Some nights just call for a cozy skillet of creamy, garlicky goodness. This creamy garlic chicken and broccoli skillet is showing up all over Pinterest and dinner tables and for good reason. It delivers big comfort with minimal fuss, and you can have it on the table in under 30 minutes using basic ingredients and no special tools. It’s cozy, filling, and just a little nostalgic, in the best way.
This recipe highlights juicy chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a silky garlic cream sauce that clings to every bite. It’s designed to be weeknight-friendly using pantry staples and straightforward preparation. Like a Sunday dinner in feel, but weekday-easy. All the tasty details below!
I still remember standing on a stool beside my grandma, helping whisk cream into a bubbling garlic sauceflour dusted across my shirt. Today, I test and tweak these nostalgic flavors for your modern kitchen. I’ve lightened it a bit without sacrificing flavor. You’ll love the trick I discovered!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup thanks to everything cooking in a single skillet.
Comfort with a nostalgic twist: Creamy garlic sauce revives memories of cozy family dinners without the extra work.
Customizable: Swap in your favorite veggies or serve it over pasta, rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes.
If a warm, rich skillet meal that feeds both your family and your soul sounds ideal, you’re exactly where you need to be.
Key Ingredients and Pantry Swaps
This recipe comes together with basic staples. Here’s what you need and how you can tailor it:
Chicken thighs offer extra juiciness; just increase the cook time slightly.
Butter
Olive oil can substitute, though butter adds rich flavor to the sauce.
Garlic
Freshly minced garlic delivers boldness; garlic powder is a quicker backup.
Broccoli
Frozen florets work well too thaw and pat dry before adding.
Condensed cream of chicken soup
Use cream of mushroom or even homemade white sauce as an alternative.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet
Everything comes together in a single pan. Follow these simple steps:
Season & sear: Sprinkle chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. In a hot skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter and sear the chicken for about 5 minutes per side, until golden. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
Create the sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Whisk in the cream of chicken soup and ½ cup of water. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and begins to bubble.
Simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet. Add broccoli florets. Cover and cook over low heat for 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and broccoli is just tender. For crispier broccoli, wait to add it until the final 5 minutes.
Finish & serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Serve warm.
No fancy steps just cozy flavors and satisfying textures with every bite.
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
Let’s make sure your skillet dinner comes out just right:
Need a thicker sauce? Simmer with the lid off for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken.
Too thick? Add a splash more water or low-sodium chicken broth and stir until smooth.
Chicken sticking? Ensure the pan is preheated and add fat (butter or oil) before the chicken hits the skillet.
You’ll get the hang of it and even minor variations still taste incredible.
Serving Suggestions & Storage
Here’s how to enjoy and keep your creamy garlic chicken skillet delicious:
Serving Ideas
Storage Tips
Serve over pasta, rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Pair with crusty bread or a green salad for simplicity and contrast.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore sauce texture.
Add extra garnishes like Parmesan or chili flakes for a flavor boost.
Avoid freezing the cream sauce may separate when thawed.
Leftovers, if you’ve got any, make a great lunch the next day!
Expert Insight: The Science Behind Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet
Combining lean chicken with fiber-rich broccoli delivers a balanced meal packed with nutrients. The fast cooking method preserves broccoli’s texture and vitamin content, while the cream-based sauce satisfies comfort-food cravings using everyday ingredients. It’s a smart comfort dish that’s both hearty and wholesome.
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Perfecting My Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet
It took me several rounds to perfect this creamy garlic chicken and broccoli skillet. Tweaking seasonings, timing the broccoli so it stayed firm yet tender, and coaxing the sauce into that luscious, glossy texture took a few tries. But when it finally clicked, it was pure comfort balanced, easy, and utterly satisfying.
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
This creamy garlic chicken and broccoli skillet is your new secret for easy, feel-good dinners. It delivers satisfying creaminess, tender protein, and fresh-tasting broccoli fast.
Switch it up by using chicken thighs or adding mushrooms for depth. For storing, reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to revive that luscious texture. Pair with pasta, rice, or your favorite grain.
I’d love to hear if this reminds you of comfort meals from your childhood. Snap a photo, share your twist, and send this to someone who could use a cozy meal tonight. Here’s to warm kitchens and happy hearts!
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.
