Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Chicken and broccoli is one of those simple dinners that never really goes out of style. Tender pieces of chicken, fresh broccoli, savory seasonings, and melted cheese come together in one skillet for a comforting meal that is easy enough for a busy weeknight. The best part is that you do not need a long list of complicated ingredients or several pots and pans to make it.

This chicken and broccoli recipe is hearty, flavorful, and flexible. Serve it over steamed rice for a filling family dinner, spoon it over roasted potatoes, or enjoy it on its own for a lower-carb meal. The chicken stays juicy, the broccoli becomes tender without turning mushy, and the cheese brings everything together into a rich and satisfying skillet dinner.

Chicken and Broccoli Recipe at a Glance

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium head fresh broccoli, cut into small florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¾ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter, optional for extra richness

Also Read: Crunchy Crumbed Chicken Drumsticks

How to Make Chicken and Broccoli

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into evenly sized bite-sized pieces. Season them with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Try to keep the pieces roughly the same size so they cook evenly in the skillet.

Step 2: Cook the Onion and Garlic

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until it starts to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet in a single layer as much as possible. Let it cook for a few minutes without constantly stirring so the chicken develops some color. Turn the pieces and continue cooking until lightly browned on the outside.

Step 4: Add the Broccoli

Add the small broccoli florets to the skillet and stir everything together. Pour in the chicken broth and add the butter if using. Cover the skillet and let the chicken and broccoli cook gently for about 6 to 8 minutes. The steam will help soften the broccoli while the chicken finishes cooking.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Once the chicken is fully cooked and the broccoli is tender, stir the mixture well. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the skillet again, turn off the heat, and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts.

Step 6: Serve

Give the chicken and broccoli a final stir and serve while hot. Spoon it over rice, mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, pasta, or cauliflower rice.

Also Read: Chicken Francese

What You Can Do Better

Cut the broccoli into small florets rather than leaving large pieces. Smaller florets cook faster and give you a better balance of chicken and broccoli in every bite. If you prefer broccoli with more texture, add it later and reduce the covered cooking time by a couple of minutes.

Do not overcook the chicken. Chicken breast can become dry quickly, especially when cut into small pieces. Browning it first and then letting it finish cooking with the broccoli and broth helps keep it tender.

Use freshly shredded cheese if possible. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but freshly grated cheese usually melts more smoothly. Sharp cheddar gives the dish a stronger flavor, while mozzarella creates a milder and stretchier finish.

If there is still some liquid in the skillet before adding the cheese, do not worry. A small amount of broth mixes with the melted cheese and seasonings to create a light sauce. Letting the skillet rest for a few minutes after cooking will also help the sauce thicken.

Serving Suggestions

• Steamed white rice or brown rice
• Roasted baby potatoes
• Mashed potatoes
• Butter noodles
• Cauliflower rice
• Quinoa or couscous
• A slice of warm crusty bread

Also Read: New Orleans Chicken Wings

Storage and Reheating

Allow the chicken and broccoli to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or warm everything gently in a skillet with a small splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

Nutritional Information

The following nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the exact ingredients and serving size used.