March 25 2025

Grilled Chicken With Broccoli And Creamy Garlic Sauce

Name: Grilled Chicken with Broccoli and Creamy Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 boneless (skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small ones)); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor); 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter; 2 cups broccoli florets; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon olive oil; For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:; 1 tablespoon butter; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional, for extra depth); Chicken: Swap for boneless thighs if you prefer juicier meat.; Dairy-Free? Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.; Want More Veggies? Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor.

Khemit Chicken Recipes 0

The Perfect Easy Dinner You’ll Love

Let’s be real here—you and I both know that finding a meal that’s easy, delicious, and actually healthy can be a hard thing.

I know you want something full of flavor but without spending hours in the kitchen. I get it because I’ve been there too!

That’s exactly why I love this Grilled Chicken with Broccoli and Creamy Garlic Sauce. It’s one of those meals that tastes like comfort food but won’t leave you feeling sluggish.

Juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a creamy garlic sauce that’s so good, you’ll want to pour it over everything. Sounds amazing, right?

And the best part of it? It’s quick and simple. No complicated steps. No fancy ingredients.

Just real, good food that you can make in 30 minutes or less. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or even meal prepping for the week, this dish fits every occasion.

So if you’re looking for a meal that feels like a treat but keeps things healthy, you’re in the right place. Grab your pan, and let’s make this together—I promise you’ll love every bite!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small ones)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

For the Broccoli:

2 cups broccoli florets
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

1 tablespoon butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional, for extra depth)

Substitutions & Tips:

Chicken: Swap for boneless thighs if you prefer juicier meat.
Dairy-Free? Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Want More Veggies? Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor.

Now that you’ve got everything, let’s get cooking!

How to Cook This Dish

1. Prep the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry (moisture = no crispy edges, and we want crispy!).
Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.

2. Cook the Chicken

Place the chicken in the pan and let it cook—no touching! for about 5-6 minutes until golden brown.
Flip it over and cook for another 5-6 minutes.
Check with a meat thermometer (165°F is the magic number). No thermometer? Cut into it—if it’s white and juicy, you’re good!
Remove and set aside.

3. Cook the Broccoli

In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and the broccoli.
Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and sauté for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
Remove and set aside (yes, you’ll use this pan again—less cleanup!).

4. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat.
Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds (until fragrant, aka your kitchen smells amazing).
Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and stir.
Mix in ½ cup Parmesan, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning.
Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.

5. Put It All Together

Return the chicken to the pan, spooning that creamy garlic goodness over the top.
Toss in the broccoli and let everything heat up for 1-2 minutes.
Serve hot and enjoy every single bite!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Rushing the Chicken

If you flip it too soon, you miss out on that golden, crispy crust. Let it cook undisturbed for at least 5 minutes per side. Patience = flavor!

2. Overcooking the Chicken

Dry chicken is a crime. Use a thermometer (165°F = perfect). No thermometer? Cut into the thickest part—if it’s white and juicy, you’re good.

3. Drowning the Broccoli

Don’t overcook it! Soggy broccoli belongs in the past. A quick sauté keeps it vibrant and slightly crisp.

4. Burning the Garlic

Garlic goes from delicious to bitter in seconds. Stir constantly and only cook it for about 30 seconds before adding the cream.

5. Letting the Sauce Get Too Thick

If your sauce turns into paste, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. We want creamy, not gluey!

6. Skimping on the Seasoning

Bland food is not an option. Taste as you go and adjust the salt, pepper, or Parmesan if needed.

Stick to these tips, and you’ll have a dish that’s flavor-packed, creamy, and downright irresistible!

Variations & Customizations

Spicy Version

Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Swap regular paprika for smoked paprika on the chicken.
Drizzle (okay, just a tiny bit!) hot sauce on top before serving.

Keto-Friendly Upgrade

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra fat and juiciness.
Replace broccoli with zucchini or spinach for variety.
Add more Parmesan (because cheese makes everything better).

Vegetarian Twist

Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms or tofu.
Use vegetable broth instead of cream for a lighter sauce.
Throw in extra veggies like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for more flavor.

Serving & Presentation Tips

Plate it

Start with a clean, white plate (makes the colors pop).
Place the chicken breast in the center, slightly angled for that restaurant-style look.
Arrange the broccoli neatly on the side—don’t just dump it on!

Sauce Matters

Spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the chicken but don’t drown it (we want to see that golden crust!).
Drizzle just a little extra sauce around the plate for a fancy touch.

Add the Final Touch

Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan on top.
Garnish with chopped parsley or a few red pepper flakes for color.
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a zesty balance to the richness.

Pair It Like a Boss

Serve with garlic butter cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Want carbs? Buttery mashed potatoes or a slice of warm bread are perfect.
Pair with a chilled glass of white wine or lemon-infused water for a refreshing contrast.

How to Best Serve

Serve this dish hot and fresh for the best flavor. Place the juicy grilled chicken on a plate, add a side of vibrant broccoli, and spoon that creamy garlic sauce over the top.

A sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh herbs makes it look as good as it tastes. Pair it with your favorite side—mashed potatoes, rice, or a light salad—for a complete, satisfying meal.

Now, grab a fork and enjoy every bite!

Presentation Ideas

Classic Elegance

Use a white or neutral-colored plate to make the vibrant green broccoli and golden chicken pop.
Arrange the broccoli in a neat fan shape beside the chicken.
Drizzle the creamy sauce artistically around the chicken, and top with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan.
Finish with a light garnish of parsley or basil for a fresh touch.

Rustic & Cozy

Serve it on a wooden platter or rustic dish for that homey, casual vibe.
Layer the chicken and broccoli in a relaxed, slightly piled arrangement—just like you’re enjoying a cozy, homemade meal.
Add a touch of extra sauce in a small bowl on the side for dipping.

Individual Portions

Present the chicken on individual plates with a generous scoop of broccoli beside it.
Serve a small ramekin of the creamy garlic sauce on the side for dipping, making it more fun and interactive.
Add a lemon wedge on the side for a pop of color and a zesty finish.

Family-Style Serving

Serve the chicken, broccoli, and sauce on a large platter, and let everyone help themselves.
Garnish with chopped fresh herbs and extra Parmesan for a fun, family-style vibe.

Recipe Best Tips

Pound the Chicken for Even Cooking

If your chicken breasts are thick, pound them to an even thickness so they cook evenly and stay juicy. No dry spots here!

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

Cook the chicken in batches if needed. Overcrowding traps steam and stops it from getting that golden, crispy crust.

Let the Chicken Rest

After cooking, let the chicken sit for 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps all the juices inside instead of running out onto the plate.

Use Fresh Garlic

Freshly minced garlic gives the sauce way more flavor than the jarred stuff. It’s worth the extra step!

Control the Sauce Thickness

If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out. Too thin? Let it simmer for a minute to thicken up.

Roast the Broccoli for Extra Flavor

Instead of steaming, try roasting the broccoli in the oven with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper for a deeper, richer flavor.

Taste and Adjust Seasoning

Before serving, give everything a quick taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or Parmesan as needed. Great seasoning = amazing final dish!

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Keep Sauce Separate: If possible, store the creamy garlic sauce in a separate container to keep the chicken from getting soggy.
Reheating: Warm the chicken in a pan over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. For the sauce, reheat it gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to bring back its creamy texture.

Freezing Instructions

Freeze the Chicken: Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe bag. Store for up to 3 months.
Freeze the Sauce Separately: Pour the cooled sauce into an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat slowly, adding a little milk or broth if needed.
Avoid Freezing the Broccoli: It can turn mushy when thawed, so it’s best to cook fresh broccoli when serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs work great and stay extra juicy. Just adjust the cooking time since they may take a bit longer.

2. How do I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes. You can also stir in a little more Parmesan or a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).

3. What’s the best way to get a crispy, golden sear on the chicken?
Pat the chicken dry before seasoning, use medium-high heat, and don’t move it around too much while cooking. Let it sit and develop that golden crust!

4. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but fresh is better for texture. If using frozen, thaw and drain it well before cooking to avoid excess water in the dish.

5. What can I substitute for heavy cream in the sauce?
You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or coconut milk (for a dairy-free option). Just note that lighter options will make the sauce thinner.

6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the chicken and sauce separately, then store them in the fridge. Reheat everything on the stove before serving for the best flavor.

7. What are the best sides to serve with this?
This dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or a simple green salad. Breadsticks are also a great way to soak up the extra sauce!

Conclusion

And there you have it—Grilled Chicken with Broccoli and Creamy Garlic Sauce that’s so good, you might start questioning every restaurant meal you’ve ever had.

Seriously, why pay for takeout when you can whip up something this amazing at home?

Give this recipe a shot, and when you do, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Did you add a fun twist?

Did your family think you secretly hired a chef? Drop a comment and let me know!

Oh, and fair warning: once you taste this creamy garlic sauce, you may never settle for anything less again. You’ve been warned. 😉

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Chinese Beef And Broccoli