#Quick & Easy Weeknight Meals

20-Minute Dream: One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken & Broccoli (Your New Weeknight Obsession)

creamy chicken and broccoli skillet in cast iron pan
Dinner’s ready! This creamy chicken and broccoli skillet comes together in just 20 minutes.

That dreaded 5 PM question…”What’s for dinner?”…is about to become your favorite moment of the day. Imagine a weeknight where the answer is a luxurious, creamy chicken skillet with tender broccoli, all enveloped in a deeply garlicky, parmesan-rich sauce that tastes like it simmered for hours—but actually came together in one pan in just 20 minutes.

This Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Skillet is your weeknight dinner hero. It’s the meal you make when you want something that feels indulgent but leaves you with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction. Fast, flavorful, and foolproof—exactly how weeknight cooking should be. Let’s get that skillet sizzling!

Why This Skillet Will Save Your Weeknights

This isn’t just another chicken recipe—it’s your secret weapon against boring, time-consuming dinners.

  • The 20-Minute Miracle: Thinly sliced chicken breast and a quick-cook sauce mean dinner is on the table faster than you can decide on takeout.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Everything from searing the chicken to wilting the broccoli happens in a single skillet. Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
  • The “Creamy” Secret: Our sauce is luxuriously smooth and packed with garlicky goodness, using simple pantry staples to achieve richness in minutes.
  • PCOS-Friendly Power: Packed with lean protein and fiber-rich broccoli, this meal is designed to be nourishing, keep you full, and fuel your week.
ingredients for creamy chicken and broccoli skillet recipe
Simple ingredients, incredible flavor! Everything you need for the perfect skillet dinner.

The Simple Lineup for Big Flavor

Category Ingredient Quantity Notes
Protein Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast 1.5 lbs Sliced thin, bite-sized
Fat Olive Oil 1 Tbsp For searing
Veggies Broccoli Florets 4 cups Cut into small, even pieces
Aromatics Fresh Garlic, minced 4 cloves Don’t skimp!
Seasoning Garlic Powder 1 tsp Layered garlic flavor
Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper To Taste Start with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper
Sauce Base Chicken Broth (low-sodium) 1 cup The foundation of the sauce
Heavy Cream (or Half-and-Half) 1/2 cup For ultimate richness
Finishing Grated Parmesan Cheese 1/2 cup Plus extra for serving

Your 20-Minute Game Plan

  1. SEAR THE CHICKEN: Pat chicken breast dry and slice into bite-size pieces. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heatAdd the chicken and cook until beautifully golden.

  2. TOAST THE AROMATICS: Add minced fresh garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds until your kitchen smells amazing.

  3. CREATE THE SAUCE: Pour in your liquids and spices, whisking to create that incredible creamy garlic sauce.

  4. ADD THE BROCCOLI: Toss in the broccoli florets and let them cook until bright green and tender.

  5. SIMMER & SERVE: Let everything bubble together until the sauce thickens slightly. Serve immediately over white or brown rice!

close-up of creamy sauce coating chicken and broccoli
That luxurious creamy sauce! So much flavor in every single bite.

Make It Your Own!

  • Extra Cheesy: Stir in up to a full cup of Parmesan cheese at the end for maximum richness and thickness.
  • Different Protein: Boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully for even more tender bites (for another great recipe, try our Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs). (Increase cook time by 3-4 minutes).
  • Add More Veggies: Throw in $1/2$ cup of sliced sun-dried tomatoes, diced bell peppers, or sliced mushrooms with the broccoli.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when toasting the garlic for a subtle, warming kick.

FAQs (Quick & Helpful Answers)

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Just thaw and pat it very dry first so it doesn’t water down your beautiful creamy sauce.

My sauce is too thin. Help!
Let it simmer for another minute or two—it will thicken as it cooks. You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan to help it along.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth.

creamy chicken and broccoli served over rice
Perfect over rice! The ultimate comfort food bowl that’s both delicious and satisfying.

The Final Sizzle: Claim Your Weeknight

That’s it! You’ve just pulled off a deeply comforting, high-flavor, low-effort dinner in the time it takes to set the table.

This 20-Minute Creamy Garlic Chicken is the perfect example of what we stand for here at Flavor Flux: real, delicious food that fits your real, busy life. No culinary gymnastics, just foolproof, fabulous results that bring true joy to your table.

Ready for more weeknight magic? Join the Flavor Flux Family—subscribe below for our next 20-minute obsession delivered straight to your inbox.

Did you swap the cream for coconut milk, or toss in some spinach? Don’t keep that secret to yourself! Drop a rating and a comment to share your twist. And if you know a friend who needs this dinner win, hit the share button!

You’re a star! 🌟

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Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Skillet (2)

20-Minute Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Skillet

This Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Skillet is your new weeknight hero! Ready in 20 minutes with a luxurious garlic parmesan sauce. One pan, huge flavor.

  • Total Time: 20
  • Yield: Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces

  • 3 cups broccoli florets

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced

  • 1 cup chicken broth

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • For serving: white or brown rice

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  2. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown.

  3. Add the minced fresh garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  4. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

  5. Bring to a simmer, then add the broccoli florets.

  6. Cook for 4-5 minutes until broccoli is tender-crisp.

  7. Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy.

  8. Serve immediately over white or brown rice.

Notes

  • Chicken Prep: Slicing the chicken thin ensures it cooks quickly and stays tender.

  • Sauce Thickness: The sauce will thicken as it cools. For a thinner sauce, add a splash more broth.

  • Vegetable Swap: Feel free to add other quick-cooking veggies like sliced bell peppers or zucchini.

Equipment:

  • Large Skillet

  • Measuring Cups & Spoons

  • Cutting Board & Knife

  • Calories: 320 kcal

  • Author: Emma Carter
  • Prep Time: 5
  • Cook Time: 15
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

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