Cheesy Broccoli & Chicken

By: Toya.L

Enjoy this heartwarming comfort dish with our Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Delight. This delectable dish brings together tender, seasoned chicken breast with a creamy, cheesy sauce and vibrant broccoli florets, all harmonizing in a symphony of flavors. The combination of savory and creamy, paired with the earthy freshness of broccoli, creates a satisfying easy one pan meal that is as comforting as it is delicious. Perfectly simmered and full or flavor, our Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Delight is a culinary experience that will leave your taste buds singing with joy.”

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This Cheesy Broccoli & Chicken dish is another one of my favorite one pan chicken meals Along with our Marry Me Chicken recipe. It’s so flavorful, and very easy to make. And will also have you wanting seconds.,

Are chicken and broccoli low in carbs?

• Yes, both chicken and broccoli are low in carbohydrates. Chicken is a lean source of protein and contains virtually no carbs, while broccoli is a fibrous vegetable with relatively few digestible carbohydrates.

❤️What is there to love about Cheesy Broccoli & Chicken❤️

• Comforting and Satisfying: This dish offers a comforting and satisfying meal that warms the heart and nourishes the soul. It’s the epitome of comfort food.
• Creamy Goodness: The creamy cheese sauce not only adds richness but also coats each ingredient in a luscious, cheesy embrace that’s hard to resist.
• Family Favorite: This dish tends to be a hit with both kids and adults, making it a family-friendly option for mealtime.
• Quick and Easy: It’s relatively easy to prepare, making it accessible even on busy days when you crave a comforting, homemade meal.

Cheesy Broccoli & Chicken Ingredients:

Recipe Instructions:

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190.6°C)
• Add the butter and seasonings to a nonstick saucepan: Melt the butter, and add the salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, old bay seasoning, and paprika. Add in 3 of the garlic cloves. Stir everything until well combined.
• Season the Chicken: Add the chicken to a baking dish, and brush both sides of the chicken breasts with the butter mixture.
• Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken in the pre heated oven for 30-35 minutes.
• Prepare the Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, add in 1 tbsp of butter, allow it to melt, and add in the chopped onion, 3 cloves of the remaining garlic, and the red pepper strips. Sauté the vegetables about 3-5 minutes until they become translucent and golden.
• Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until the liquid has reduced by half.
• Add the Cream and broccoli: Reduce the heat to low, then add the heavy cream and Add in the broccoli. Cover and allow the sauce to simmer for 10-15 minutes.
• Add in broth: Add in the broth from the baked chicken.
• Add in the Cheese: Add in the cheddar cheese, and allow it to melt, next add in the parmesan cheese and the Italian seasoning.
• Return the Chicken: Place the baked chicken breasts into the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
• Simmer: Simmer the chicken in the sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
• Serve: Serve your Cheesy Broccoli & Chicken with additional steamed or roasted vegetables, such as cauliflower, asparagus, or green beans, for a well-balanced meal. Or with a Mixed Greens Salad.

*NUTRITION DISCLAIMER

Tips for Cheesy Broccoli & Chicken:

• Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli generally has a better texture and flavor than frozen broccoli. However, if using frozen, thaw and drain it before adding it to the dish.
• Season Well: Season each component of the dish – the chicken, and sauce. This adds depth of flavor.
• Customize the Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite combination. Cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan are popular choices.
• Stir Occasionally: Stir the sauce occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan.

Flavor Variations:

• Herb-Infused: Mix fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or tarragon into the cheese sauce for a fragrant, herb-infused version.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give your dish a spicy kick. You can also add diced jalapeños or green chilies.
• Lemon Zest: Grate lemon zest into the cheese sauce to add a refreshing, citrusy note. Squeeze a bit of lemon juice for extra zing.
• Pesto Twist: Stir pesto sauce into the cheese sauce for a pesto-infused flavor. It pairs beautifully with the broccoli.
• Curry Fusion: Add a pinch of curry powder or paste for a hint of curry flavor. This can be a delightful twist on the classic dish.
• Bacon Bliss: Crumble crispy bacon on top of the dish for a smoky and savory enhancement.
• Sun-Dried Tomato and Olive: Mix chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Kalamata olives into the dish for a Mediterranean flair.
• Mushroom Medley: Sauté a mix of mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms to add an earthy richness.
• Hickory Smoked: Use smoked cheese or add a drop or two of liquid smoke to the cheese sauce for a smoky, hickory flavor.
• Buffalo-Style: Toss the chicken in buffalo sauce for a spicy, tangy kick, then add blue cheese crumbles to the dish.
• Greek Inspiration: Add Greek seasoning, feta cheese, and diced cucumbers for a Greek-inspired variation.

Storing, freezing, thawing, and reheating instructions:

• Storing Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken:
• If you have leftovers, allow the dish to cool to room temperature.
• Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container or wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store the dish in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken:

1. If you want to freeze the dish, make sure it has cooled completely.
2. Divide the leftovers into meal-sized portions if necessary.
3. Place the portions in airtight, freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags.
4. Label the containers or bags with the date for reference.
5. Store the dish in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Thawing Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken:

1. To thaw in the refrigerator, remove the container or bag from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator the night before you plan to reheat it.
2. Allow the dish to thaw slowly in the refrigerator. This can take several hours or overnight, depending on the portion size.

To reheat the dish, you have a few options:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to around 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen or thawed dish in an oven-safe dish or on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to prevent excessive browning, and bake for about 20-30 minutes, or until it’s heated through.
• Microwave: If you’re short on time, you can use the microwave. Place the dish in a microwave-safe container and reheat it in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring or checking the center to ensure it’s heated evenly.
• Stovetop: You can also reheat on the stovetop in a pan over medium heat. Add a bit of water or chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent sticking.

1. Regardless of the method you choose, heat the dish until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
2. Stir occasionally if needed to distribute the heat evenly.
3. Once it’s heated through, your cheesy broccoli and chicken is ready to be enjoyed.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Can I use milk in this dish instead of heavy cream?
• Yes, milk can be used in place of the heavy cream.
• What type of cheese is best for a low-carb cheesy chicken and broccoli dish?
• Hard cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan or Swiss are often preferred for low-carb dishes due to their lower carb content and excellent melting properties.
• Can I use a dairy-free cheese alternative for a low-carb version of this dish?
• Yes, there are dairy-free cheese alternatives available that are relatively low in carbs. Be sure to check the nutrition label for the specific product you choose.