If you are craving a dish that’s both nourishing and indulgent, look no further than this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of tender chicken breasts, vibrant broccoli florets, and a luxuriously smooth sauce that ties everything together. This meal is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something quick, comforting, and packed with wholesome flavors. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be adapted to suit your dietary preferences, making it a versatile staple you’ll want to keep in your cooking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, balancing texture, and bringing that rich, creamy touch to the plate. Here’s what you’ll need to make this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe come to life in your kitchen.
- 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts: Choose fresh, high-quality chicken for juicy, tender meat that soaks up the flavors perfectly.
- Kosher salt and ground pepper to taste: These basic seasonings enhance every component, bringing out the natural flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This fragrant mix adds a fragrant herbal note without overpowering the dish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Used for sautéing, it imparts a subtle fruitiness and prevents sticking.
- 1 1/2 cups almond milk (or any milk of choice): Provides the creamy base for the sauce while keeping the dish light and dairy-free if preferred.
- 1 tablespoon gluten-free flour (or any flour): Acts as a thickening agent, giving the sauce body and a silky finish.
- 1 medium broccoli head, chopped (about 3 cups): Adds vibrant green color, a slight crunch, and a dose of nutrients.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh herb sprinkle that brightens the overall flavor.
- Lemon wedges, optional to serve: Just a squeeze adds a refreshing zing that balances the creamy richness.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Rub the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Italian seasoning. This simple rub infuses the chicken with aromatic herbs and essential seasoning, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor. Take a moment here to massage the spices into the meat so that the seasoning penetrates deeply.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the almond milk and flour until you have a smooth mixture with no lumps. This blend will create the creamy sauce that binds the chicken and broccoli. Using almond milk keeps the sauce light and subtly nutty, perfectly complementing the chicken without overwhelming it.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and are cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside — you’ll bring it back into the pan soon to soak up those delicious flavors.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli
Using the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and sauté some minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Then pour in your almond milk and flour mixture, stirring well as it begins to thicken gently. Toss in the chopped broccoli and let it simmer until just tender, a quick and healthy cook that keeps the broccoli vibrant and slightly crisp.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken breasts back to the pan, nestling them in the creamy broccoli sauce. Let everything heat through for a couple of minutes so that the chicken absorbs the sauce’s flavors. Finish by sprinkling with fresh parsley and offering lemon wedges on the side for anyone who loves a citrusy lift. Your Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is now ready to impress both family and friends!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish that adds a pop of color and a clean herbal brightness to this dish. Don’t underestimate the difference a sprinkle of herbs makes. Optional lemon wedges are also fantastic for squeezing a bit of acidity over the plate, balancing the richness of the creamy sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as the star of the meal, but pairing it with light, complementary sides can elevate the experience. Steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice works wonderfully to soak up all the creamy goodness. For extra veggies, a crisp mixed green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette adds refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style presentation, serve the chicken and broccoli straight from the skillet on a wooden board or large serving dish. Drizzle a little extra sauce on top and garnish with a handful of chopped parsley. If you want a more refined feel, slice the chicken breasts and fan them out atop the broccoli nest for a restaurant-quality look right at your own table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce may thicken in the fridge; simply stir in a splash of milk when reheating to restore its luscious texture.
Freezing
This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe freezes reasonably well. For best results, freeze it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that broccoli’s texture may soften after freezing, but the flavors will remain delicious.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally so the sauce doesn’t stick or separate. Adding a little milk or broth during reheating refreshes the creaminess. If you prefer, the microwave works fine, but do it in short bursts stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer more fat and a juicier texture, which pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Is almond milk necessary, or can I use dairy milk?
Almond milk adds a subtle nutty flavor and keeps this recipe dairy-free, but any milk you prefer will work just fine. Whole milk or cream will make the sauce even richer.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Using gluten-free flour is the easiest way to keep it gluten-free. Alternatively, you could substitute with cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken the sauce without gluten.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spiralized zucchini would be great additions for extra flavor and nutrition.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No worries. A combination of dried basil, oregano, and thyme will replicate Italian seasoning nicely, or just use what herbs you have on hand to keep things flavorful.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate — quick to make, wholesome, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for family or a cozy solo dinner, don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try and savor every creamy, flavorful bite.
Print
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli recipe features tender, seasoned chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection and simmered with vibrant broccoli in a smooth almond milk-based sauce. It’s a comforting and nutritious dish that’s easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, perfect for a wholesome family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (from the 2 tablespoons divided)
Sauce and Vegetables
- 1 1/2 cups almond milk (or any other milk)
- 1 tablespoon gluten-free flour (or any other flour)
- 1 medium broccoli head, chopped (about 3 cups)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (from the 2 tablespoons divided)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, optional for serving
Instructions
- Rub the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts evenly with kosher salt, ground black pepper, and Italian seasoning to season the meat thoroughly.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the almond milk and gluten-free flour until the mixture is smooth and lump-free to create a creamy base for the sauce.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook until they are golden-brown on the outside and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Broccoli: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add broccoli and sauté briefly until bright green and slightly tender, about 3 minutes. Then pour in the almond milk and flour mixture. Cook, stirring frequently, until the broccoli is tender and the sauce has thickened, around 5-7 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the broccoli and creamy sauce. Heat everything through for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired for added brightness and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute almond milk with any milk of your choice, such as dairy or oat milk, depending on dietary preferences.
- For a thicker sauce, increase the flour amount slightly or reduce the liquid by simmering longer.
- Make sure to cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Lemon wedges enhance the flavor by adding a fresh citrus contrast to the creamy dish.
- This recipe easily adapts to gluten-free diets by using gluten-free flour.
