If you have been searching for a comforting, flavorful dish to impress your family or simply treat yourself, this Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken Recipe is absolutely the one to try. With tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious, cheesy cream sauce loaded with vibrant broccoli and earthy mushrooms, every bite bursts with warmth and satisfaction. It’s the kind of skillet meal that feels special but comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and relaxed weekends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of straightforward ingredients is all it takes to create this memorable dish. Each component plays a key role: the chicken provides a hearty base, broccoli adds vibrant color and crunch, mushrooms contribute deep umami flavor, and the creamy sauce ties everything together with rich, comforting notes.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for quick cooking and juicy texture.
- Olive oil: Perfect for searing chicken to a golden brown crust.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh and crisp, balancing creaminess with a bright green pop.
- Mushrooms: Sliced and browned to add earthiness and depth.
- Garlic: Minced for a fragrant punch that elevates the sauce.
- Heavy cream: The secret to achieving that silky, indulgent finish.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory complexity to the sauce without overpowering.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated for a nutty, sharp flavor that melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Italian seasoning: Evenly blends classic herbs to enhance the dish’s aroma and taste.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to bring out all the best flavors.
- Fresh parsley: A chopped garnish that adds freshness and a pop of color.
How to Make Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and that aromatic Italian seasoning. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then place the chicken in the pan. Sear each side for about 4 to 5 minutes until you get a beautiful golden crust and the chicken is cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. This step locks in juices and builds a flavorful base for the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic
In the same skillet, toss in the sliced mushrooms. Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a deep, caramelized color, stirring occasionally. Then add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—about 30 seconds—to avoid any bitterness. This combo brings earthy and aromatic notes that enrich every bite.
Step 3: Cook Broccoli Until Tender-Crisp
Next, add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir frequently and cook for 2 to 3 minutes so they become just tender but still maintain that satisfying crunch and fresh green vibrance. This timing perfectly balances texture to complement the creamy sauce and chicken.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly—around 3 to 4 minutes. This silky sauce is rich yet light enough to coat every piece of chicken and vegetable lovingly.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the creamy vegetable sauce. Let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes more, so the flavors marry beautifully and the chicken reheats just to perfection before serving. It’s the final touch that makes this meal irresistibly satisfying.
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
The final flourish is a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. This bright green herb not only delivers a fresh contrast to the rich sauce but also adds a pleasant herbaceous aroma that will delight your senses before you even take a bite.
Side Dishes
This creamy broccoli and mushroom chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Steamed rice soaks up every bit of the sauce, buttered pasta adds another layer of indulgence, and fluffy mashed potatoes offer a comforting, hearty base. Choose whichever suits your mood or pantry staples.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve in individual shallow bowls with a delicate drizzle of extra Parmesan over the top and a fresh lemon wedge on the side to brighten the richness. You can also plate the chicken sliced on a bed of creamy polenta and topped with the sauce and veggies artfully arranged. Presentation makes this recipe shine even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce tends to thicken nicely after chilling, so give it a gentle stir when reheating to bring back that creamy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to two months, but keep in mind that the texture of broccoli may soften slightly after thawing. Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for best results and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain smoothness in the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring between, until evenly warmed. Adding a splash of cream or broth can revive the sauce if it has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Absolutely! Using half-and-half will give you a lighter sauce with less fat while still keeping it creamy enough to enjoy. Just be sure to keep an eye on the sauce to prevent curdling during cooking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your chicken broth and Italian seasoning don’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients. It’s a comforting dinner option for many dietary needs.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheeses work well as substitutes because they offer a similar sharp, savory profile, adding depth to the creamy sauce.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Frozen broccoli is a good standby and works fine here. Just thaw and drain it well to avoid excess water diluting the sauce. You may need to cook it slightly less since it’s usually already softened.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a vegan Parmesan-style cheese or nutritional yeast to maintain the creamy, cheesy flavor without dairy.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate — rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself, this dish delivers impressive taste with minimal fuss. Give it a try and enjoy the comforting magic of creamy chicken combined with fresh vegetables and savory mushrooms in every bite.
Print
Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken recipe offers a delicious and comforting meal featuring tender chicken breasts seared to perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy sauce with broccoli, mushrooms, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Vegetables and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse the meat with flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 3–4 minutes until they start to brown, enhancing their flavor.
- Add garlic and broccoli: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the broccoli florets and cook for 2–3 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to thicken slightly for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine and simmer: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce along with the vegetables over the top. Let everything simmer together for another 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors and heat through.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm as is or over your choice of rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
Notes
- For a lower-carb version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- This dish pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes to complete the meal.
- Ensure not to overcook broccoli to maintain a slight crunch and vibrant color.
- Use fresh garlic for the best aromatic flavor.
