Broccoli Cheddar Chicken

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Medium

Introduction

If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful, and family-friendly dinner option that blends comfort food with a dose of greens, look no further than this Broccoli Cheddar Chicken recipe. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with crisp-tender broccoli and a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce. It’s a satisfying meal that can be cooked in one pan, which makes for easy prep and even easier cleanup.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, weekend comfort meals, or even casual dinner parties. Whether you serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or on its own, this cheesy, veggie-packed chicken dish will quickly become a go-to in your home kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Broccoli:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, thawed if using frozen)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)

For the Cheddar Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1½ cups milk (whole milk or 2% preferred)

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, but enhances flavor)

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh chopped parsley

• Extra shredded cheddar on top

• Crumbled bacon for added crunch

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan with lid

• Whisk

• Cutting board and knife

• Tongs or spatula

• Grater (for cheese)

• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry using a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and a dash of red pepper flakes if you like some heat.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 4–5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and almost cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—if needed, sear in batches to ensure even browning.

Step 3: Cook the Broccoli

In the same pan (don’t clean it—those brown bits = flavor!), add the broccoli florets and a splash of water (about 2 tablespoons). Cover the pan and let the broccoli steam for about 3–4 minutes until it’s bright green and just tender. Remove the broccoli and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Cheddar Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Add the butter to the pan and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to form a roux.

Slowly pour in the milk while continuing to whisk, breaking up any lumps. Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes, or until it begins to thicken.

Now stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Dijon mustard (if using). Mix until smooth. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine and Cook

Add the cooked broccoli and chicken back into the skillet, nestling the chicken into the cheesy sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top of each piece of chicken.

Cover and let the dish simmer on low heat for another 5–10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Once done, remove from heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of cheddar or crumbled bacon if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Broccoli Cheddar Chicken is versatile and pairs beautifully with many sides. Here are some ideas:

• Steamed white or brown rice to soak up the cheesy sauce

• Mashed potatoes for a full comfort-food experience

• Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option

• Crusty bread or garlic toast

• Simple green salad to balance the richness of the dish

Recipe Variations

• Add grains: Stir in cooked quinoa or rice into the cheese sauce before adding the chicken back in for a one-pan casserole.

• Swap the protein: Try boneless chicken thighs, turkey cutlets, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.

• Use different cheeses: Try gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.

• Bake it: Transfer the cooked ingredients to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and more cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes for a bubbly, crispy top.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

To Make Ahead:

You can prep the cheese sauce and steam the broccoli ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to serve, sear the chicken and proceed with combining everything in the skillet.

Storage:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

• Freezer: While the cheese sauce may slightly change texture, you can freeze the dish for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To Reheat:

Warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second increments, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on exact ingredients used.