If you’re looking for a comforting yet healthy dinner that comes together in one pan and brings everyone to the table smiling, you’re about to fall for this One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner. It’s packed with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce—with not a single can of soup in sight! The best part? With minimal chopping and no fussy ingredients, you’ll have a hearty meal on the table in just 30 minutes, and clean-up is a breeze. This recipe is pure weeknight gold for families or anyone craving a fuss-free, flavor-filled main dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a special role, adding layers of texture and savory flavor while keeping things quick and approachable. Grab these essentials and you’re halfway to dinnertime bliss!
- Olive oil: Brings a lovely richness and helps everything brown just right.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein—cut bite-sized for speedy, even cooking.
- Garlic powder: Gives depth and a subtle garlicky punch in every bite.
- Onion powder: Adds a savory bounce without the fuss of chopping onions.
- Salt: Essential for balancing flavors and making the chicken sing.
- Black pepper: Delivers a gentle, warming spice that rounds out the dish.
- Broccoli florets: Bring bright color and a crisp-tender crunch—plus plenty of nutrients!
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps things juicy and helps steam the broccoli just right.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts down to a creamy, gooey goodness that ties everything together.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Offers sharp, nutty undertones and fantastic umami.
- Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream: Gives creaminess with a hint of tang—your call!
- Dijon mustard (optional): A touch of zing for anyone who likes extra depth.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Lends fresh color and a burst of herbal brightness to finish.
How to Make One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add your chicken pieces and sprinkle over the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Let the chicken cook for about 6 to 7 minutes, stirring now and then, until it’s golden on the outside and cooked through. A little patience here means you’ll get irresistibly juicy, flavorful bites!
Step 2: Add Broccoli and Steam
Toss in those beautiful broccoli florets and pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Cover the skillet tightly and let everything steam for around 3 to 4 minutes. The broccoli will turn a brilliant green and become just tender—still with a little bite to avoid any mushiness. This quick steam also keeps the chicken moist.
Step 3: Melt the Cheeses and Creamy Add-ins
Turn the heat down low and add your cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, Greek yogurt or sour cream, and Dijon mustard if you’re using it. Stir everything together until the mixture becomes lush, creamy, and gently coats every bit of chicken and broccoli. The cheese will melt smoothly into the sauce, making the entire skillet irresistible.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle over the fresh parsley if you’d like a pop of color and freshness. Serve your One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner hot and bubbly, directly from the skillet for that ultimate cozy feel! Each spoonful is a harmony of flavors you’ll crave again and again.
How to Serve One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner
Garnishes
A handful of chopped fresh parsley is always a winner here—it brightens up the whole dish and adds fresh, vibrant flavor. You could also scatter a little more Parmesan or even a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a gentle kick. Sometimes I like to squeeze a splash of fresh lemon juice over everything just before serving, waking up all those rich, creamy flavors.
Side Dishes
Honestly, this One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner feels like a complete meal on its own. But if you want to round things out, it’s lovely spooned over fluffy white rice, nutty quinoa, or even cauli rice for a low-carb touch. You might also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce, or a crisp, fresh salad for contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual nights, serve this dinner straight from the skillet at the table for cozy family-style vibes. You can also portion it into individual bowls and garnish each with parsley and an extra sprinkle of cheese. Looking to impress? Spoon the mixture over toasted sourdough or pile it inside baked potatoes for a twist nobody will forget!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner stores like a dream. Simply let everything cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll happily keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a great next-day lunch or quick grab-and-go dinner.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this dish, especially if you want to prep ahead. I recommend portioning into individual servings and sealing well to keep things as fresh as possible. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—just know the sauce may become slightly thinner, but a quick stir (or a sprinkle of extra cheese) will bring it right back.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop a serving in the microwave in a microwave-safe container for about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warmth. Or, gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth if needed. This keeps the chicken tender and the sauce nice and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and very forgiving if you prefer dark meat. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking, and follow the same instructions as you would for breasts.
What if I don’t have Greek yogurt or sour cream?
No worries! You can use regular plain yogurt or even a splash of heavy cream for added richness. If you skip both, the sauce will be a bit less creamy, but still tasty with all that melted cheese.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or baby spinach along with the broccoli. Just adjust steaming time as needed for different veggies—heartier ones may need a minute or two more.
Is this One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner gluten-free?
Yes, as written, there are no gluten-containing ingredients. If you serve it over rice, cauliflower rice, or potatoes, it remains gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary needs.
How can I make this dish even more flavorful?
Try doubling up on the garlic powder, adding a bit more black pepper, or stirring in extra Dijon mustard for tang. You can also swap cheddar for smoked gouda or add a sprinkle of your favorite herbs—basil and oregano work beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a one-pan dinner that feels both hearty and homemade, the One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner checks every box. It’s comforting, endlessly adaptable, and on the table in a flash. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your new cozy-night classic!
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One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner is a quick and easy meal that packs in delicious flavors. Tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce come together in one pan for a satisfying dish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Broccoli and Sauce:
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 6–7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Cook the Broccoli: Add broccoli florets and chicken broth to the skillet. Cover and steam for 3–4 minutes until broccoli is tender.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, Greek yogurt or sour cream, and Dijon mustard (if using). Stir until cheese is melted.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
- For added richness, stir in a splash of cream or use full-fat yogurt.
- Leftovers reheat well for a delicious lunch option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
