If you’re longing for a meal that brings the flavor, comfort, and that always-welcome minimal cleanup, this One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner is about to become your weeknight hero. Tender chunks of juicy chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a dreamy Parmesan cream sauce all come together in one skillet for maximum taste with minimum fuss. Whether you’re feeding a family, cooking for one, or just need a recipe you can count on, this dish is equally at home on a busy Tuesday or a leisurely Friday. The best part? Each bite dazzles with a mix of savory depth, creamy goodness, and a bright pop of lemon, while still being quick enough to whip up after work.

One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about everything that goes into this One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner. This ingredient lineup proves you don’t need a pantry full of fancy items to make something truly special. Each component serves a delicious purpose, whether it’s building rich flavor, adding nutrition, or delivering the perfect texture.

Chicken breasts: Cutting these into bite-sized pieces helps them cook faster and guarantees every forkful is juicy and flavorful.
Olive oil: A splash of this heart-healthy fat is essential for browning the chicken and sautéing those fragrant aromatics.
Onion: Provides sweetness and depth, forming a savory base for the sauce.
Garlic: A quick sauté brings out its bold, mouthwatering aroma—don’t skip it!
Broccoli florets: The star veggie, bringing color, crunch, and loads of nutrients (fresh or frozen both work beautifully).
Chicken broth: Adds moisture and layers of umami to the sauce—go with low sodium if you like to control saltiness.
Heavy cream: Lends a silky, luscious finish to the sauce, but you can swap in half-and-half if you prefer it lighter.
Parmesan cheese: Salty and nutty, cheese is the secret weapon for a creamy, flavor-packed sauce.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that takes this dinner from simple to spectacular in seconds.
Salt: Just the right touch brings all the flavors into perfect harmony.
Black pepper: For warmth and a gentle kick; freshly cracked is always best.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Add these if you like a hint of heat to cut through the creaminess.
Lemon juice: A final squeeze brightens up the creamy sauce and wakes up all the flavors.
Cooked rice or pasta (optional): For serving—either makes this a satisfying, complete meal.

How to Make One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating the olive oil in your biggest, sturdiest skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and let them sizzle for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re gorgeously browned and cooked through. When they’re done, scoop them out onto a plate and set aside—you’ll return them later for that magical finish.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Using the same skillet (don’t clean it; all those tasty browned bits left behind add so much flavor!), toss in the diced onion. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring now and then, until it softens and turns slightly golden. Add the minced garlic and give it a quick stir, cooking for just 30 seconds—just enough time to turn wonderfully fragrant without burning.

Step 3: Steam the Broccoli

Next, toss in the broccoli florets, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together, then cover the skillet and let the broccoli steam for about 5 minutes. You want it tender yet still vibrantly green, not mushy. This process also gives those florets plenty of chance to soak up the flavorful broth and seasonings.

Step 4: Make That Creamy Sauce

Turn the heat down to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and, if you’re in the mood for a little heat, red pepper flakes. Whisk everything gently until the cheese has melted and the sauce begins to thicken just a bit. It should already be smelling absolutely amazing!

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Add the browned chicken (and any juices left on the plate) back to the skillet and let everything simmer together for 3 to 5 minutes. This gives the flavors time to mingle and the sauce a chance to become silky and rich. Just before serving, stir in the lemon juice for a bright, fresh dimension. Spoon your One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner hot over rice or pasta—or just enjoy it straight from the pan.

How to Serve One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner

Garnishes

A flourish of garnishes can take your One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner from “yum” to “wow!” Try a generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, a handful of freshly chopped parsley or basil, or a crack of black pepper. If you’re a citrus fan, an extra squeeze of lemon right before serving totally amps up the freshness.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing it with sides creates an even more satisfying experience. A fluffy bed of white rice, brown rice, or any type Main Course. Or, keep it low-carb by serving with cauliflower rice or simply alongside a hunk of crusty bread to soak up all that irresistible sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Switch things up by serving your One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner family-style in the center of the table, so everyone can scoop their favorite part. Or, portion it out into individual bowls and drizzle a little extra sauce over each. For a cozy touch, fill up oven-safe dishes, sprinkle with a bit more cheese, and slide them under the broiler until bubbling and golden.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any extra One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, so tomorrow’s lunch might taste even better.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this dish if you’re meal-prepping or saving for later. Let it cool completely, pack into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind that the cream sauce may separate a bit, but a gentle stir as it reheats will bring it right back together.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in a covered skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce if needed. Alternatively, you can microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to ensure everything heats evenly. Avoid high heat, which can cause the cream sauce to break.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a delicious alternative that stay extra juicy and flavorful. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces as you would with breasts, and the rest of the cooking process is exactly the same.

Is it okay to use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli works beautifully for One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner. There’s no need to thaw it first; just add directly to the skillet and steam as usual. You might need to add an extra minute or so of cook time for perfectly tender broccoli.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Definitely! Swap out the heavy cream for your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk (like coconut cream or oat milk) and choose a dairy-free Parmesan substitute. The result is still every bit as creamy and comforting.

What can I add for more veggies?

Feel free to get creative! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or even baby spinach are all wonderful add-ins for this One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner. Stir them in with the broccoli and let them steam until just tender.

Will this work with leftover rotisserie chicken?

Yes, and it’s a genius time-saver! Just skip the step where you cook the chicken initially, and add your shredded rotisserie chicken after the sauce is made, allowing it to warm through for a few minutes in the skillet.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for an easy, flavor-packed dish that delivers pure comfort and leaves you with minimal cleanup, give the One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner a try! It’s one of those back-pocket recipes you’ll find yourself coming back to, week after week. Gather your ingredients, grab your skillet, and get ready for a new dinnertime favorite.

One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner Recipe

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4.9 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner is a delicious and creamy dish that comes together quickly for a satisfying weeknight meal. Tender chicken, broccoli, and a flavorful sauce make this a family favorite!

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
1 cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
cooked rice or pasta (for serving, optional)

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Instructions

Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, cook chicken until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
Saute Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, cook onion until softened, then add garlic.
Add Broccoli and Broth: Stir in broccoli, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Cover and steam until tender.
Make Sauce: Reduce heat, add cream, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer, then return chicken to skillet.
Finish and Serve: Simmer until sauce thickens, stir in lemon juice. Serve over rice or pasta.

Notes

You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
Add mushrooms or bell peppers for more veggies.
This dish also works well with leftover rotisserie chicken.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American