet in the final steps, just long enough to heat through and soak up the lovely sauce.
Is this One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free as written (just double-check your chicken broth and Parmesan to be sure they contain no additives). Serve over rice or gluten-free pasta for a complete meal.
How do I keep the chicken extra tender?
The key is not to overcook the chicken during the initial sear. Once it’s just cooked through, remove and set aside, letting it finish in the sauce later. This keeps each piece juicy and flavorful every time you make your One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner.
Final Thoughts
I hope this One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner becomes a new favorite in your kitchen. With its comforting flavors, quick prep, and easy cleanup, it’s the kind of meal you’ll want to revisit week after week. Don’t wait—give it a try and watch it win smiles at your table!
Print
One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner is a creamy and flavorful dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. Tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a rich sauce make this a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Broccoli:
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Serving:
- 1 cup cooked rice or pasta (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add butter, garlic, and onion. Sauté until fragrant. Add broccoli and chicken broth. Cover and steam. Return chicken to the skillet. Stir in cream and Parmesan. Cook until sauce thickens.
- Serve: Adjust seasoning, serve hot alone or over rice/pasta. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available—just steam it before adding to the pan.
- Add red pepper flakes for heat or swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
