If you are looking for a comforting, flavorful, and satisfying dish to add to your weeknight rotation, this Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. With tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and smothered in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce loaded with earthy mushrooms and vibrant broccoli, this skillet meal feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to pull together. The combination of textures and rich flavors makes every bite utterly crave-worthy, perfect for when you want something that feels special but comes together without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing complicated here—just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create incredible depth and balance in the dish. Each component adds something important, from the lush creaminess to a hint of herbal brightness.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, providing a juicy and tender base for the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps achieve a beautiful golden sear while adding a subtle fruity flavor.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the mushrooms to savory perfection.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Provides a fresh, crisp contrast and a pop of vibrant green color.
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced: Bring an earthy, meaty texture that stands up to the creamy sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a bright, aromatic punch.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the signature silky sauce that envelops every ingredient.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and balances the richness of the cream.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a nutty, savory backbone to the sauce, enhancing the creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A perfect herbal mix that ties all flavors together beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and rounding out the flavors.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a burst of freshness and a lovely finishing touch.
How to Make Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry and seasoning them generously with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and let them cook undisturbed for about 5 to 6 minutes, allowing a beautiful golden crust to form. Flip and cook for an additional 5 to 6 minutes on the other side until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside for now – this will leave the pan ready to build your sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice them release moisture and start to brown, developing a deep, savory flavor. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This garlic-mushroom base is the heart of your sauce, so take your time to build those flavors.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir gently but continuously as the sauce comes to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens—the cheese melts and thickens the sauce, coating everything with luscious creaminess. Allow it to cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, making sure not to rush this step as it’s the key to that perfect texture.
Step 4: Add Broccoli and Return Chicken
Now, add your steamed or blanched broccoli florets into the creamy sauce, stirring to combine. Slide the chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the sauce and broccoli. Let everything simmer together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes so the broccoli warms through and the chicken reabsorbs some of that delicious sauce. This gentle simmer ties all the flavors together in harmony.
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a bright, herbal note and a lovely pop of color. A little extra Parmesan cheese on top doesn’t hurt either if you want to amp up the cheesiness and create that irresistible, cheesy crust as it melts.
Side Dishes
This dish is delightfully versatile when it comes to sides. Serve it over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up every bit of the creamy sauce, or tuck it beside a comforting scoop of buttery mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. Pasta lovers will adore spooning this sauce over fettuccine or penne, turning it into an easy yet special dinner that feels restaurant-worthy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try layering the chicken, broccoli, and mushrooms over a bed of creamy polenta or cauliflower mash for a low-carb option. Garnish with edible flowers or microgreens on top for an elegant presentation that’s perfect for guests. Serving it family-style in the skillet also gives it a warm, rustic feel that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken Recipe, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld nicely, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freezing is an option. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Note that the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, but gentle reheating while stirring will bring it back together beautifully.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the dish gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure the sauce stays creamy and smooth. You can add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use different vegetables in this Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap broccoli with asparagus, green beans, or even spinach to tailor the dish to your taste or what you have on hand. Just be mindful of cooking times to keep vegetables perfectly tender.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream for the sauce?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter sauce, but be aware that the consistency won’t be as thick or rich. Adding a bit more Parmesan can help compensate for the reduced creaminess.
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes, the Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it relies on fresh ingredients and avoids any flour-based thickeners. Just double-check that your chicken broth and Parmesan cheese do not contain hidden gluten ingredients.
How can I ensure the chicken is juicy and not overcooked?
Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts and searing them over medium heat works well. Avoid overcooking by timing about 5 to 6 minutes per side. Using a meat thermometer and removing the chicken once it reaches 165°F (74°C) helps ensure juiciness every time.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast to keep some cheesy flavor. The dish will have a slightly different profile but will remain creamy and delicious.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give this Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken Recipe a try soon because it truly hits all the marks for a comforting yet elegant meal that’s surprisingly easy to make. This dish never fails to impress with its rich cream sauce, fresh broccoli, and tender chicken all coming together in perfect harmony. It has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen, and I’m certain it’ll be in yours too!
Print
Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken recipe features tender, seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce with sautéed mushrooms and vibrant broccoli florets. Perfectly balanced with Italian seasoning and fresh parsley garnish, it makes for a comforting yet healthy gluten-free main course that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)
- 8 ounces mushrooms (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper on both sides to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 5–6 minutes on each side until a golden brown crust forms and chicken is cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add butter and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown, developing rich flavor.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes smooth, about 3–5 minutes.
- Add Broccoli and Chicken Back: Incorporate the steamed or blanched broccoli florets, then return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the chicken and broccoli to heat through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Serve this creamy chicken over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta for a complete, satisfying meal.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the consistency will be less thick.
