Looking for a quick and delicious dinner option? Look no further than the 30-Minute Chicken Broccoli Skillet. This one-pan chicken dinner is not only easy to make, but it also packs in tons of flavor. With tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Plus, it’s ready to serve in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights. So why not give this recipe a try and enjoy a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen?
Preparation
Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary ingredients to make your delicious chicken broccoli skillet. Make sure you have the following:
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Broccoli florets
- Garlic cloves
- Spices such as salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning
- Butter
- Flour
- Chicken broth
- Milk
- Cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- Parsley for garnish
Make sure to check your pantry and refrigerator to ensure you have everything you need. Gathering all your ingredients beforehand will make the cooking process much smoother and more efficient.
Once you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to prepare the chicken. Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts or thighs. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken if you prefer. Season the chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and any other spices you like.
Next, chop the broccoli into small florets. You can choose to keep them larger or smaller depending on your preference. Ensure that the florets are roughly the same size for even cooking.
Mince a few garlic cloves for added flavor. You can adjust the amount according to your taste preferences. Freshly minced garlic adds a wonderful aroma to the dish.
Measure out the spices you’ll be using to season the chicken and sauce. This ensures that you use the correct amounts and prevents over or under-seasoning.
Lastly, grate the cheese of your choice. Cheddar and mozzarella work well with this dish. Grating the cheese ahead of time saves you time and allows for even distribution when it comes to topping the skillet.
Cooking the Chicken
To start cooking the chicken, heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or any oil of your preference.
Once the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken into the skillet, presentation side down. Let it cook for about 5-6 minutes until it develops a golden crust. This will ensure a flavorful and juicy chicken.
After the first side is cooked, flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes on the other side. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Make sure to let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving to retain its juices.
Cooking the Broccoli
Now it’s time to cook the broccoli to perfection. In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and heat it over medium heat.
Add the chopped broccoli and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté them until the broccoli is tender. This should take about 5-6 minutes, depending on the size of the florets. You can cover the skillet with a lid to help steam the broccoli and speed up the cooking process if desired.
Once the broccoli is cooked to your liking, carefully remove it from the skillet and set it aside to be added back later.
Making the Sauce
To create a delicious and creamy sauce for your chicken broccoli skillet, melt some butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt completely and become frothy.
Once the butter is melted, add flour to the skillet to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce and give it a smooth texture. Stir the flour into the butter until it forms a paste-like consistency.
Next, pour in the chicken broth and milk into the skillet. The combination of these two ingredients will create a creamy base for the sauce. Whisk the mixture continuously to ensure that there are no lumps and the sauce becomes smooth and thickened.
Continue whisking the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a bit more flour. For a thinner sauce, you can add more chicken broth or milk. Adjust the thickness to your preference.
Combining Chicken, Broccoli, and Sauce
Now that all the individual components are cooked and ready, it’s time to bring everything together. Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the sauce.
Add the cooked broccoli to the skillet as well, ensuring that everything is evenly distributed.
Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and broccoli, making sure that they are well coated. Stir everything together gently to ensure that all the flavors are combined.
The combination of the tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and creamy sauce creates a mouthwatering dish that will leave you wanting more.
Finishing Touches
To add a delightful finishing touch to your chicken broccoli skillet, sprinkle the grated cheese on top of the dish. The heat from the skillet will melt the cheese, creating a cheesy and gooey topping.
Cover the skillet with a lid to allow the cheese to melt completely. This should take a few minutes.
Once the cheese has melted, garnish the skillet with some freshly chopped parsley. Not only does it add a pop of color, but it also adds a fresh and vibrant taste to the dish.
Now your chicken broccoli skillet is ready to be served hot and enjoyed.
Variations
If you want to switch up the flavors or cater to specific dietary preferences, here are some variations you can try:
- Swap chicken for tofu: If you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan option, you can replace the chicken with tofu. Make sure to season the tofu well before cooking to enhance its flavor.
- Substitute broccoli with cauliflower: If you’re not a fan of broccoli, you can easily swap it out for cauliflower florets. The cooking time and process will remain the same.
- Add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers: Feel free to get creative and incorporate other colorful and nutritious vegetables into your skillet. Carrots, bell peppers, or even snap peas can add an extra burst of flavor and texture.
- Use different spices or seasonings: If you want to experiment with different flavors, try using different spices or seasonings. Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, or even a touch of curry powder can give your dish a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Now that your chicken broccoli skillet is complete, it’s time to decide how to serve and enjoy it. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Serve over rice or quinoa: The combination of the chicken, broccoli, and sauce pairs perfectly with rice or quinoa. The grains will soak up the delicious flavors of the skillet.
- Pair with a side salad: Freshen up your meal by serving a side salad alongside the chicken broccoli skillet. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a Caesar salad will complement the dish nicely.
- Serve with crusty bread: If you’re looking for a heartier meal, serve the chicken broccoli skillet with some crusty bread. Use it to soak up the creamy sauce or to create a delicious sandwich with the cooked chicken and broccoli.
- Add a squeeze of lemon for extra zest: For a burst of freshness, squeeze some lemon juice over the skillet just before serving. The acidity will cut through the richness of the dish and add a bright and tangy flavor.
Tips
To ensure that your chicken broccoli skillet turns out perfect every time, here are a few helpful tips:
- Cut chicken into even-sized pieces for even cooking: If you’re using chicken breasts, try cutting them into evenly sized pieces. This will ensure that they cook at the same rate and remain tender and juicy throughout.
- Steam or blanch broccoli before sautéing for a softer texture: If you prefer a softer texture for your broccoli, consider steaming or blanching it before sautéing. This will help to cook the broccoli more evenly and make it easier to chew.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less flour: The amount of flour you add to the sauce will directly impact its thickness. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add more flour. If you prefer a thinner sauce, reduce the amount of flour.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for a different flavor: While cheddar and mozzarella are commonly used cheeses for this dish, feel free to experiment with other types of cheese. Gruyere, Parmesan, or even a spicy pepper jack can add unique flavors to your skillet.
Conclusion
In just 30 minutes, you can create a quick and delicious one-pan meal with this chicken broccoli skillet. Customize it to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs by swapping ingredients or adjusting the seasoning. Enjoy the convenience of a homemade dinner that is both satisfying and flavorful. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner party, this chicken broccoli skillet is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and dig into a delectable dish that’s packed with protein, veggies, and creamy goodness. Bon appétit!