This Cheesy Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Skillet is a rich, creamy, and satisfying one-pan dinner recipe perfect for busy weeknights. It combines juicy pan-seared chicken breast, tender-crisp broccoli florets, and a velvety garlic parmesan cream sauce topped with melted cheese. This dish is ideal for those following keto, low-carb, gluten-free, or high-protein meal plans, and it’s also excellent for meal prep.

Whether you’re looking for an easy family dinner recipe or a healthy comfort food option, this chicken broccoli casserole-style skillet delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup chicken broth

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Optional: red pepper flakes for heat

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken

Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.

2️⃣ Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5–7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F / 75°C). Remove and set aside.

3️⃣ Cook the Broccoli

In the same skillet, add broccoli and sauté for 3–4 minutes. You want it bright green and slightly tender but not mushy.

4️⃣ Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

5️⃣ Add Cheese

Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

6️⃣ Combine Everything

Return chicken to the skillet and stir to coat. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly on top.

7️⃣ Melt & Serve

Cover and cook on low for 2–3 minutes until cheese melts. Alternatively, broil for 2 minutes for a golden top.

Serve hot on its own, over cauliflower rice, or alongside roasted vegetables.

🥗 Nutrition Highlights (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 420–480

• Protein: 38g

• Carbs: 8g

• Fat: 30g

• Keto-Friendly & Gluten-Free

This makes it perfect for weight loss meal plans, low-carb dinner recipes, and high-protein fitness meals.

💡 Pro Cooking Tips

✔ Use freshly grated cheese for better melting
✔ Don’t overcook broccoli to avoid sogginess
✔ Add cream cheese for extra thickness
✔ Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version
✔ Use chicken thighs for juicier flavor

🔄 Variations

• Keto Chicken Broccoli Bake – Transfer to baking dish and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes

• Healthy Air Fryer Version – Cook chicken separately in air fryer

• Dairy-Free Option – Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese

• Add Mushrooms or Spinach for extra nutrients

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (High-Intent Cooking & Health Keywords)

1. Is chicken and broccoli good for weight loss?

Yes! Chicken is a lean protein that supports muscle growth and fat loss, while broccoli is low in calories and high in fiber, making this an ideal healthy weight loss dinner recipe.

2. Can I meal prep this recipe?

Absolutely. Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days. It reheats well, making it perfect for weekly meal prep ideas.

3. How do I make this recipe keto-friendly?

It already is! With only 8g carbs per serving, this qualifies as a keto dinner recipe.

4. Can I freeze cheesy chicken and broccoli?

Yes, but cream-based sauces may slightly change texture. Freeze up to 2 months for best results.

5. What’s the best cheese for chicken and broccoli?

Mozzarella for melt, parmesan for flavor, and cheddar for sharpness. Combining cheeses gives restaurant-quality results.

6. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Add all ingredients except cheese and cook on low for 4 hours. Add cheese at the end.

7. What side dishes pair well with creamy chicken broccoli?

• Garlic cauliflower mash

• Brown rice

• Zucchini noodles

• Roasted sweet potatoes

🏆 Why This Recipe is So Popular

This dish is trending among people searching for:

• Easy high-protein dinners

• Low-carb comfort food

• Keto chicken recipes

• Healthy family dinner ideas

• One-pan skillet meals

• Budget-friendly meal prep recipes

It’s affordable, nutritious, and packed with flavor — making it one of the best healthy chicken dinner recipes you can make at home.