Introduction
If you’re craving a savory, hearty, and satisfying dish, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Roasted Broccoli is the perfect choice. This easy-to-make recipe is ideal for busy weeknights yet sophisticated enough for a special occasion. Juicy, tender chicken breasts are seared to perfection and topped with a luscious, Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce, while the roasted broccoli adds a deliciously crunchy texture that balances the creaminess of the sauce. The combination of garlic, parmesan, and roasted vegetables will fill your kitchen with mouth-watering aromas and your taste buds with delight. This dish is not only delectable but also nutritious, providing a good balance of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken and Broccoli:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, thyme, and basil)
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for sprinkling over broccoli)
For the Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, paprika, and dried Italian seasoning.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, covering loosely with foil to keep warm.
Step 2: Roast the Broccoli
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Spread them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are crispy and slightly charred. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese over the broccoli during the last 5 minutes of roasting.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in the chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly (about 3-5 minutes). Season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce
- Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce over them.
- Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors.
Step 5: Serve
- Transfer the chicken to serving plates. Add a generous serving of roasted broccoli to each plate.
- Spoon extra sauce over the chicken, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Note:
- Use fresh garlic for the sauce to ensure the best flavor; pre-minced garlic can sometimes lack the intensity and aroma of fresh cloves.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer until it reaches your desired consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it with a little more chicken broth.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken; use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this dish over a bed of mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Add a side salad with a light vinaigrette to contrast with the richness of the dish.
- A crusty baguette or garlic bread pairs well to help mop up the delicious sauce.
- Garnish with an additional sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
Tips:
- Meal Prep: You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm it gently over low heat before serving.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap broccoli for roasted asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts.
- Cheese Options: You can experiment with different cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a twist in flavor.
- Make it Lighter: Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream for a lighter version of the sauce.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
45 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 480 (per serving, including sauce and broccoli)
- Protein: 42g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Roasted Broccoli is a flavorful and comforting dish that will quickly become a family favorite. It’s a beautiful combination of savory and creamy textures, punctuated with the delightful crunch of roasted broccoli. With its easy preparation and rich taste, this recipe is perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend feasts. Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. The creamy Parmesan garlic sauce is sure to be a hit, making any meal feel gourmet with minimal effort.
PrintGarlic Parmesan Chicken with Roasted Broccoli and Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broccoli:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, thyme, and basil)
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for sprinkling over broccoli)
For the Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, paprika, and dried Italian seasoning.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, covering loosely with foil to keep warm.
Step 2: Roast the Broccoli
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Spread them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are crispy and slightly charred. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese over the broccoli during the last 5 minutes of roasting.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in the chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly (about 3-5 minutes). Season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce
- Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce over them.
- Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors.
Step 5: Serve
- Transfer the chicken to serving plates. Add a generous serving of roasted broccoli to each plate.
- Spoon extra sauce over the chicken, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 480
- Sodium: 920mg
- Protein: 42g