Ingredients
Scale
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