Quick & Easy Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Skillet (Keto, One-Pan & Comforting!)
Whip up a satisfying and deliciously low-carb dinner in one pan with this Quick & Easy Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Skillet! Tender cooked chicken and crisp broccoli florets are simmered in a rich, cheesy cream sauce with fresh tomatoes and spinach, all infused with aromatic garlic and Italian seasoning. This high-protein, naturally gluten-free dish is a delightful addition to your health journey!
Yields: 3-4 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon butter (unsalted recommended)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2-3 cloves)
- 1 pound cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces (leftover rotisserie, baked, or pan-fried chicken works great)
- 2-3 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets (if frozen, no need to thaw)
- ¼ cup chopped tomatoes (cherry tomatoes halved, or Roma tomatoes diced)
- 4 ounces (½ block) cream cheese, cut into cubes (full-fat recommended)
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Equipment:
- Large skillet or deep frying pan
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Instructions:
- Melt Butter & Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Combine Main Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken pieces, broccoli florets, chopped tomatoes, cubed cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, shredded Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning to the skillet.
- Simmer & Melt Cheese: Stir gently to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, and the Parmesan cheese has melted into the sauce (this should take 5-7 minutes). The sauce should be creamy and bubbly.
- Add Spinach & Finish: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Continue to simmer and stir for another 2-3 minutes, until the spinach has wilted and everything is well blended and bubbly.
- Season & Serve: Taste the sauce and season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Serve hot and enjoy this quick and creamy meal!
Tips for Success:
- Cooked Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for an even faster meal.
- Softened Cream Cheese: While not strictly necessary, cutting the cream cheese into cubes or softening it slightly will help it melt into the sauce more quickly and smoothly.
- Don’t Overcook Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, ensure it’s cut into small florets for quick cooking. If using frozen, add it directly to the pan. Cook until tender-crisp.
- Gentle Simmer: Keep the heat at a gentle simmer to ensure the sauce thickens and the cheeses melt smoothly without scorching.
- Fresh Spinach: The spinach will wilt down significantly, so 3 cups may seem like a lot, but it’s the perfect amount.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification:
This Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Skillet is a delicious addition to your health journey!
- High Protein: Yes, from the chicken and cheeses.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb. All listed ingredients are naturally low in carbohydrates.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. All listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
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