Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli: A One-Pan, Comforting Classic

Looking for a cozy, flavorful dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes? Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli is a surefire way to bring satisfaction to your table any day of the week. With tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a silky garlic sauce all made in one pan, this meal is both nourishing and delightfully simple. It’s gluten-free, dairy-flexible, and requires only a handful of ingredients you likely already have. This recipe delivers on all fronts—creamy texture, bold garlic flavor, and that unbeatable homemade touch.

Why Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Holds a Special Place at My Table

If there’s one dish that takes me back to my childhood kitchen, it’s Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli. I remember coming home after school to the irresistible smell of garlic gently sizzling in olive oil and the sight of a bubbling, creamy sauce enveloping pieces of chicken and vibrant broccoli. My mom loved creating wholesome, satisfying meals with whatever she had on hand, and this recipe is a direct tribute to her style—practical, yet bursting with love and flavor.

Over the years, I’ve adapted the recipe to fit my busy schedule and changing dietary needs. Whether you use almond milk or regular milk, gluten-free or traditional flour, the end result is always a dish that feels special. I make this Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli on those nights when I want comfort without complication—no fussy steps, just real ingredients. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, whether you’re feeding growing kids or enjoying a quiet evening. I hope it becomes as treasured in your kitchen as it has in mine.

The Magic Behind Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli

What makes Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli so beloved? It’s all about balanced flavors and easy technique. The chicken is seasoned with Italian herbs for an aromatic base, then seared until golden for depth and texture. While the meat rests, the pan is deglazed with olive oil and a mound of freshly minced garlic swirls in the warmth, releasing that irresistible aroma.

The sauce, thickened with a simple flour and almond milk whisk, turns velvety and combines beautifully with the natural juices of the chicken. As the sauce thickens, vibrant broccoli florets soak up flavor, becoming both tender and bright green. When all the ingredients come together in the pan, the result is a dish that’s hearty, bright, and never heavy. For finishing touches, a sprinkle of parsley and a squeeze of lemon make every bite lively.

Versatility and Health Benefits

Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli adapts to your pantry and personal tastes. Use cauliflower instead of broccoli, or add a handful of spinach for more greens. If you’re not gluten-free, regular all-purpose flour works perfectly. This recipe also welcomes additions like mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for cheesy richness.

Besides versatility, this meal is packed with nutrients. Chicken breast offers lean protein, while broccoli brings vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. Using almond milk keeps it light, but you can opt for whole milk or even oat milk depending on your preference. Each serving is both satisfying and waistline-friendly, coming in around 265 calories without sacrificing comfort.

Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli

This one-pan recipe is straightforward, requiring just 10 minutes of prep. Here are the ingredients and step-by-step instructions:

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts
  • Kosher salt and ground pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups almond milk (or any other milk)
  • 1 tablespoon gluten-free flour (or any other flour)
  • 1 medium broccoli head, chopped (about 3 cups)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges, optional to serve

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together almond milk and flour until smooth. Set aside.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 6-7 minutes per side, until golden-brown and cooked through. Set aside and cover to keep warm.
  4. In the same pan, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, being careful not to brown.
  5. Pour in the almond milk mixture, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Add chopped broccoli florets and cook for another 6-8 minutes until they’re tender yet still crisp and bright green.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, spooning sauce over the top. Warm through for 2 minutes.
  8. Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately with a wedge of lemon, if desired.

Chef’s Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Chicken

  • Always pat chicken dry before searing for the most flavorful crust.
  • Let the sauce simmer gently—avoid high heat so the almond milk doesn’t separate.
  • For extra richness, add a splash of cream or a handful of grated cheese to the sauce.
  • To save time, use pre-chopped broccoli or frozen florets.

delicious chicken recipe

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli shines alongside fluffy rice, cauliflower mash, or warm crusty bread. Toss cooked pasta in the sauce for a heartier meal, or keep things light with spiralized zucchini noodles. For even more color, add carrots or red bell peppers to the sauté.

If you want a spicy twist, sprinkle in crushed red pepper or add a splash of hot sauce to the garlic. Prefer more tang? Finish with an extra squeeze of lemon juice. This recipe truly adjusts to cravings—it’s the ultimate weeknight chameleon!

Meal Prep and Storage

This Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli holds up beautifully for next-day lunches or easy meal prep. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

You can also freeze cooked chicken and sauce for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat as needed, adding fresh broccoli for best texture.

Nutrition and Health Focus

Every bite of Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli provides lean protein, a healthy dose of vitamins, and a filling fiber boost. The use of almond milk and minimal oil keeps saturated fat low, making it a heart-smart choice. Meanwhile, the robust garlic flavor supports immunity and adds a natural zing that never gets old.

Garlic Chicken with Broccoli

A Dish You’ll Return to, Night After Night

Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli is everything you want from a weeknight dinner—simple, quick, and absolutely bursting with flavor. The combination of juicy chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a smooth, garlicky sauce proves that healthy doesn’t have to mean bland. This recipe adapts to fit your needs, welcomes substitutions, and is destined to become a reliable favorite in your rotation.

What’s truly special about this dish is how it brings people together. Whether you’re gathering your family around the table, prepping a meal for busy days ahead, or seeking a nourishing way to brighten a gray evening, Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli checks every box. It invites customization with the veggies and dairy you have on hand, while still tasting restaurant-worthy every single time.

And while the preparation is simple, the pay-off is big—big aromas, big flavors, and big smiles all around. Dinners like this remind us that great food doesn’t require fancy techniques or hours in the kitchen. All it takes is a handful of fresh ingredients, a bit of garlic and care, and you’ll have a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal in under half an hour. Give it a try and discover why this creamy garlic chicken with broccoli is so easy to love—and so easy to return to, night after night.

To round out your meal, consider serving it with creamy garlic mashed potatoes or garlic herb roasted potatoes and carrots—both are flavorful, easy-to-make sides that pair beautifully with the main dish. Want to stretch the garlic comfort theme across your weeknight lineup? Garlic butter chicken is another crowd-pleaser that’s rich in flavor yet fast to prepare.

If you’re craving a veggie-forward option for another night, spinach and ricotta stuffed shells offer a creamy, satisfying meal with the same comfort-food feel in a meatless format. These internal recipe pairings can help you build an entire week of cozy, easy dinners without sacrificing flavor or simplicity.

No matter how you customize or serve it, Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli has everything you want from a go-to recipe—familiar ingredients, minimal cleanup, and maximum reward. Once you’ve made it once, chances are it’ll become a reliable staple in your rotation. So grab your skillet, your garlic, and your appetite—and rediscover how truly satisfying a home-cooked meal can be.

Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli

Treat yourself to the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli – a rich, flavorful dish that’s ready in just one pan and perfect for any night of the week!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Calories 265 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts
  • Kosher salt and ground pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 4-5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 1/2 cups almond milk or any other milk
  • 1 tablespoon gluten-free flour or any other flour
  • 1 medium broccoli head chopped (about 3 cups)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • Lemon wedges optional to serve

Instructions
 

  • Season the boneless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  • In a small bowl, whisk almond milk and flour until smooth. Set aside.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of 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. Set aside and cover to keep warm.
  • In the same pan, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute.
  • Pour in the almond milk mixture and stir until the sauce thickens.
  • Add broccoli florets and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until tender.
  • Return the chicken to the pan and cook for a couple of minutes to heat through.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Keyword Chicken and broccoli in creamy sauce, Creamy garlic chicken skillet, Easy creamy garlic chicken recipe, Garlic parmesan chicken with broccoli, Low carb creamy chicken broccoli

FAQ: Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but increase the cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Slice before returning to the sauce.

What milk alternatives work if I don’t have almond milk?

Any unsweetened plant-based milk (oat, soy, cashew) or dairy milk works well. Just avoid extra sweetened varieties.

How do I make the sauce extra creamy?

Stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream once the sauce thickens for added richness.

Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely!

Cauliflower, bell peppers, and mushrooms are great additions. Just adjust the cooking time to keep vegetables crisp-tender.

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