Creamy Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Bowls (Serves 4)
Ingredients
Chicken & Broccoli
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1½ lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
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3 cups broccoli florets
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
Creamy Garlic Sauce
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2 tbsp butter
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5–6 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
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½ cup chicken broth
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ tsp Italian seasoning
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Salt & pepper to taste
For Serving
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Cooked rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes
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Optional garnish: extra Parmesan, red pepper flakes, parsley
Instructions
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Season chicken with paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Cook chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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Cook broccoli: In the same skillet, add broccoli with a splash of water. Cover and steam 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove and set aside.
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Make sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter, add garlic, and sauté 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
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Simmer: Stir in cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
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Thicken: Add Parmesan and Italian seasoning. Simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Combine: Return chicken and broccoli to the skillet. Toss to coat and heat through.
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Serve over rice or your favorite base.
Tips & Variations
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Lighter: Use evaporated milk or half cream + half broth.
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Extra flavor: Add lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice.
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Low-carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
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Spicy: Add chili flakes or a dash of cayenne.
Want this adapted for the slow cooker, Instant Pot, or dairy-free?