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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish For this recipe, I use fresh and simple ingredients. The chicken breasts are the star. They provide a great base for the sauce. The broccoli adds a nice crunch and bright color. Sharp cheddar cheese brings a rich flavor to the dish, while heavy cream makes it creamy and smooth. I always keep garlic on hand. It adds a nice depth to the dish. Olive oil is perfect for cooking the chicken and garlic together. Salt and pepper are basic, but they enhance all the flavors. Onion powder gives a sweet touch, and smoked paprika adds a hint of warmth. If you want a pop of color, fresh parsley is a great garnish. When gathering your ingredients, make sure everything is fresh. This will truly elevate your dish. Enjoy the process of cooking with these key components! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. - Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. - Season the 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika. - Mince 2 cloves of garlic. - Add the minced garlic to the hot skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute. - Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side. They should look golden brown. - Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. - Add 2 cups of broccoli florets to the same skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they are slightly tender. - Reduce the heat to low. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir gently. - Add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until it melts and blends into a creamy sauce. - Return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon some of the creamy sauce over the chicken. - Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. - Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety. - How to achieve perfectly cooked chicken To get juicy chicken, use a meat thermometer. Cook until the internal temp is 165°F. This ensures your chicken is safe to eat and not dry. Sear the chicken in the pan for a nice golden color. The high heat locks in flavors. - Tips for creamy sauce consistency Use heavy cream for a rich texture. Heat it slowly to avoid boiling. Stir in the cheese once the cream warms up. This helps it melt smoothly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or broth. - Suggested side dishes that complement the recipe Serve this dish with rice or mashed potatoes. They soak up the creamy sauce well. A simple green salad adds a fresh touch. You can also pair it with crusty bread for dipping. - How to present the dish beautifully Use a large plate to showcase the chicken and sauce. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken for a glossy look. Add steamed broccoli on the side for color. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of green. Pro Tips Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli will give a better texture and flavor compared to frozen. Look for vibrant green florets and avoid any yellowing. Let the Chicken Rest: After baking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. This helps retain juices and ensures a moist final dish. Experiment with Cheese: While sharp cheddar is delicious, try mixing in other cheeses like gouda or mozzarella for a unique twist on flavor and creaminess. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth. This will still give a creamy texture without being too heavy. {{image_2}} You can swap out vegetables for a new twist. Try using cauliflower or green beans. These veggies have great textures and flavor. You can also mix in some carrots for color. When it comes to cheese, cheddar is classic. However, you can use Monterey Jack or Gouda for a different taste. They melt well and add creaminess. If you're looking for low-carb options, use chicken thighs or zucchini noodles. Both keep the meal tasty. You can also skip the heavy cream. Use broth and a low-carb cheese for a lighter dish. For dairy-free or vegan choices, try using coconut cream instead of heavy cream. You can use a vegan cheese that melts well. Tofu can replace chicken for a plant-based twist. Enjoy your meal while keeping your diet in mind! Store leftovers in an airtight container. Let the dish cool before sealing. This keeps it fresh. The Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken lasts up to three days in the fridge. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before eating. To freeze Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure it is cool before freezing. This dish can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot. You can also use a microwave, but ensure it heats evenly. Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. It works well in this dish. Just thaw it first. Frozen broccoli cooks faster, so adjust your sauté time. Aim for 2-3 minutes instead of 3-4. What can I serve with Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken? I recommend serving this dish with rice or mashed potatoes. Both options soak up the creamy sauce. You can also add a side salad for freshness. Garlic bread pairs nicely too. How can I make this dish spicier? To spice it up, add red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and taste. You can also use spicy cheese, like pepper jack. For more heat, add diced jalapeños when sautéing garlic. Can I use different cooking methods? Yes, you can grill or pan-sear the chicken. Just ensure it's cooked to 165°F (75°C). If grilling, you can make the sauce on the stove. Stir the cheese and cream until smooth before adding the chicken. In this blog post, I shared a simple recipe for Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken. I covered essential ingredients, cooking steps, tips for success, and variations you can try. Remember, cooking should be fun and easy. Explore new flavors and adjust the recipe to fit your taste. Enjoy your dish, whether you share it or keep it all to yourself. Happy cooking!

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken

A delicious and creamy chicken dish with broccoli and cheddar cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • optional fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown.
  • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
  • Reduce the heat to low, then pour in the heavy cream and stir, allowing it to warm up without boiling. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts and combines into a creamy sauce.
  • Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the creamy broccoli cheddar sauce over the top.
  • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.
  • Serve hot with additional broccoli and sauce drizzled over the chicken.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor and color.
Keyword broccoli, cheddar, chicken, creamy