I love finding new dinner ideas that feel special but take minimal effort.
This Chicken and Broccoli Recipe in Garlic Cream Sauce fills your kitchen with the most comforting aromas, promising a rich, velvety meal. It’s truly an easy dinner idea that transforms simple ingredients into a family-friendly feast, perfect for those busy weeknights.
What You’ll Need (Ingredients and Why They Matter)
Gathering quality ingredients sets the stage for a delicious, easy meal prep recipe. For this amazing Chicken and Broccoli Recipe in Garlic Cream Sauce, opt for fresh garlic and broccoli for best flavor.
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces – Lean protein for a satisfying meal. (I often use thighs for extra juiciness and flavor.)
- 4 cups (approx. 400g) fresh broccoli florets – Vibrant green, packed with essential nutrients for healthy eating. (Frozen broccoli can work in a pinch.)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – The star of our creamy sauce, adds incredible depth.
- 1.5 cups (360ml) heavy cream – For that rich, velvety texture in the garlic cream sauce. (Or half-and-half for a slightly lighter option if that’s what’s in the fridge.)
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth (low-sodium recommended) – To thin the sauce and add savory flavor.
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter – For building a rich, flavorful sauce base.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil – For sautéing the chicken and vegetables.
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour – Our secret for a perfectly thick garlic cream sauce. (Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free meal.)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste – Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
A sprinkle of Italian seasoning or fresh parsley can further boost the flavors of your Chicken and Broccoli Recipe in Garlic Cream Sauce.
Cooking Directions Made Simple
Whipping up this creamy, hearty Chicken and Broccoli Recipe in Garlic Cream Sauce is straightforward with these easy steps. I find using a 10-inch skillet helps achieve the best sear on the chicken, ensuring a perfect texture.
- 1. Prep Your Ingredients: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and have broccoli florets ready. This quick step ensures smooth cooking.
- 2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, feeling firm to the touch. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 3. Sauté the Broccoli: Add a little more oil if needed. Add broccoli florets to the skillet and sauté for 3-5 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Remove broccoli and set aside with the chicken.
- 4. Build the Garlic Cream Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 Tbsp butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until wonderfully fragrant, taking care not to burn it. Sprinkle in 2 Tbsp flour and whisk for 1 minute to create a smooth roux for our Chicken and Broccoli Recipe in Garlic Cream Sauce.
- 5. Create the Creamy Goodness: Slowly whisk in 1 cup chicken broth until smooth, then gradually add 1.5 cups heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly, until the Chicken and Broccoli Recipe in Garlic Cream Sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 3-5 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in 1-2 Tbsp more broth to loosen it.
- 6. Combine and Serve: Return cooked chicken and broccoli to the skillet, stirring to coat evenly in the delicious Chicken and Broccoli Recipe in Garlic Cream Sauce. Heat through for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. This step brings the whole family-friendly dish together beautifully.
Quick Shortcuts: Use pre-minced garlic for speed or pre-cut broccoli florets for maximum convenience. These adjustments make this an even quicker meal for busy families. Healthier Adjustments: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth, or replace some heavy cream with milk or half-and-half for a lighter touch. This keeps the meal healthy and satisfying.
Perfect Ways to Serve and Store Chicken and Broccoli Recipe in Garlic Cream Sauce
Everyday Uses
This Chicken and Broccoli Recipe in Garlic Cream Sauce is ideal for weeknights, impressive enough for guests, and makes fantastic leftovers for lunch.
Creative Serving Ideas
- Classic: Serve hot over fluffy rice, pasta, or quinoa.
- Comforting: Pair with warm, crusty bread to soak up the creamy garlic sauce.
- Light: Enjoy alongside a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- Low-Carb: Try it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Storage Guide
Store cooled Chicken and Broccoli Recipe in Garlic Cream Sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, this dish freezes beautifully for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring often, until heated through.
Wellness and Lifestyle Perks of This Recipe
Supports Balanced Eating
This dish offers lean protein from chicken and essential vitamins from broccoli. It’s a smart choice for healthy weeknight meals and balanced eating.
Diet-Friendly Adaptations
- High-Protein: Naturally rich in protein to keep you full longer.
- Gluten-Free: Easily made gluten-free with a simple flour or cornstarch swap.
- Vegetable-Packed: A delicious way to enjoy more greens.
Great for Meal Prep
This is an easy meal prep recipe, providing satisfying portions for busy days. It’s also naturally a low-sugar option, fitting many healthy eating plans.
Everyday Benefits That Make Life Easier
Budget-Friendly Meal
Using simple, affordable ingredients, this meal helps feed your family without stretching your budget. It’s a great choice for smart home cooking.
Quick & Time-Saving
From prep to plate in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy evenings. Minimal cleanup is another bonus, especially if you use one skillet.
Versatile for Family & Entertaining
Easily adjusted for picky eaters or scaled up for a crowd, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It offers great convenience for family dinners.
Expert Tips and Smart Variations
Pro Chef Tips for Texture & Flavor
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Sear chicken in batches for a better brown crust.
- Deglaze for Flavor: After searing, a splash of broth lifts flavorful bits.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: Stir in or sprinkle on top for extra savory depth.
Substitutions for Dietary Needs
- Vegan-Friendly: Swap chicken for plant-based strips or chickpeas; use dairy-free cream.
- Kid-Approved: Cut broccoli very small or steam separately. Keep seasonings mild.
- More Veggies: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients.
Small Upgrades to Feel Gourmet
Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese for extra tang, or a pinch of nutmeg. Garnish with fresh chives or finely chopped parsley for a gourmet touch.
Common Questions Answered
“Is Chicken and Broccoli Recipe in Garlic Cream Sauce good for meal prep?”
Yes, this Chicken and Broccoli Recipe in Garlic Cream Sauce holds up beautifully for meal prep. Just portion into containers and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. It’s a great easy dinner idea for busy schedules.
“Can I freeze Chicken and Broccoli Recipe in Garlic Cream Sauce for later?”
Absolutely! This Chicken and Broccoli Recipe in Garlic Cream Sauce freezes well in airtight containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before gently reheating. This makes it an ideal meal prep recipe.
“What are the best healthy sides with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe in Garlic Cream Sauce?”
Cauliflower rice, steamed green beans, a simple garden salad, or roasted asparagus are all excellent healthy choices. These sides complement the rich sauce and add more nutrients.
“How can I make the garlic cream sauce thicker or thinner?”
For a thicker sauce, simmer it a bit longer or whisk in a touch more flour/cornstarch slurry. To thin it, simply stir in a splash more chicken broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency. I often add a little extra broth to loosen it after reheating.
“Can I use frozen broccoli in this Chicken and Broccoli Recipe in Garlic Cream Sauce?”
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Add it directly to the pan a few minutes before the chicken and sauce are combined, cooking until it’s tender-crisp. No need to thaw first!
“What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?”
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work equally well for this dish. I find thighs tend to be more forgiving and stay juicier. Both options provide a high-protein meal.
“Can I add cheese to my Chicken and Broccoli Recipe in Garlic Cream Sauce?”
Definitely! Stir in some shredded Parmesan or mozzarella during the last minute of cooking for an extra cheesy touch. This adds another layer of flavor to your family-friendly meal.
This Chicken and Broccoli Recipe in Garlic Cream Sauce is a comforting, easy meal solution; I know it will become a treasured family favorite. Pin this easy dinner idea on Pinterest now, and share the creamy garlic goodness!
Chicken and Broccoli Recipe in Garlic Cream Sauce
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: General (gluten-free adaptable)
Description
This Chicken and Broccoli Recipe in Garlic Cream Sauce is an easy, comforting dinner that transforms simple ingredients into a rich, velvety, family-friendly feast perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces (thighs for extra juiciness and flavor)
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (frozen broccoli can work in a pinch)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a slightly lighter option)
- 1 cup chicken broth, low-sodium recommended
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour (use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free meal)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Italian seasoning or fresh parsley, for garnish and flavor
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and have broccoli florets ready.
- Sear Chicken: Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Saute Broccoli: Add a little more oil if needed. Add broccoli florets to the skillet and saute for 3-5 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Remove broccoli and set aside with the chicken.
- Make Roux: Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 Tbsp butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in 2 Tbsp flour and whisk for 1 minute to create a smooth roux.
- Simmer Sauce: Slowly whisk in 1 cup chicken broth until smooth, then gradually add 1.5 cups heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 3-5 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Heat: Return cooked chicken and broccoli to the skillet, stirring to coat evenly in the sauce. Heat through for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
Notes
Quick Shortcuts: Use pre-minced garlic or pre-cut broccoli florets for maximum convenience. Healthier Adjustments: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth, or replace some heavy cream with milk or half-and-half for a lighter touch. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in 1-2 Tbsp more broth to loosen it.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 250 g)
- Calories: 550 calories
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg