Creamy Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Skillet: Weeknight Magic (Print Version)

Whip up a comforting Creamy Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Skillet! Quick, easy, and packed with flavor, it's perfect for busy weeknights. My family's favorite!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free (if using GF broth)

# Ingredients:

→ Skillet Stars

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 - 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 large head)

→ Flavor Foundation

03 - 1 tbsp olive oil
04 - 6 cloves garlic, minced (don't skimp!)
05 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
06 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Creamy Dream

07 - 1 cup heavy cream
08 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
09 - 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water (for slurry)

→ Finishing Touches

10 - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get your chicken ready for this delicious skillet meal. Slice those chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch chunks. Pat them super dry with paper towels – this is crucial for a good sear, trust me on this! Season them generously with a pinch of salt and a good grind of black pepper. While you're at it, chop your broccoli into nice, even florets. I like them not too big, not too small, just right for a forkful.
02 - Heat a large skillet – my cast iron is my absolute favorite for this – over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. Once it's shimmering, add your chicken in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the pan; you want a golden-brown crust, not steamed chicken. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until beautifully browned and cooked through. It should smell amazing, like savory goodness! Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Don't clean the pan; those browned bits are flavor gold!
03 - Reduce the heat to medium. Add another splash of olive oil if the pan looks dry. Toss in all that glorious minced garlic – honestly, the more the merrier! Sauté it for about 1 minute until fragrant. Don't let it burn, or it'll taste bitter, and we don't want that for our creamy garlic chicken. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
04 - Now, it's time for the broccoli to join the party. Add your florets to the simmering broth. Cover the skillet and let it steam for about 3-5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp. You want it bright green, not mushy! While that's steaming, whisk together the cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the simmering sauce in the skillet. Watch it thicken right before your eyes – it's like magic!
05 - Pour in the heavy cream and stir until everything is beautifully combined and bubbling gently. This is where the "creamy" magic happens for this dish! Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken further and all those flavors to meld together. The aroma should be absolutely intoxicating by now. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings – more salt, pepper, maybe a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little kick.
06 - Finally, return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet. Stir everything gently to coat the chicken and broccoli in that rich, creamy garlic sauce. Sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Give it one last stir to let the cheese melt into the sauce. Serve your Creamy Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Skillet immediately. It should look vibrant, smell incredible, and taste like pure comfort – seriously, it's a winner every single time!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd your pan, honestly. Chicken needs space to get that golden sear, not steam. I learned that the hard way, many times!
02 - Leftovers keep well for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to revive the sauce, avoids that weird microwave separation.
03 - No heavy cream? Milk and a tablespoon of cream cheese can work in a pinch for a similar creamy texture, though it won't be quite as rich. I've done it, it's decent!
04 - Serve this over some fluffy rice or pasta, or keep it low-carb with cauliflower rice. That creamy garlic sauce deserves to be soaked up!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet (cast iron recommended)
02 - cutting board
03 - sharp knife
04 - whisk
05 - measuring cups and spoons

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 30g
Total Carbohydrate: 10g
Protein: 35g

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