Creamy Garlic Broccoli Chicken Recipe
This Italian-inspired dish combines tender pan-seared chicken breast with al dente broccoli florets in a silky garlic cream sauce enriched with Parmigiano-Reggiano. The bright flavors of fresh garlic and subtle white wine create an elegant weeknight dinner that tastes restaurant-quality but comes together in under 45 minutes. Serve over pasta or with crusty bread to capture every drop of the luxurious sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 150g / 5.3 oz each)
- 500g (1.1 lb) fresh broccoli florets
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 240ml (1 cup) heavy cream
- 120ml (½ cup) dry white wine
- 60ml (¼ cup) chicken stock
- 50g (½ cup) grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 45ml (3 tablespoons) extra-virgin olive oil
- 15g (1 tablespoon) butter
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh lemon juice from ½ lemon
- 2 fresh thyme sprigs
Instructions
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Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Heat 30ml (2 tablespoons) olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
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Once oil is hot, carefully place chicken in the skillet and sear without moving for 5-6 minutes until golden brown on the bottom. Flip and sear the other side for 4-5 minutes until golden. Remove to a clean plate.
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In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add remaining 15ml (1 tablespoon) olive oil and butter. Once butter foams, add sliced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and light golden (do not brown).
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Pour in white wine and use a wooden spoon to deglaze the pan, scraping up all browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
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Add chicken stock, then slowly pour in heavy cream while stirring constantly. Add thyme sprigs and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Return chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Add broccoli florets around the chicken. Cover with a lid and simmer for 6-8 minutes until broccoli is tender-crisp and chicken reaches 74°C (165°F) internal temperature.
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Remove from heat and discard thyme sprigs. Stir in grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Substitutions
- Use heavy cream alternative: substitute with crème fraîche (same amount) or a mixture of Greek yogurt and milk (180ml yogurt + 60ml milk) added off-heat to prevent curdling
- Replace white wine: use additional chicken stock or dry vermouth in equal measure
- Dairy-free option: substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Gluten-free: this recipe is naturally gluten-free; verify all stock and wine selections if needed
Tips
- Do not skip patting the chicken dry before cooking; this ensures a proper golden crust rather than steaming
- Slice garlic thinly rather than mincing to prevent it from burning and to give the sauce a subtle texture
- For a lighter version, substitute 120ml (½ cup) of the heavy cream with chicken stock or crème fraîche to reduce richness by about 25%
- Prepare broccoli florets of uniform size so they cook evenly in the remaining time
While this creamy preparation reflects modern Italian-American influences, the combination of broccoli with garlic and olive oil is rooted in southern Italian home cooking, particularly Calabrian traditions. The addition of cream elevates a rustic dish into trattoria-style fare, representing how Italian regional cuisine has evolved through immigration and contemporary cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Creamy Garlic Broccoli Chicken Recipe take to make?
Creamy Garlic Broccoli Chicken Recipe takes about 40 minutes total — 15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking — and makes 4 servings.
What can I substitute in Creamy Garlic Broccoli Chicken Recipe?
You can adapt it easily: Use heavy cream alternative: substitute with crème fraîche (same amount) or a mixture of Greek yogurt and milk (180ml yogurt + 60ml milk) added off-heat to prevent curdling; Replace white wine: use additional chicken stock or dry vermouth in equal measure; Dairy-free option: substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmigiano-Reggiano.
How should I store leftover Creamy Garlic Broccoli Chicken Recipe?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days and reheat gently before serving.
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