Description
This comforting Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce recipe offers tender chicken pieces and broccoli florets enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce made with cheddar and Parmesan. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick, satisfying meal served over rice or pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy & Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pantry Staples
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and paprika if using, ensuring even coating.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Make a roux: Sprinkle all-purpose flour into the melted butter and garlic, whisking continuously for about 1 minute to combine and cook out the raw flour taste.
- Add liquids: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Thicken and add cheese: Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Cook broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the cheesy sauce and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until just tender, maintaining their bright green color and slight crunch.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything together, ensuring the chicken and broccoli are well coated in the creamy cheese sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a fresh finish. Serve warm, ideal over rice, pasta, or enjoyed on its own.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese.
- To increase protein, you can add cooked bacon or diced ham.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Keep the broccoli slightly crisp to maintain texture; overcooking can cause it to become mushy.
- Use freshly grated cheeses for best melting results and flavor.
