Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet with Broccoli (Print Version)

Quick Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet - a hearty, one-pan meal with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a rich garlic sauce. Perfect for weeknights!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Contains Dairy

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced thin)
02 - 1 large head broccoli (cut into florets)
03 - 1 cup heavy cream
04 - 4 oz cream cheese (full-fat, cubed)

→ Flavor Boosters

05 - 5-6 cloves garlic (minced)
06 - 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)

→ Seasonings & Finishing Touches

07 - 2 tbsp olive oil
08 - Salt to taste
09 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste
10 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get everything ready! Slice your chicken into thin cutlets, chop that broccoli into florets, and mince all that garlic. This is where I always feel like a pro chef, with everything lined up. It just makes the cooking process so much smoother, honestly. Don't skip the prep, trust me, future you will thank you when things start sizzling!
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a good splash of olive oil. Once it's shimmering, add your chicken. Don't overcrowd the pan, or it won't get a good sear! Cook it for about 3-4 minutes per side, until it's golden brown and cooked through. I always make sure to get a nice crust; it adds so much flavor. Remove the chicken and set it aside, resist the urge to eat it all right now!
03 - In the same skillet (don't clean it, those browned bits are flavor!), add a little more oil if needed, then toss in your minced garlic. Oh, the smell! It's intoxicating. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the broccoli. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender-crisp. I like mine still a bit firm, but you do you!
04 - Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that's pure gold, flavor-wise! Then, drop in the cream cheese. Whisk it constantly until it's fully melted and the sauce is smooth and luxurious. This is where the magic happens, transforming it into a truly creamy garlic chicken and broccoli skillet!
05 - Once the sauce is smooth, return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce and broccoli. Give it a good stir to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to warm through and soak up all those incredible flavors. I always taste here and adjust salt and pepper; sometimes it needs a little more zing!
06 - Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in half of the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Garnish with the remaining Parmesan, maybe a sprinkle of fresh parsley if I'm feeling fancy (which is rare on a weeknight, to be real). The Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet should be bubbling, fragrant, and begging to be devoured. This is the moment I always admire my handiwork before digging in!

# Notes:

01 - Always pat your chicken dry before searing; it helps get that beautiful golden crust, a tip I learned the hard way after many pale chicken disasters.
02 - Don't overcook the broccoli in the beginning; it will continue to cook in the sauce, so aim for tender-crisp initially.
03 - Whisk the cream cheese vigorously when adding it to the sauce to avoid lumps. Nobody wants lumpy sauce!
04 - Serve this with a crusty baguette to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce!

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large skillet (cast iron or non-stick)
02 - whisk
03 - cutting board
04 - sharp knife

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 550
Total Fat: 40g
Total Carbohydrate: 10g
Protein: 35g

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