If you are searching for a comforting yet elegant dish to impress your family or friends, this Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. It combines juicy, tender chicken breasts with a luscious, savory sauce that perfectly balances the earthiness of mushrooms and the fresh bite of broccoli. Every spoonful offers a creamy explosion of flavors that feels indulgent but comes together with such simple ingredients that you’ll want to make it again and again. This recipe is a fantastic way to get your veggies in while still satisfying your craving for a rich and satisfying meal!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you dive in, take a moment to appreciate how straightforward and essential these ingredients are. Each item plays a key role in building the delightful texture, bold flavor, and beautiful color that make this dish shine.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, tender and versatile, providing a hearty base for the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken, adding a subtle fruity richness.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Adds vibrant green color and a nutritious crunch.
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms: Earthy and meaty mushrooms bring fabulous depth and umami.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: A punch of aromatic flavor that complements every savory component.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Creates a flavorful base for the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce silky smooth and indulgently creamy.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty richness that enhances the sauce’s complexity.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle tang and subtle spice.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that tie all the flavors together beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing the dish perfectly.
How to Make Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then carefully place the chicken in the pan. You want to get a nice golden brown crust, so cook each side for 4 to 5 minutes. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside—don’t worry, it will finish cooking in the sauce!
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms
In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms. As they cook, they’ll release their natural juices and start to brown, which adds incredible flavor to the dish. This step usually takes about 5 minutes. The browned bits stuck to the pan are pure gold and will intensify your sauce’s taste.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Broccoli
Once the mushrooms are perfectly browned, toss in the minced garlic and broccoli florets. Sauté everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes, letting the garlic become fragrant and the broccoli soften slightly but still keep some crunch. This quick cooking preserves the vibrant green color and fresh flavor of the broccoli.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up all those delicious bits stuck on the pan bottom. Then stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and the Italian seasoning. Let this mixture simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, during which the sauce will thicken, becoming luxuriously creamy and flavorful.
Step 5: Combine and Finish Cooking
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Let them simmer for an additional 5 minutes, spooning the sauce continuously over the chicken to keep it moist and infuse every bite with creamy goodness. Once done, your Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken Recipe is ready to delight!
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a little extra grated Parmesan on top will brighten the plate and add a pop of fresh flavor. A few cracked black peppercorns can also enhance the presentation while giving a slight spice kick.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy mashed potatoes, creamy risotto, or even simple steamed rice to soak up that incredible sauce. If you want to keep things light, a crusty baguette or buttered noodles also work beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning family dinner or casual entertaining, try serving each chicken breast over a bed of garlic sautéed spinach or quinoa. You can also plate the broccoli and mushrooms off to the side in a separate dish, letting everyone ladle the creamy sauce over their portion for a lovely, interactive meal experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken Recipe should be placed in an airtight container and refrigerated within two hours of cooking. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish if needed. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will last up to 2 months frozen. Keep in mind that the broccoli’s texture might soften slightly after freezing, but the creamy sauce and chicken will still taste fantastic.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent the cream from separating. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if it seems too thick. Alternatively, use a microwave on medium power in short bursts, stirring in between, for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! While broccoli and mushrooms are classic here, you can swap or add vegetables like asparagus, spinach, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and seasonings.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely. Chicken thighs will add more richness and stay juicy, but you’ll want to cook them a bit longer to ensure they’re fully done.
What’s the best way to ensure the sauce doesn’t separate?
Keep the heat at a gentle simmer after adding cream, and avoid boiling vigorously. Stirring consistently while simmering helps the sauce remain smooth and creamy.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative instead of Parmesan. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken Recipe enough—it’s one of those meals that feels special but comes together quickly with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. The perfect balance of savory and creamy, with nutritious veggies and tender chicken, makes it a dish you’ll reach for time and again. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy every luscious bite with loved ones around the table!
Print
Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Chicken recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, flavorful sauce made from sautéed mushrooms, fresh broccoli, garlic, and a creamy Parmesan-infused broth. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish is easy to prepare on the stovetop and delivers a deliciously satisfying meal that pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Season and Sear Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the skillet and sear for 4–5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and have released their moisture.
- Sauté Garlic and Broccoli: Add minced garlic and broccoli florets to the skillet with the mushrooms. Sauté for an additional 2–3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the broccoli is slightly tender but still crisp.
- Make the Sauce: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, scraping the bottom to loosen any flavorful browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Spoon sauce over the chicken and let everything simmer together for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors and ensure the chicken is heated through.
- Serve: Serve the creamy broccoli and mushroom chicken warm, ideally over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta for a complete and hearty meal.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, use a combination of cremini and button mushrooms.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half to make the dish lighter.
- This recipe pairs excellently with sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta to create a fulfilling dinner.
