Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that effortlessly brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, earthy mushrooms, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce—all in one skillet! This savory dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. With its rich flavors, beautiful colors, and satisfying textures, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken are simple, yet each one plays a pivotal role in creating layers of flavor and a creamy, dreamy sauce. Even better, you probably have most of them in your pantry or fridge already!

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts soak up the savory sauce and stay juicy when cooked just right.
Olive Oil: Gives the chicken a golden sear while adding a hint of richness to the dish.
Broccoli Florets: Bring vibrant color, crunch, and a boost of nutrition—don’t skip these!
Sliced Mushrooms (button or cremini): Earthy and hearty, mushrooms add depth and a wonderful texture.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma and flavor.
Heavy Cream: The key to making the sauce utterly creamy and indulgent; for a lighter touch, you can use half-and-half.
Chicken Broth: Adds a savory backbone and helps tenderize the broccoli while building the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds salty, nutty notes and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
Dried Thyme: Just a touch of this herb lifts the flavors and adds a subtle earthiness.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning at every stage—taste as you go!
Chopped Parsley (optional): For a pop of freshness and color right before serving.

How to Make Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning both sides of your chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then lay the chicken breasts in. Sear them for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they turn golden and are cooked through. This step locks in their juices and creates that irresistible crust we all love. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside—you’ll bring it back soon!

Step 2: Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic

In the same skillet (no need to clean it—the flavor bits add so much!), toss in your sliced mushrooms. Sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and begin to caramelize. Add the minced garlic and let it cook for just a minute until fragrant. The smell is heavenly and signals that your sauce is off to a delicious start.

Step 3: Add the Broccoli

Next up, add your broccoli florets right into the skillet. Stir them with the mushrooms and garlic, letting them cook for 2 to 3 minutes. The broccoli will turn a gorgeous bright green and start to soften, making it the perfect partner for the creamy sauce to come.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let the broccoli cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, just until it’s fork-tender. This step not only cooks the veggies but also builds the foundation of the sauce, infusing every bite with savory goodness.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried thyme. Let this beautiful mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and everything is coated in creamy decadence. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Finish with Chicken

Return the chicken breasts (and any juices that collected) to the skillet. Spoon the sauce and veggies over the chicken, letting them simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes. This final step lets the flavors meld and ensures every piece of chicken is enveloped in that velvety sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley, if you like, then serve warm and enjoy!

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken

Garnishes

Finish your Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color and a burst of herbal freshness. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a little more grated Parmesan on top never hurts! For a hint of heat, a dash of red pepper flakes is a fantastic touch.

Side Dishes

This dish is deliciously versatile when it comes to sides. Serve it over fluffy mashed potatoes, a bed of steamed rice, or your favorite pasta to soak up every drop of the creamy sauce. For a low-carb option, try it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter but equally satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make your Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken extra special, slice the chicken before serving and fan it out over the sauce. Or, try serving everything family-style straight from the skillet—rustic and inviting! For a dinner party, pair with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine for a restaurant-worthy experience at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken keeps beautifully in the fridge! Transfer any extra chicken and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken a bit as it sits, but it’ll still be absolutely delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish if needed, though the cream sauce might separate slightly upon reheating. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid high heat, which can cause the sauce to break. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken, offering even more flavor and a tender, juicy texture. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! For a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese or simply omit the cheese. The sauce will still be creamy and flavorful, and the coconut milk adds a lovely twist.

Can I add other vegetables?

Of course—this recipe is flexible! Spinach, bell peppers, or even asparagus can be added along with the broccoli for extra color and nutrition. Just keep in mind that some veggies may need a shorter or longer cooking time.

What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?

If you don’t have Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano for a similar salty, nutty flavor. For a milder taste, shredded mozzarella or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast (for a dairy-free option) also works well in Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer an even thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer before returning the chicken to the pan. Alternatively, stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a splash of water to help it thicken quickly without changing the flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor, you can’t go wrong with Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen, and I hope you enjoy sharing it with your loved ones as much as I do. Give it a try—you’ll be glad you did!

Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 9 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken is a delicious and hearty low-carb and gluten-free main course featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich and flavorful sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
Salt and black pepper to taste

Vegetables

2 cups broccoli florets
1 ½ cups sliced mushrooms (button or cremini)
3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon dried thyme

Garnish

Chopped parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Season and Sear Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Cook Vegetables: In the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in broccoli florets and cook for 2–3 minutes.
Simmer Broccoli: Pour in chicken broth and allow the mixture to simmer for 3–4 minutes until broccoli becomes tender.
Make Cream Sauce: Reduce heat to low, then stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried thyme. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the creamy sauce and vegetables over the top, and let everything simmer together for another 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a complete meal.