Easy Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet Recipe Tonight

Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, nutritious, and delicious meal that fits perfectly into your low carb lifestyle, this Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need tonight. Bursting with flavor, packed with protein and crisp broccoli, and ready in just minutes, this skillet dinner is as simple as it is satisfying. With easy-to-find ingredients and a straightforward cooking method, you’ll have a wholesome meal on your table that feels like a treat every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Speedy preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Low carb and nutritious: A balanced meal rich in protein and veggies to keep you energized and full.
  • One-pan convenience: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked together in a single skillet.
  • Flavor-packed: Simple seasonings amplify natural flavors without needing complex steps.
  • Adaptable and customizable: Easily tweaked to suit your tastes or dietary goals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role to build layers of flavor, texture, and color, making every bite enjoyable and memorable.

  • Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: A lean protein base that cooks quickly and stays tender.
  • Fresh broccoli florets: Adds crunch and vibrant green color with essential nutrients.
  • Garlic cloves: Infuse the dish with a warm, aromatic depth of flavor.
  • Olive oil or avocado oil: Provides a healthy fat that helps brown the chicken beautifully.
  • Chicken broth: Keeps the dish moist and creates a luscious base for the sauce.
  • Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, cheesy finish that ties everything together perfectly.
  • Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the flavors naturally.
  • Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little kick of heat.

Variations for Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet Recipe

Feel free to make this dish your own. Whether adjusting to what’s in your pantry or catering to dietary preferences, this recipe adapts beautifully without losing its charm.

  • Swap chicken for turkey or tofu: Great alternatives for variety or different protein needs.
  • Add mushrooms or bell peppers: Boost flavor complexity and increase veggie content.
  • Use cream or coconut milk: For a richer, creamier sauce that adds indulgence.
  • Sprinkle fresh herbs like basil or parsley: Brightens and freshens the dish’s final notes.
  • Incorporate a squeeze of lemon juice: Adds a refreshing zing that balances richness.
Easy Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet Recipe Tonight

How to Make Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces and chopping fresh broccoli into small florets for quick cooking. Mince the garlic to release its full aroma.

Step 2: Sear the chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown on all sides but not fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Add garlic and broccoli

Push the chicken to one side of the skillet and add garlic, cooking just until fragrant. Toss in the broccoli florets and stir everything together to combine flavors.

Step 4: Pour in chicken broth and simmer

Pour chicken broth over the mixture to create steam, cover the skillet, and let it cook until the broccoli is tender and the chicken is cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan cheese

Remove the lid and sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over the skillet. Stir gently allowing the cheese to melt beautifully, forming a flavorful coating on the chicken and broccoli.

Pro Tips for Making Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet Recipe

  • Choose the right chicken cut: Thighs stay juicy but breasts work well if trimmed thinly for quick cooking.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give chicken enough room to brown nicely rather than steam.
  • Use fresh broccoli: Frozen can be used but fresh broccoli provides the best texture and color.
  • Control the heat: Medium-high for searing, then reduce to medium for simmering to avoid drying out chicken.
  • Customize your seasoning: Add herbs, spices, or citrus to fit your flavor preferences perfectly.

How to Serve Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top and a little extra grated Parmesan for a fragrant and visually appealing finish that invites you to dive in.

Side Dishes

This skillet stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad or cauliflower rice to keep it low carb and filling.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve it over zoodles (zucchini noodles) or as a filling for lettuce wraps to turn it into a fun interactive meal that’s both light and satisfying.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken and broccoli tightly covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and flavorful.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well; portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems dry, to bring back the juiciness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works fine, but be sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before cooking to avoid a soggy skillet.

Is this recipe suitable for keto diets?

Absolutely! It’s low in carbs and high in protein and healthy fats, making it a fantastic choice for keto meal planning.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, just omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free substitute to keep it creamy without dairy.

How spicy is the dish?

The base recipe is mild, but you can easily add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat if you enjoy spicy flavors.

What can I substitute for chicken broth?

If you don’t have chicken broth, use vegetable broth, bone broth, or even water with a pinch of seasoning to maintain depth of flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet Recipe isn’t just a dish, it’s a reliable, go-to dinner that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s quick, tasty, and nourishing all at the same time, making it a favorite to keep on repeat. I encourage you to grab your skillet and whip it up tonight — your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you!

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Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet Recipe

Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet Recipe

A quick, nutritious, and delicious low carb chicken and broccoli skillet meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Packed with protein and fresh vegetables, this one-pan dish combines simple ingredients and seasonings to deliver a flavorful and satisfying dinner, perfect for busy weeknights and keto diets.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables

  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Oils & Fats

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil

Liquids

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

Dairy & Seasoning

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, chop fresh broccoli into small florets, and mince the garlic to release its full aroma.
  2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown on all sides but not fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and broccoli: Push the chicken to one side of the skillet and add the minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant. Toss in the broccoli florets and stir everything together to combine flavors.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and simmer: Pour chicken broth over the mixture to create steam, cover the skillet, and let it cook until the broccoli is tender and the chicken is cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
  5. Finish with Parmesan cheese: Remove the lid and sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over the skillet. Stir gently allowing the cheese to melt and form a flavorful coating on the chicken and broccoli.

Notes

  • Choose the right chicken cut: thighs stay juicy but breasts work well if trimmed thinly for quick cooking.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure proper browning.
  • Use fresh broccoli for best texture and color; frozen broccoli can be used if thawed and drained.
  • Control heat: medium-high for searing, medium for simmering to avoid drying out chicken.
  • Customize seasoning with fresh herbs like basil or parsley, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
  • Optional red pepper flakes can add a gentle kick of heat.
  • Dairy-free option: omit Parmesan or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Skillet Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Carb, Gluten Free, Keto

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: low carb, chicken skillet, broccoli, keto dinner, quick meal, one-pan meal, gluten free

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