Okay, friends, get ready to meet your new weeknight hero: Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce! This dish is like a cozy, cheesy hug on a plate—juicy chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a luscious, melty sauce that ties it all together in the dreamiest way. It’s the kind of meal that makes you do a little happy dance after the first bite. Trust me, you’re going to fall head over heels for this one!
Why You’ll Love Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce
Comfort Food Magic: It’s creamy, cheesy, and downright comforting—basically everything you want in a cozy meal.
One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes = more time to relax after dinner. Win-win!
Nutritious and Delicious: You’re sneaking in a good amount of broccoli, making it a balanced meal without feeling like you’re eating “health food.”
Easy to Customize: Want to throw in some mushrooms, spinach, or swap cheddar for mozzarella? Go for it!
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will be begging for seconds. It’s kid-approved and adult-adored.
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Ingredients
Chicken:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Salt and Pepper
Olive Oil
Vegetables:
Fresh Broccoli Florets
Garlic
Sauce:
Butter
All-Purpose Flour
Chicken Broth
Heavy Cream
Cheddar Cheese
Parmesan Cheese
Dijon Mustard (optional for a little zing)
Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Broccoli
In the same skillet, toss in the broccoli and a little garlic. Sauté until the broccoli is bright green and just starting to get tender. You want it to stay a little crisp—it’ll finish cooking in the sauce.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
Melt butter in the skillet. Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute to get rid of that raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens up nicely.
4. Add the Cheese
Turn down the heat and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan until melted and smooth. If using, stir in a little Dijon mustard for extra flavor.
5. Bring it All Together
Return the chicken and broccoli to the skillet, coating everything in that glorious cheesy sauce. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes so the flavors can mingle.
6. Serve and Savor
Spoon onto plates or serve straight from the skillet. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy.
Nutrition Facts (per serving, based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 520
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
- Sodium: 620mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 43g
FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Just thaw it first and pat it dry to avoid watering down the sauce.
Q2: Can I swap the chicken for another protein?
Absolutely—shrimp, turkey, or even tofu would be fantastic.
Q3: How do I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and go a little lighter on the cheese (but let’s be honest, the cheese is the best part!).
Q4: What cheeses work best?
Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, but feel free to play with mozzarella, fontina, or gouda for a fun twist.
Q5: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best served fresh. If you do make it ahead, gently reheat with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
Q6: How should I store leftovers?
Pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Q7: Can I freeze this dish?
It’s not ideal because the sauce might separate when thawed, but it’s doable if you don’t mind a slightly different texture.
Q8: Can I bake it after assembling?
Sure! Transfer everything to a casserole dish, sprinkle with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes until bubbly.
Q9: What can I serve with it?
Rice, pasta, or even crusty bread would soak up all that delicious sauce beautifully.
Q10: Is Dijon mustard necessary?
Not at all—but a little bit really makes the flavors pop!
Conclusion
Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce is the ultimate go-to when you want something easy, comforting, and packed with flavor. It’s simple enough for a Tuesday night but so delicious you’ll want to serve it to guests. Grab a fork, grab some bread to mop up that sauce, and dig in—you’re going to love every last bite! Want me to also help you set it up in a recipe card format?
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Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken with Broccoli in a Creamy Cheesy Sauce is the ultimate comfort food! Juicy chicken and tender broccoli are smothered in a rich, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned sauce—easy enough for weeknights but delicious enough to impress guests.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Slowly add chicken broth, whisking constantly, then stir in the heavy cream.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened, then stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the broccoli to the sauce. Cook for 3–4 minutes until just tender.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to coat everything in the cheesy sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm over rice, pasta, or on its own!
Notes
- Steam the broccoli lightly before adding it if you prefer very soft broccoli.
- Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
- Great as leftovers—store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg