It’s a challenge, right? Trying to get a restaurant-quality, balanced meal on the table after a long day when you’re tired of cleaning pots and pans. Well, prepare to rethink your weeknight line-up because this Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Florets is exactly what you need. It’s rich, it’s packed with flavor from that gorgeous garlic cream sauce, but thanks to the bright, crisp broccoli, it never feels too heavy. As a chef and photographer, I know meals need contrast—the richness of the sauce plays perfectly against the freshness of the greens here. And the best part? It’s a complete dinner cooked entirely in one pan. You’re going to love how simple this is.
Why This Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Florets Works for Weeknights
If you’re looking for a dinner that feels special without requiring a second shift in the kitchen, this is it. This skillet meal hits all the right notes for busy weeknights. We aren’t just making dinner; we’re minimizing clean-up and maximizing flavor, which is my main goal for weeknight cooking.
- It’s a true one-pan dinner, meaning cleanup is a breeze—just one skillet to wash!
- The flavor is incredible; that garlic component really sings against the tender chicken and sauce.
- The final look is stunning—that vibrant green broccoli sitting next to the pale, creamy sauce is surprisingly elegant for something made so fast.
Quick Prep and Cook Times for Busy Schedules
Seriously, you can have this whole thing done before most take-out orders even arrive at your door. We are talking about just 10 minutes of prep time. That’s just enough time to season your chicken and chop your broccoli. Then, it cooks in about 25 minutes total. That speed lets you focus on getting dinner served while it’s piping hot, giving you that fantastic restaurant-quality feel right at home.
Essential Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Florets
Okay, let’s talk turkey—or, well, chicken! The beauty of a single-pan dish like this is that you don’t need a mile-long shopping list. We’re using simple, high-impact ingredients designed to layer flavor quickly. Everything here works together, from seasoning the protein first to building that rich sauce base right in the same skillet. Check out what you need to grab before you start any other steps. This clarity in ingredients is key to making sure your cooking process is smooth.
- 2 pounds boneless chicken (I usually use breasts, but thighs work great too!)
- Kosher salt and ground pepper, to taste (don’t be shy with the initial seasoning!)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided (that’s half for searing, half for the aromatics)
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced (Yes, 4 to 5! Garlic is the star here.)
- 1 1/2 cup almond milk (make sure it’s unsweetened)
- 1 tablespoon gluten-free flour (this is our silent thickener)
- 1 medium broccoli head, chopped (about 3 cups of florets)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for that bright finish)
- Lemon wedges, optional to serve (I *always* have these ready)
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Creamy Garlic Chicken
A quick word on a couple of these items because I want you to succeed! We’re using almond milk because it pairs beautifully with the gluten-free flour to create a nice, light sauce binder. If you aren’t worried about gluten or dairy, regular whole milk works like a charm, or you could even use some chicken broth if you want the sauce to be less rich—but honestly, the creaminess is part of the payoff! Also, keep an eye on how thick your chicken breasts are. If they are super thick, slice them in half horizontally. That way, they cook evenly in the 6 to 7 minutes per side we planned for without drying out before the broccoli is done.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Florets
This is where the magic happens, and trust me, using that big skillet means we aren’t wasting time moving food between multiple bowls! The absolute, biggest secret to getting flavor here is building it layer by layer right in the pan. We sear the chicken, then we instantly use those brown bits left behind—the fond—to anchor our sauce. It’s an easy chef trick that makes a huge difference in a quick dinner like this.
First things first, get your chicken seasoned up! Rub the 2 pounds of boneless chicken generously with kosher salt, ground pepper, and that teaspoon of Italian seasoning on all sides. Now, let it sit while you do the next quick prep step.
Next, grab a small bowl and whisk together your 1 1/2 cup of almond milk and 1 tablespoon of gluten-free flour until it’s totally smooth. No lumps allowed! Set this sauce mixture aside for now.
Now we cook! Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in that large pan over medium-high heat. Cook your seasoned chicken until it’s gorgeously golden-brown and cooked all the way through—this usually takes about 6 to 7 minutes per side. Once done, pull the chicken out and toss it on a plate, covering it loosely to keep the warmth locked in. This lets the chicken rest while we build the flavor for the next part of our garlic sauce.
Technique Tips for Searing the Chicken
Don’t rush the sear! You want a real crust on that chicken. To get that perfect texture, make sure your pan is truly medium-high before the oil goes in, and wait until that oil shimmers just a bit. When you place the chicken in, don’t immediately move it around. Let it sit undisturbed for those first few minutes so that crust can develop. Keep the pieces from piling on top of each other; if your pan is too crowded, it steams instead of searing, and we want golden color, not pale chicken!
Creating the Velvety Sauce Base
Once the chicken is out, drop the heat down slightly to medium for the sauce. Add the remaining oil to the same pan—see how we’re instantly incorporating those yummy chicken drippings? Add your 4 to 5 cloves of minced garlic and cook just until you can really smell it, which is usually less than a minute. Don’t let it burn! Then, pour in that milk and flour mixture you whisked earlier and stir constantly. The consistency should start thickening up fast as the heat hits it. This quick thickening is the secret to a successful single-pan dish like this one!
Once your sauce has a nice body, toss in your 3 cups of broccoli florets. Let those cook down for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until they turn that brighter green shade and are tender when poked. Finally, nestle your chicken right back into that gorgeous sauce and let it heat through for another couple of minutes. Finish it all off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and maybe a little squeeze of lemon juice right before serving.
Tips for Success When Making Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Florets
You’ve made it through the cooking, but these final tips are what take this from “good weeknight dinner” to “wow, this is restaurant quality.” My job as a chef is making sure those details that matter in a busy kitchen translate to your home cooking. Remember how I mentioned that contrast—richness versus freshness? These tips are all about nailing that balance so your broccoli isn’t sad and mushy.
First, let’s talk broccoli timing. This is non-negotiable for that beautiful texture! You want the broccoli to be tender-crisp. That means when you dip a fork in, it gives just a little resistance. If you cook it too long while the sauce is reducing, it turns into baby food, and we lose that lovely snap of freshness we need against the heavy cream. I always aim to add the broccoli after the sauce is already thickening up.
Another thing I always do is taste the broth *before* the chicken goes back in. The sauce needs enough salt and pepper to season the whole dish—chicken, sauce, and the vegetable—because the broccoli soaks up a lot of residual flavor. If the sauce tastes slightly too salty on its own, it’s probably perfect once the rice or chicken joins it. I always keep some lemon wedges right by the stove for a final squeeze, which brightens everything up.
Final small tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan when you add the broccoli. If you have a gigantic head of broccoli and your pan is jammed, cook the broccoli in two batches! Overcrowding drops the temperature too fast, and suddenly, instead of blanching slightly in the sauce, it’s simmering in liquid for too long. We are aiming for vibrant, not wilted! If you want to try another green veggie, you can easily swap it out for some greens in my quick broccoli pasta recipe—same principle applies to cooking time there too!
Make-Ahead and Storage for Your Creamy Garlic Chicken Dinner
I know sometimes we cook ahead, or maybe there are leftovers—which is great because this dish is delicious the next day! If you plan to save it, try to store the chicken and the sauce/broccoli mixture separately if you can manage it. Dairy-based sauces, even one made with almond milk, can sometimes ‘break’ or get a little grainy when refrigerated and reheated aggressively.
If you have to store it all combined, that’s okay! Just when you reheat it, you have to be gentle. Put it over low heat on the stove, and if it seems tight or thick, whisk in just a splash of fresh milk or broth—maybe a tablespoon at a time—until that creamy texture returns. Don’t microwave it if you can avoid it, or if you must, use short bursts (30 seconds) stirring well in between each one. This whole meal is part of my collection of make-ahead friendly ideas, even if it cooks fast!
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Florets
Because this is such a beautifully balanced, one-pan dish, you don’t have to stress about multiple side dishes, thank goodness! If you are aiming for a really hearty meal, serving this Creamy Garlic Chicken right over a bed of fluffy white rice or nutty quinoa is just fantastic. The grains soak up every drop of that incredible garlic sauce—it’s heaven.
But if you are sticking to lighter Healthy Dinner Ideas or want to cut down on carbs, I love serving this straight out of the pan alongside a slightly acidic side salad. Something with sharp vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the cream perfectly. And don’t forget those lemon wedges I mentioned? A fresh squeeze right before serving makes all the difference!
Frequently Asked Questions About This Simple Chicken Recipe
I always get so many questions when people start making this dish for the first time! It’s definitely one of my favorite Simple Chicken Recipes because it uses basic techniques to create something amazing. Here are the common things folks ask when they are planning their Chicken Breast Dinner Ideas.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Florets?
Oh, absolutely! I use breasts mostly because they are leaner, but chicken thighs are packed with flavor, so go right ahead. Just know that thighs are usually a bit thicker and have more connective tissue. This means they might take an extra minute or two to brown up nicely in the searing step. When you return them to the sauce to simmer, you might want to let them go a little longer—maybe 8 or 9 minutes total to ensure they are wonderfully tender. It’s worth the extra minute!
Is this considered one of the best Healthy Chicken Recipes?
I totally think so, especially when you compare it to other creamy chicken dishes out there! It’s definitely a fantastic choice among Healthy Chicken Recipes. You’re getting a huge hit of protein from the chicken, and we’ve got a full serving of vegetables right there in the pan—that’s fantastic for balance. Since we use almond milk instead of heavy cream, we cut down on saturated fat significantly while still getting that luxurious mouthfeel. It’s rich, but it’s mindful!
What if I don’t have gluten-free flour? Can I skip it?
That gluten-free flour is acting as our quick, lump-free thickening agent here. If you skip it, your sauce will be much thinner—more like a quick, garlicky broth than a creamy sauce. If you don’t need a gluten-free option, regular all-purpose flour works perfectly fine; just use the same amount! If you are avoiding flour altogether, let the sauce reduce down much longer until it naturally thickens. It will take a few extra minutes, but it works!
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
You bet! That’s the beauty of a skillet meal. When thinking about other Healthy Dinner Ideas, you can easily swap out or add veggies. Mushrooms are amazing with garlic cream sauce, so toss those in when you cook the garlic. If you use firmer vegetables like carrots or potatoes, you’ll need to add those in *before* the chicken comes out the second time, just because they take longer to get tender than broccoli.
Estimated Nutritional Information for Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Florets
I always include this because I believe in transparency, especially when we’re eating well. While this dish is designed to be a fantastic, balanced choice, remember that these numbers are just an estimate. How much oil you use, the exact size of your chicken pieces, or if you use almond milk versus whole milk—all of that will shift the final count a little bit. Keep that in mind as you look over the breakdown below!
This is based on a serving size of one, yielding about 4 solid portions for the whole batch. When you look at the macros, you can see why I love this for dinner; it’s high in protein, which keeps you feeling full, but it stays relatively light overall.
- **Serving Size:** 1 serving
- **Calories:** 450
- **Fat:** 20g (with only about 5g being saturated fat—that’s great for a creamy dish!)
- **Protein:** 50g (Told you it was high!)
- **Carbohydrates:** 15g
- **Sugar:** 4g
- **Fiber:** 4g
- **Sodium:** 350mg
If you’re tracking macros closely for your dietary goals, you can easily adjust these counts by, say, reducing the initial olive oil or aiming for leaner chicken cuts. But as it stands, this is a winning meal that keeps you satisfied without weighing you down!
Share Your Experience Making This Dish
Well, that’s the entire show for our Amazing 1-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe! I truly hope this dish brings some easy, flavorful balance to your weeknight table. When I designed this recipe, I wanted to take something comforting—a creamy chicken sauce—and pair it with something vibrant and healthy, like those broccoli florets, all without the hassle of washing three different pots and pans.
Now, it’s your turn! Head down to the comments section below and let me know what you thought. Did you give it a try? Be sure to rate the recipe out of five stars—I really value your feedback on how this Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Florets worked in your kitchen. I love seeing how you adapt things too! Did you throw in some mushrooms? Try a different herb? Tell me your secrets!
If you’d like to follow along with more of my culinary adventures, where I combine restaurant technique with simple home cooking, you can always check out my profile over at Ethan Miller’s author page here on Sena Recipes. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear about your perfect, creamy skillet dinner!
Print
Amazing 1-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Make a complete, balanced skillet meal with tender chicken, a garlic cream sauce, and bright broccoli florets cooked in one pan.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless chicken
- Kosher salt and ground pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1 tablespoon gluten-free flour
- 1 medium broccoli head, chopped (about 3 cups)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, optional to serve
Instructions
- Rub the 2 pounds boneless chicken with kosher salt, ground pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning on all sides.
- Whisk the 1 1/2 cup almond milk and 1 tablespoon gluten-free flour in a small bowl until smooth. Set this mixture aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden-brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and cover it to keep it warm.
- To the same pan, add the remaining oil over medium heat. Add the 4-5 cloves of minced garlic and cook for up to 1 minute.
- Pour in the almond milk mixture and stir; the sauce will thicken as it heats.
- Add the 1 medium broccoli head florets and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
- Return the chicken to the pan and continue to cook for a couple of minutes to heat the chicken through.
- Garnish with 2 tablespoons fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges, if you like.
Notes
- Broccoli brings color and texture contrast to the rich, creamy sauce.
- Cooking everything in one pan allows the flavors to build together simply.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 50
- Cholesterol: 150
Keywords: Creamy Garlic Chicken, Broccoli Florets, One-Pan Dinner, Skillet Chicken, Simple Chicken Recipes, Healthy Dinner