Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli (One Pan)
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Key takeaways
- Cook chicken and broccoli in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Follow the one-pan method, ingredient swaps and serving suggestions.
Cook chicken and broccoli in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Follow the one-pan method, ingredient swaps and serving suggestions.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each), halved horizontally to make 4 cutlets
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream or full-fat canned coconut cream for a dairy-free option
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
For the Broccoli:
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets (about 4 cups)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Time Chart
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 10 minutes | 20 minutes |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients.
Gather and measure all the ingredients before you start cooking. Slice the chicken into cutlets, cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets, mince the garlic, grate the Parmesan cheese, and have the cream, broth, seasonings, and lemon juice ready. Organizing everything beforehand makes the cooking process faster and smoother.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
To start this quick low-carb healthy recipe, place the chicken cutlets between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even ½-inch thickness. This ensures they cook quickly and uniformly. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This is a crucial step in any quick low-carb healthy recipe to help the chicken cook evenly. Chicken cutlets can be cut into to pieces. (optional)
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the seasoned chicken cutlets to the hot skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside. This initial step is the foundation for this quick low-carb healthy recipe.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. This step infuses the oil with flavor and is essential for the sauce in this quick low-carb healthy recipe.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet to deglaze it, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Whisk everything together until the sauce is smooth and begins to bubble slightly. The sauce is the heart of this quick low-carb healthy recipe.
Step 5: Cook the Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir to coat them in the sauce. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender. This method allows the broccoli to steam perfectly and is a key shortcut in this quick low-carb healthy recipe.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce and broccoli. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to reheat it. Let it warm through for another minute. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately to enjoy this fantastic quick low-carb healthy recipe.
Ingredient choices and recipe notes
Ingredient brands, substitutions and portion sizes change the nutrient totals. We have not verified a reproducible nutrition calculation for this recipe; earlier calorie, carbohydrate and other per-serving nutrition claims have been omitted. Preparation and cooking times are estimates, so allow for all listed steps, preheating, cooling or chilling.
Check the actual labels for allergens and added ingredients, particularly when using sauces, sweeteners or dairy alternatives. Substitutions can change the texture and cooking process as well as the nutrient content. A dietary label does not certify a recipe for a medical condition.
Check poultry reaches 165°F (74°C) with a food thermometer: FoodSafety.gov temperature chart.
Related reading
For related ideas, see One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta and Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Skillet.
