Description

This Skillet Chicken and Broccoli recipe is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned and sautéed with fresh broccoli and aromatic onions and garlic, then simmered in chicken broth and topped with melted cheddar cheese for a comforting finish. Serve it over steamed rice or roasted potatoes for a complete and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Protein and Vegetables

1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 medium head broccoli, cut into very small florets
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids

2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth

Topping

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Serving Suggestions

Steamed white or brown rice, or baked or roasted potatoes

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Instructions

Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the extra virgin olive oil, allowing it to warm up and coat the pan evenly.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant, ensuring the aromas are fully released without burning.
Season and Brown Chicken: While the onions and garlic cook, season the cubed chicken breasts with kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned on one side. Flip the pieces to brown the other side.
Add Broccoli: Incorporate the small broccoli florets into the skillet and cook together with the chicken for 2-3 minutes to slightly soften the vegetable and combine flavors.
Simmer with Broth: Pour the low sodium chicken broth over the mixture in the skillet, then cover the pan with a lid. Allow it to cook for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is almost fully cooked and the broth is mostly absorbed, which will help develop a subtle sauce.
Melt Cheese and Finish Cooking: Remove the lid and stir the ingredients gently to combine. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again, remove it from heat, and let it sit covered for 5 minutes to finish cooking the chicken and melt the cheese perfectly.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the cheesy chicken and broccoli hot over steamed white or brown rice, or alongside baked or roasted potatoes for a wholesome meal.

Notes

Cut the broccoli into very small florets to ensure quick, even cooking with the chicken.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the skillet sit uncovered for a couple of minutes before adding cheese to allow more liquid to evaporate.
Use low sodium chicken broth to control the salt content and balance the flavors better.
This recipe can easily be doubled to serve a larger group.
For a dairy-free option, omit the cheddar cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American