Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet
Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich garlic cream sauce and vibrant broccoli. It’s a perfect meal that comes together quickly, making it an excellent choice for a busy weeknight or a casual family dinner.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe stands out for its wonderful blend of flavors and simplicity. The creamy garlic sauce envelops juicy chicken and crisp-tender broccoli, creating a comforting dish that appeals to both adults and children. Additionally, it requires minimal effort and dishes, making cleanup a breeze. Whether served over rice or pasta, it’s a fulfilling meal that doesn’t skimp on satisfaction.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds (907 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) paprika
- 4 tablespoons (60 g) butter, divided for cooking
- 4 to 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 10.5 ounces (298 g) condensed cream of chicken soup (1 can), or more if needed
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 2 to 3 cups (480–710 ml) broccoli, chopped
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
Directions:
- Season the chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika, then set it aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until both sides are nicely browned. Transfer the chicken to a plate, cover it, and keep warm.
- Using the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden brown.
- Whisk in the condensed cream of chicken soup along with the water, stirring until the mixture is hot, smooth, and bubbling. Reduce the heat to low.
- Return the chicken to the pan, along with the chopped broccoli. Cover with a lid and let everything simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through. For firmer, more al dente broccoli, wait to add it until the chicken is nearly done to keep it crisp.
- Serve warm over rice or pasta, with lemon wedges on the side if desired. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for garnish.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet
Serve this dish over cooked rice or pasta to soak up the delicious creamy sauce. It can also be accompanied by a simple green salad or a side of crusty bread to complete the meal. For added brightness, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top just before serving enhances the flavors beautifully.
How to Store
To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.
Tips to Make
- For an extra layer of flavor, try marinating the chicken in garlic, lemon juice, and herbs for a few hours before cooking.
- Feel free to replace broccoli with other vegetables like spinach, asparagus, or bell peppers for variety.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the mixture simmer a little longer after adding the cream of chicken soup.
Variation
To give this recipe a different twist, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese to the cream sauce for a cheesy rendition. For a spice kick, add red pepper flakes along with the garlic. You could also substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier alternative.
FAQs
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Yes, fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor, but you can also use garlic powder in a pinch, adjusting the amount to your taste.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then reheat and add the broccoli when ready to serve to keep it crisp.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, ensure you are using a gluten-free cream of chicken soup or make your own using gluten-free ingredients.
Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts Use fresh chicken for the best results.
- Kosher salt To taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper To taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided for cooking Use unsalted butter if preferred.
- 4 to 5 cloves garlic, minced For a stronger garlic flavor, use more.
- 10.5 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup 1 can, or more if needed.
- 1 cup water
- 2 to 3 cups broccoli, chopped Adjust based on preference.
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
- Lemon wedges For serving, optional.
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika, then set it aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until both sides are nicely browned. Transfer the chicken to a plate, cover it, and keep warm.
- Using the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden brown.
Cooking
- Whisk in the condensed cream of chicken soup along with the water, stirring until the mixture is hot, smooth, and bubbling. Reduce the heat to low.
- Return the chicken to the pan, along with the chopped broccoli. Cover with a lid and let everything simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Serve warm over rice or pasta, with lemon wedges on the side if desired. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for garnish.
