If there’s a dish that embodies cozy, weeknight comfort while still looking like you put in major effort, it’s this Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet. Imagine juicy, golden chicken nestled in a silky, garlicky sauce with vibrant broccoli—simple enough for a Tuesday, but good enough for guests. I adore how the rich, velvety gravy and bright green veggies tie everything together, and that squeeze of lemon at the end makes it downright irresistible. With every bite, you get the satisfying contrast of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and just-tender broccoli, all ready to scoop up with rice or pasta!

Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is truly in its simplicity. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to make sure you get big flavor and creamy texture without any fuss. Here’s why each element is essential for our Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet:

Chicken breasts: They’re lean, quick-cooking, and soak up all that luscious sauce.
Kosher salt: The flakes dissolve well and bring out the meat’s natural sweetness—don’t be shy about seasoning!
Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a touch of bite and warmth, making everything pop.
Paprika: For a gentle, smoky undertone and a gorgeous golden glow.
Butter: Divided for browning and sauce-making, butter gives richness and that signature glossy finish.
Garlic: Freshly minced cloves truly transform the entire skillet with bright flavor.
Condensed cream of chicken soup: The shortcut that delivers a creamy, cohesive sauce—one can, and you’re set.
Water: Lightens the sauce just enough, so it coats every bite without being too heavy.
Broccoli: Provides color, crunch, and makes you feel good about eating your veggies.
Fresh parsley: For a cheerful finishing touch and a jolt of herby freshness.
Lemon wedges (optional): A little acid balances all the richness; a fresh squeeze at the end brightens every forkful.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start out by generously seasoning both sides of your chicken breasts with kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and smoky paprika. This isn’t just about flavor—it adds color to the chicken and gives each bite a deeper savoriness. Once they’re looking pretty and well-coated, let them rest for just a minute while you prepare the skillet. A well-seasoned chicken is the starting point for an unforgettable Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat your largest, sturdiest skillet over medium-high heat, and melt two tablespoons of butter until gently sizzling. Gently lay in the chicken and let each side get golden brown—about five minutes per side. Don’t rush this part; that beautiful browning delivers so much flavor. Once done, move them to a plate, cover loosely, and keep them warm. This step locks in the juices and ensures those chicken breasts stay deliciously moist.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same pan, add your remaining butter before stirring in all that fragrant, freshly minced garlic. Sauté until it’s just turning golden and unbelievably aromatic. Whisk in your condensed cream of chicken soup, plus a cup of water, until velvety-smooth and bubbling. You’ll notice the aroma instantly—creamy, savory, and full of garlicky promise!

Step 4: Simmer with Broccoli

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and return the chicken to the sauce, nestling it in with all that creamy goodness. Scatter the chopped broccoli around the skillet. Pop on a lid and let everything cook together for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through. If you love that fresh, snappy bite of broccoli, wait to add it until the chicken is almost done. This is where all the flavors really come together and the Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet magic happens!

Step 5: Finish and Serve

To serve, I love topping the skillet with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for color and a hit of freshness. Plate up generous scoops over rice or noodles, and don’t forget a few lemon wedges for squeezing. The creamy garlic sauce melts into the side dish of your choice, and each forkful is cozy, comforting, and satisfying.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of chopped parsley instantly makes your Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet look extra inviting. For an extra touch, try a light grating of parmesan or a twist of fresh cracked pepper. Lemon wedges on the side give each person the chance to add a zippy fresh finish just to their liking.

Side Dishes

This skillet is wonderfully versatile. I love serving it over fluffy white rice or a bowl of buttery egg noodles, letting that sauce seep into every crevice. Mashed potatoes are a dreamy base too, and if you want something lighter, a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect counterpoint to all that creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get a little fancy, try plating individual portions in wide bowls and drizzling a bit of the sauce around the edges. Another fun option is to spoon the creamy chicken and broccoli mixture into warm toasted bread bowls—pure comfort food! Or pile it atop crispy baked potato halves for a hearty twist that packs an extra punch of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (they go fast in my house!), simply let the skillet cool to room temperature before transferring everything into an airtight container. The Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet will keep happily in the fridge for up to three days, and the flavors get even better by the next day.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully, just be mindful that the broccoli may soften a bit upon thawing. Cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months. To avoid freezer burn, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the sauce before sealing with a lid.

Reheating

For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Then gently reheat in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of water or milk if the sauce seems thick. Stir occasionally until it’s steaming hot and back to its creamy, saucy glory. The microwave works too—just cover loosely and heat in bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic option and will stay even juicier during cooking. Adjust your cooking time slightly since thighs can take a bit longer to cook through compared to breasts.

Is there a substitute for condensed cream of chicken soup?

You can easily swap in an equal amount of homemade roux-based sauce, or if you prefer, use condensed cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for an alternate flavor profile. Whichever you choose, the Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet will still taste amazing.

What’s the best way to keep the broccoli crisp?

If you love brighter, crisp-tender broccoli, just wait and add it in the last five minutes of simmering. Keeping the lid slightly ajar can also help prevent it from steaming too much, so the broccoli stays that perfect, vivid green.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the chicken and make the sauce ahead—just wait to add the broccoli until you’re ready to finish the dish. This way, you can bring the Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet back up to a simmer, toss in the broccoli, and serve with everything tasting freshly made.

What if I want a thinner or thicker sauce?

If the sauce seems a bit thick, add more water or even a splash of milk until it’s just how you like it. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered a few minutes longer so it reduces to your perfect creamy consistency.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason this Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Skillet has found a permanent spot in my family’s dinner rotation. It’s fuss-free, crowd-pleasing, and just plain delicious. I hope you’ll give it a try and discover for yourself how a handful of simple ingredients can come together and make your kitchen feel like home.