After a long day, nothing beats the comforting embrace of creamy garlic chicken with broccoli sizzling on the stove. There’s something so satisfying about tender chicken bathed in a luscious, garlicky sauce that clings to every bite, paired perfectly with vibrant, crisp broccoli. This recipe quickly became my go-to when I wanted a meal that’s both indulgent and wholesome—without the usual fast-food fatigue. It’s surprisingly simple to make, yet packed with layers of flavor that turn a weeknight dinner into a little celebration. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, this dish proves that homemade food can be effortlessly delicious and crowd-pleasing all at once.

Why choose Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli?

Comforting simplicity: This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for any home cook. Rich, garlicky sauce: The creamy garlic blend adds deep, savory flavor that elevates tender chicken. Healthy twist: Broccoli adds freshness and a satisfying crunch, balancing indulgence with nutrition. Quick and versatile: Ready in under 30 minutes, great for busy nights or unexpected guests. Crowd pleaser: This dish impresses with minimal effort, making every dinner feel special.

Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Ingredients

For the Chicken and Sauce

Chicken breasts – Choose boneless, skinless pieces for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
Garlic cloves – Freshly minced for the best aromatic and flavorful impact in the creamy garlic sauce.
Heavy cream – Creates the rich, velvety texture that makes creamy garlic chicken with broccoli so irresistible.
Chicken broth – Adds depth without overpowering the sauce, keeping it light yet savory.
Parmesan cheese – Stir in at the end for a nutty, salty kick that enhances the creamy sauce beautifully.
Butter – Helps sauté garlic and adds a luscious mouthfeel to the sauce.

For the Broccoli

Fresh broccoli florets – Pick firm, bright green pieces for a crisp-tender contrast in every bite.
Olive oil – Lightly coats the broccoli before sautéing or roasting to bring out natural sweetness.
Salt and pepper – Simple seasoning that lets the broccoli’s freshness shine amid the creamy richness.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli

Season chicken: Pat 1.5 lb boneless chicken breasts dry, then sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika for color. Let rest 5 minutes.
Sear chicken: Heat 2 Tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Add seasoned chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove to plate.
Sauté garlic: Reduce heat to medium, add 4 cloves minced garlic, and sauté 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Make sauce: Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer, then whisk in ½ cup grated Parmesan until the sauce is smooth.

For the Broccoli:

Cook broccoli: Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in another pan over medium heat. Add 2 cups broccoli florets, season with salt and pepper, sauté 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender and bright green.
Combine and serve: Nestle seared chicken back into the sauce, tucking broccoli alongside. Simmer 2 minutes so flavors meld and sauce thickens slightly before serving hot.

Optional: Top with fresh chopped parsley for color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Variations & Substitutions for Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli

Feel free to let your creativity shine by trying these delightful variations and substitutions to make this dish your own!

Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend to thicken the sauce without compromising flavor.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a rich, dairy-free alternative. The coconut adds a subtle sweetness that’s equally comforting.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes into the sauce for an added heat that balances perfectly with the creamy garlic flavor. Just a pinch can elevate the dish to new heights!
Mushroom Medley: Add sautéed mushrooms alongside the garlic for an earthy flavor that complements the chicken beautifully. Their umami richness will deepen the overall taste.
Vegetable Boost: Toss in a mix of colorful bell peppers or snap peas with the broccoli, enhancing nutrition and adding a lovely crunch that brightens the dish visually and texturally.
Lemon Zest: Brighten the sauce with a splash of lemon juice and zest. This wakes up the flavors while cutting through the creaminess, providing a perfect balance of tastes.
Pasta Option: Transform this dish into a creamy garlic chicken pasta by tossing in your favorite cooked noodles right before serving. It’s a hearty twist that makes every bite satisfying.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or basil for an aromatic twist that adds depth to the sauce, infusing it with a fresh, garden-like essence.

Make Ahead Options

These Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli are perfect for busy weeknights and can be easily prepped in advance! You can season and sear the chicken up to 24 hours ahead of time; simply refrigerate the cooked chicken in an airtight container. Additionally, prepare the creamy garlic sauce and cook the broccoli up to 3 days in advance—just store them separately in the refrigerator to preserve their texture. When you’re ready to enjoy, gently reheat the sauce and broccoli while adding the chicken back in for a few minutes until everything is warmed through, ensuring the dish retains its rich flavors and creamy goodness. With this make-ahead approach, you’ll have a delightful homemade meal ready in no time!

Expert Tips for Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli

Use room temperature chicken: Let the chicken rest out of the fridge for 15 minutes to ensure even cooking and a juicy, tender result.
Don’t rush garlic sauté: Cook garlic just until fragrant and lightly golden; overcooking turns it bitter and spoils the creamy garlic chicken with broccoli flavor.
Simmer sauce gently: Keep the sauce at a low simmer to prevent curdling and create a silky, luscious texture.
Broccoli timing is key: Sauté broccoli just until crisp-tender and bright green to retain freshness and avoid mushiness.
Rest before serving: Allow the dish to sit for a couple of minutes after cooking so flavors meld and sauce thickens perfectly.

What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli?

Nothing completes a delicious homemade meal like the right side dishes to elevate your dining experience.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: These fluffy, buttery potatoes soak up the rich garlic sauce, creating a comfort food dream.
Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery, a slice of garlic bread is perfect for mopping up that creamy sauce left on your plate. The garlic flavor ties the whole meal together beautifully.
Steamed Green Beans: Their crisp texture and vibrant color offer a fresh contrast to the creamy richness, making each bite delightful.
Caesar Salad: A light and crunchy Caesar salad brings a refreshing crunch, balancing the dense flavors of the chicken and broccoli. The dressing ties the meal together with zesty notes.
Risotto: A creamy Parmesan risotto is another elegant pairing, with its subtle flavors complementing the garlicky sauce. Each creamy bite enhances the overall luxury of the dish.
Chardonnay: A chilled glass of Chardonnay brings a fruity acidity that cuts through the richness, making it a perfect drink to enjoy alongside your meal.
Fruit Sorbet: End the meal on a light note with a refreshing fruit sorbet. Its sweetness and chill cleanse the palate wonderfully after the savory chicken.
Roasted Carrots: Adding these tender, caramelized carrots not only enhances the color on your plate but also introduces a hint of sweetness that contrasts the savory chicken.

How to Store and Freeze Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This creamy garlic chicken with broccoli is best enjoyed fresh, but it reheats well.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To prevent freezer burn, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap before sealing the lid.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore creaminess.

Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Recipe FAQs

What kind of chicken breasts work best for this recipe?
I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are evenly sized for quick, uniform cooking. Avoid pieces with dark spots or bruises to ensure tender, juicy bites every time.

How should I store leftovers to keep the flavors fresh?
Store any leftover creamy garlic chicken with broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for 3 to 4 days. Make sure to cool it completely before sealing to preserve the creamy sauce’s silky texture.

Can I freeze Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli, and how do I do it properly?
Absolutely! Freezing is a great way to enjoy this dish later. First, let the meal cool completely. Transfer it into a freezer-safe container, then wrap the container with plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat on the stove, adding a splash of heavy cream or chicken broth if the sauce feels too thick.

What if my garlic turns bitter during cooking? How can I avoid that?
Great question! Garlic can turn bitter if overcooked or browned too much. To keep your sauce delicious, sauté the minced garlic on medium heat just 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant and lightly golden. Keep stirring constantly, and remove from heat promptly before it darkens. This will keep that creamy garlic chicken with broccoli tasting fresh and savory.

Is this recipe safe for pets if I want to share a tiny bite?
While this dish is delicious for us, it’s best to avoid sharing with pets. Ingredients like garlic, onion, and heavy cream can be harmful to dogs and cats. Instead, treat your furry friends to their own special meal to keep everyone safe and happy!