If you’re craving pure comfort food with a touch of color and a flood of flavor, Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce is about to become your new dinnertime obsession. Imagine juicy chunks of chicken breast, tender-crisp broccoli, and ribbons of melty cheese all wrapped up in a luscious sauce—this dish hits every note on the flavor symphony. You get all the creaminess, that dreamy cheese pull, and pops of vibrant green broccoli in every bite. Whether you’re whipping this up for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends at the table, this recipe is as easy as it is satisfying. It’s pure cozy indulgence!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the powerhouse ingredients that make this dish so irresistible. Every element in Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce does a little heavy lifting—infusing flavor, ensuring perfect texture, or adding a pop of color and freshness. No complicated grocery list; just a handful of kitchen staples coming together in the most delicious way.
- Chicken breasts: The juicy, protein-rich star of the show, perfect for soaking up all that glorious sauce.
- Olive oil: Gets the chicken golden and tender, plus adds a subtle, savory depth.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen, they bring crunch, gorgeous green color, and nutrition to each bite.
- Garlic: Minced for the ultimate aromatic boost; it’s key to a flavorful base.
- Heavy cream: The dreamy foundation for our sauce—ultra creamy, rich, and completely indulgent.
- Chicken broth: Lends savory depth and keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy.
- Dijon mustard: Just a teaspoon, but it packs a punch for a subtle tang you’ll love.
- Onion powder: Layers under the other flavors, making the sauce taste savory and rounded.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning every bite just right.
- Black pepper: A little bit goes a long way, adding that tiny zip of heat.
- Cheddar cheese: Shredded, it melts perfectly and infuses the dish with classic cheesy goodness.
- Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and just right for balancing the cheddar’s richness.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A sprinkle on top for color and the freshest flavor finish.
How to Make Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, and listen for that satisfying sizzle! Give them about 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re beautifully golden on the outside and cooked through. Transfer the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside for now. Browning the chicken like this not only seals in the juices but also builds flavor right in the pan.
Step 2: Sauté the Broccoli and Garlic
In that same skillet (don’t even think of washing it, all the good bits are still there) add in the minced garlic and broccoli florets. Sauté these for just 2 to 3 minutes to wake up the garlic and give the broccoli a bright green color. If you’re using frozen broccoli, make sure it’s thawed and drained well—no excess water, please!
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then stir in Dijon mustard, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together to combine, then bring to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for 3 to 4 minutes. The sauce will start to thicken slightly, taking on those savory and tangy notes that set apart every great Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce recipe.
Step 4: Melt in the Cheese
Add shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan to the bubbling sauce. Stir slowly and watch as the cheeses melt and the sauce transforms into silky perfection. This step is where the dish truly comes alive! Make sure the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is wonderfully smooth.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return your cooked chicken (and any juices it left behind) to the skillet. Toss everything together so every bite gets coated in sauce. Let it simmer another 2 to 3 minutes, just until everything is heated through and the flavors have a chance to mingle. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a final burst of color, and get ready to serve hot!
How to Serve Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce
Garnishes
For that picture-perfect finish, I love to shower the dish with a handful of fresh chopped parsley—bright green against the creamy, cheesy background. A tiny sprinkle of extra Parmesan right before serving adds a little more pizzazz, and let’s be honest, you can never have too much cheese on your Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce.
Side Dishes
This main dish is a superstar over fluffy white rice or buttery noodles for a classic, homestyle vibe. For a lighter or low-carb version, serve it with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini. Even a side of crusty bread is a treat—perfect for mopping up that dreamy sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling fancy, spoon the Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce into individual ramekins and pop them under the broiler for a minute or two for a bubbling, golden top. Or, pile everything into a family-style platter and let everyone dig in. Tiny appetizer cups also make this a perfect party bite—just add toothpicks!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pack any leftovers into an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce tastes just as good the next day, as the flavors meld beautifully. It’ll keep fresh for up to three days—just beware, it might disappear before then!
Freezing
This dish freezes surprisingly well. Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results. The sauce may separate a little when reheated, but a good stir will bring everything back together.
Reheating
For best flavor and texture, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in a bit of cream or milk. The microwave works too—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until piping hot.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more juiciness and flavor to your Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce. Just adjust the cook time as needed since thighs may take a bit longer.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is already gluten-free, as it has no flour or breadcrumbs. Just double-check your chicken broth and mustard to ensure they’re gluten-free, and you’re all set.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Definitely. Swap cheddar for mozzarella or gouda for a gooier or slightly smokier flavor. The Parmesan adds a distinctive nutty note, but you can try Asiago or Pecorino Romano too.
What if I want to add more veggies?
Go for it! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or even baby spinach can be tossed in with the broccoli. Just sauté them until tender before adding the sauce.
How can I lighten up the sauce?
If you’d like a lighter version of Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce, try swapping half of the heavy cream for whole milk, or use light cream. Keep in mind, the sauce will be less thick, but still delicious!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a steaming plate of Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce. With its simple ingredients, quick preparation, and absolute comfort in every bite, this recipe is destined to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try—you might just find a new family favorite!
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Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this delicious and comforting Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce for a satisfying meal that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Broccoli:
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, brown chicken for 6–8 minutes, then set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Sauté garlic and broccoli, add cream, broth, mustard, seasonings. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Add Cheese: Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted.
- Combine: Return chicken to the skillet, toss in sauce, and simmer until heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy hot.
Notes
- Serve over rice, pasta, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella or gouda for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
