Are you ready to transform an ordinary weeknight dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience? Prepare to be amazed by this mouthwatering Italian Chicken with Broccoli and Cream Sauce that promises to tantalize your palate and impress even the most discerning food critics. With a perfect balance of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a luxuriously rich cream sauce, this recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that combines simplicity with gourmet elegance.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate to rest.
- In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. If necessary, add a splash of chicken broth to help steam the broccoli. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set aside with the chicken.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the heavy cream and remaining chicken broth to the skillet. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Once the cream sauce has thickened, return the cooked chicken and broccoli to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and broccoli, ensuring everything is well-coated. Let it cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Remove from heat and serve the Italian chicken with broccoli and cream sauce immediately. This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F for perfect doneness and food safety.
- Sauce Consistency Matters: If your cream sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer. If it's too thick, add a splash more chicken broth to achieve the ideal silky texture.
- Seasoning Secrets: Don't be shy with garlic powder and salt - they're crucial for building deep flavor. Taste and adjust seasonings before the final serving.
- Avoid Overcrowding: When searing chicken, make sure the pieces aren't touching in the pan to ensure beautiful golden-brown coloration.
- Let Chicken Rest: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes. This helps retain its juices, ensuring each bite is incredibly moist and tender.
- Customize Your Dish: Feel free to add grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra flavor boost.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 140mg
