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
- Prepare the ingredients: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, chop fresh broccoli into small florets, and mince the garlic to release its full aroma.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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