Introduction
Transform your weeknight dinner into something extraordinary with this soul-warming chicken and broccoli dish. Hidden beneath its simple appearance lies a restaurant-worthy meal that marries succulent chicken pieces with garden-fresh broccoli, all embraced by a silken Parmesan cream sauce that will have everyone at your table reaching for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Forget complicated cooking techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. This dish proves that everyday ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. I stumbled upon this combination while experimenting with leftover ingredients, and it’s since become my most requested recipe. The magic lies in how the garlic-infused cream sauce clings to every bite of chicken and broccoli, creating perfect harmony on your plate.
Home cooks especially love how this recipe transforms basic pantry staples into a dish worthy of a special occasion, while still being simple enough for a Monday night dinner. The best part? The hands-on cooking time is just 20 minutes!
Ingredients
For Your Protein Base:
- 4 plump chicken breasts (roughly 2 pounds), diced into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Mediterranean herb blend
- 1 teaspoon smoked garlic powder
- Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper
For Your Signature Sauce:
- 5 cups tender broccoli crowns, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 large garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ¾ cup chicken stock
- 1½ cups aged Parmesan, freshly grated
- 2 tablespoons unsalted European butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- ¼ teaspoon crushed chili flakes (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Begin with the Chicken:
- Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels
- Toss with Mediterranean herbs, smoked garlic powder, and generous seasoning
- Warm olive oil in a deep skillet until it shimmers
- Sear chicken in batches until golden-crusted, about 4 minutes per side
- Transfer to a warm plate and cover loosely
- Build Your Flavor Base:
- Lower heat to medium
- Melt butter and add fresh garlic
- Cook until fragrant but not browned, about 45 seconds
- Pour in stock, scraping up the flavorful bits
- Slowly stream in cream while stirring
- Bring It All Together:
- Once bubbling, nestle in broccoli crowns
- Partially cover and steam until bright emerald, 3-4 minutes
- Sprinkle in Parmesan gradually, stirring until velvety
- Return chicken and any accumulated juices
- Simmer until sauce coats the back of a spoon
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve this masterpiece in warmed bowls over a bed of al dente pasta, fluffy rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. A sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves and extra Parmesan adds elegant finishing touches.
To preserve leftovers, cool completely and store in glass containers for up to two days. When reheating, add a splash of cream and warm gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to maintain the sauce’s luxurious texture.
Helpful Notes
- Bring ingredients to room temperature for even cooking
- Use a microplane for ultra-fine garlic that melts into the sauce
- Don’t rush the cheese melting process – low and slow ensures smoothness
- Cut broccoli florets uniformly for consistent cooking
- Toast some pine nuts for optional garnish and crunch
FAQs
Why did my sauce separate? The key is gentle heat and constant movement. Never let your cream sauce boil, and keep stirring while adding cheese.
Can this be made lighter? Try half-and-half mixed with a touch of cornstarch for thickening, though the texture won’t be quite as luxurious.
My broccoli turned brown – help! Watch the cooking time closely. Broccoli should retain its bright color; if it’s turning brown, it’s overcooked.
What’s the best cheese substitute? While aged Parmesan is ideal, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano make excellent alternatives.
This Cozy Chicken & Broccoli in Parmesan Cream isn’t just another recipe – it’s an experience that brings people together. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself to a special meal, this dish promises comfort and satisfaction in every bite. The combination of tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and that irresistible cream sauce creates memories that will have everyone asking when you’re making it again!
