Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Skillet Dinner Recipe
This Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Skillet Dinner is an incredibly simple and quick meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time. It’s a one-pan dish that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a family favorite. Serve it with rice or potatoes, and you’ve got a complete meal with minimal cleanup. What makes this dish special is its creamy sauce combined with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a touch of mushrooms. The added flour and spices elevate the flavor, giving it a rich, homemade taste that’s a step above the usual canned recipe. You can even cook this on an outdoor grill for those warm summer days when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen.
Ingredients & Nutritional Information
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2-3 tbsp | Olive oil |
| 4 | Boneless, skinless chicken breast halves |
| 1/4 cup | Flour |
| 1 cup | Water |
| 1/3 cup | Milk |
| To taste | Fresh ground pepper |
| 2 tsp | Dried parsley |
| 2 cups | Broccoli florets |
| 1/2 cup | Sliced mushrooms (optional) |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 357.7 kcal |
| Total Fat | 18.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 85.4 mg |
| Sodium | 600.4 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 13.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.6 g |
| Sugars | 1.6 g |
| Protein | 32.7 g |
Cooking Time:
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings:
- Servings: 4
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Skillet:
Start by heating 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet or cast aluminum pan over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot but not smoking to ensure the chicken browns nicely without burning. -
-
Season and Dredge the Chicken:
While the oil heats, take your boneless, skinless chicken breast halves and season them with your favorite seasoning blend (Essence or other preferred spices). Dredge the seasoned chicken in a shallow dish with the 1/4 cup of flour, coating all sides evenly. Shake off any excess flour to prevent clumping. -
Sear the Chicken:
Once the chicken is coated, carefully place the chicken into the hot oil, making sure to place it away from yourself to avoid any oil splatters. Brown the chicken on all sides, but do not cook it through just yet. This browning process should take about 5-8 minutes. The goal is to create a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and slightly underdone. -
Add Vegetables (Optional):
If you’re adding sliced bell peppers or other quick-cooking vegetables, this is the moment to toss them into the skillet. Allow them to wilt slightly, softening for about 1-2 minutes. This step adds a pop of color and extra nutrition to your skillet dinner. -
Prepare the Sauce:
Turn the heat down to medium-low. In a measuring cup, whisk together 1 cup of water and 1/3 cup of milk. Make sure there are no lumps before pouring the mixture into the skillet. This will become the base of your creamy sauce. -
Season and Simmer:
Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of dried parsley and a generous pinch of fresh ground pepper. Stir everything together, ensuring that the chicken is well-coated in the sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes. The liquid will start to thicken as the flour combines with the sauce, creating a smooth, flavorful gravy. -
Add the Broccoli:
After the sauce has simmered for 5 minutes, it’s time to add 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets. The broccoli will steam in the skillet, absorbing the rich flavors of the sauce. If you’re including mushrooms, add them at this point as well. Stir to combine, then cover the skillet again. -
Final Cooking:
Let everything cook together for another 10 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure the broccoli is tender and the chicken is cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the broccoli should be vibrant green and slightly crisp. -
Serve:
Once everything is fully cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Give it a final stir, ensuring the sauce coats all the ingredients evenly. Serve the cheesy broccoli and chicken skillet dinner immediately with your choice of sides, such as rice, potatoes, or even pasta for a heartier meal.
Recipe Tips & Variations:
-
Cheese Option: While this recipe does not include cheese by default, you can easily make it a cheesy dish by adding 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella after adding the broccoli. Simply sprinkle the cheese on top, cover, and let it melt into the sauce for a gooey, rich finish.
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Grill Method: On a hot summer day, you can prepare this dish outside using a grill burner. The steps remain the same, but cooking outdoors adds a slight smoky flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
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Rice or Potato Pairing: For a complete meal, serve this dish over steamed white or brown rice, or alongside mashed potatoes. The sauce from the chicken is delicious when spooned over these starchy sides.
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Make it Spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture before simmering. The spice pairs well with the creamy sauce and adds an extra dimension of flavor.
Cooking Notes:
This recipe is a wonderful base that allows for customization. Feel free to play around with different vegetables or seasonings based on what you have available. Adding more vegetables like bell peppers or cauliflower can bulk up the dish and provide extra nutrients. The creamy sauce, enhanced by the flour and milk combination, is rich yet light enough to let the chicken and vegetables shine through.
With this Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Skillet Dinner, you’ll have a flavorful, well-balanced meal that’s not only quick to make but also packed with protein and essential vitamins from the vegetables. It’s perfect for beginner cooks or anyone looking for a fast, satisfying meal without the hassle of complex preparations.
Enjoy your delicious one-dish meal!
Keywords:
Chicken Breast, Chicken, Poultry, Vegetable, Meat, < 30 Mins, Beginner Cook, Easy
