Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli (One-Pan 30-Minute Dinner)

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to bring comfort and flavor to your table?

There’s something deeply satisfying about a one-pan dinner—especially when it brings together tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy garlic sauce that feels both indulgent and wholesome. This Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli is inspired by home-style cooking traditions where simple ingredients shine through careful technique and patience. It’s the kind of meal that feels special enough for a Sunday family dinner, yet easy enough for a busy weeknight when time is precious.

In many kitchens, creamy chicken dishes are a symbol of warmth and care—passed down through generations, adapted to what’s on hand, and always meant to be shared. This recipe respects that spirit. We gently sear the chicken to lock in juices, sauté garlic until fragrant (never rushed), and let the cream sauce come together slowly, coating every bite with rich flavor. The broccoli adds freshness and balance, making the dish hearty without feeling heavy.

Best of all, everything happens in one pan and is ready in about 30 minutes, so you can spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying the moment. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself, this dish invites you to slow down, savor, and enjoy a truly comforting homemade meal. 🍽️✨

Ingredients 🛒

For the Chicken & Broccoli

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for gentle heat)
• 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for balance)

Step-by-Step Directions 🍳

1. Prepare the chicken
   Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried Italian herbs. This simple seasoning lays the foundation for deep flavor.
2. Sear the chicken
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté the garlic
   Reduce heat to medium. In the same pan, melt the butter, scraping up any flavorful bits left from the chicken. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—do not let it brown.
4. Build the creamy sauce
   Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 1–2 minutes. Slowly add the heavy cream, stirring gently. Allow the sauce to warm and thicken slightly.
5. Add Parmesan and seasoning
   Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using. The sauce should become smooth and velvety. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Cook the broccoli
   Add the broccoli florets directly into the sauce. Cover the pan and let them steam gently for about 3–4 minutes, until bright green and tender-crisp.
7. Return the chicken
   Place the chicken back into the pan, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer uncovered for 5–7 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce coats everything beautifully.
8. Finish and serve
   Add a splash of lemon juice if desired for freshness. Serve hot, straight from the pan, with plenty of creamy sauce over the chicken and broccoli.

Nutritional Information 🥗

⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes | 🔥 Cooking Time: 20 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 30 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~420 | 🍽️ Servings: 4

This dish offers a satisfying balance of protein from the chicken, vitamins and fiber from broccoli, and comforting richness from the cream and cheese—perfect when enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced meal.

#onepanmeal #creamychicken #garliclover #broccolirecipes #quickdinnerideas #comfortfood #homestylecooking #30minutemeals

Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩‍🍳🍽️