Grilled Chicken with Broccoli and Creamy Garlic Sauce
This Grilled Chicken with Broccoli and Creamy Garlic Sauce is a restaurant-worthy meal you can make at home in under 30 minutes. Juicy, seasoned chicken pairs perfectly with tender broccoli, all smothered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce. It’s comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for family, impressing guests, or just treating yourself, this dish is a guaranteed winner. Serve it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of that incredible sauce. Once you try it, you’ll want it on repeat!
Ingredients
Ingredients You'll Need
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.
Instructions
How to Cook This Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
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.
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.
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!).
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- In the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat.
- Add 4 cloves 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.
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!
- Now tell me—that wasn’t hard, right?
Notes
- Want extra flavor? Marinate the chicken in garlic, lemon, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Sauce too thick? Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out.
- Making it ahead? Store the sauce and chicken separately for the best texture when reheating.