Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet Recipe
The Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet is a standout option for those seeking a nutritious meal without the excess carbohydrates often found in traditional dishes. This recipe showcases the harmonious blend of tender chicken and vibrant broccoli, enveloped in a creamy sauce that caters to various dietary preferences. As we explore the origins and versatility of this dish, it becomes evident that its appeal extends beyond mere convenience. What innovative twists can be added to elevate this already satisfying meal? The answer may surprise you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet recipe is a culinary delight that combines convenience and nutrition in a single dish. It is an ideal one-pan meal, perfect for busy weeknights when time is limited.
The key ingredients, including tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy sauce, create a rich flavor that pleases the palate. This dish is low in carbohydrates and high in protein, making it suitable for those on keto or low-carb diets.
Additionally, the recipe is versatile, allowing for customization with various vegetables or proteins. With minimal cleanup required, this skillet meal not only saves time but also offers a healthy option for lunch or dinner, highlighting the balance between convenience and nutrition.
History
Although the precise origins of the Chicken Broccoli Skillet recipe are difficult to pinpoint, it is widely recognized as a modern dish that emerged alongside the rise of low-carb and ketogenic diets in recent decades.
As people became more health-conscious, they sought quick, nutritious meals that fit their dietary needs. The combination of chicken and broccoli provides both protein and essential vitamins, making it a popular choice.
This dish also reflects a growing trend towards one-pan meals, which simplify cooking and cleanup. Over time, various adaptations of the recipe have surfaced, allowing for ingredient substitutions and customization.
Today, it stands as a versatile option for those aiming to maintain a low-carb lifestyle while enjoying flavorful meals.
Recipe
Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet Recipe
This Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet is a quick and delicious one-pan meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with protein and fiber, this dish is not only satisfying but also caters to those on keto and low-carb diets. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce creates a rich flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Plus, with minimal cleanup required, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal. Cooking this dish is straightforward and can be customized with various vegetables or proteins to suit your taste. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious lunch or a hearty dinner, this skillet recipe is versatile enough to accommodate your preferences.
So grab your skillet and get ready to whip up a delicious, wholesome meal in no time!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 large head broccoli, cut into small florets
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Begin by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and seasoning it with salt and pepper. Prepare the broccoli by cutting it into small florets and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces and sear them for about 5-6 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent. Then, add the broccoli florets and chicken broth. Cover the skillet and let the broccoli steam for about 3-4 minutes, until it is tender-crisp.
- After the broccoli is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Allow it to thicken for 3-4 minutes. Next, add the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, mixing it with the broccoli and sauce. Let everything simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through and coated with the creamy sauce.
For the best results when preparing this dish, be mindful of the cooking times for both the chicken and broccoli to maintain a tender texture. You can customize the recipe by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for additional flavor and nutrition.
If you prefer a dairy-free option, consider substituting the heavy cream with coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk. Enjoy your meal fresh, but leftovers can be conveniently stored in the refrigerator for easy reheating!
Final Thoughts
Satisfaction comes from preparing a meal that not only delights the palate but also aligns with health goals. The Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet is a perfect example of this balance, offering a delectable combination of flavors while being low in carbohydrates.
This one-pan recipe simplifies cooking and cleanup, making it ideal for busy schedules. The nutritious ingredients, like chicken and broccoli, provide essential vitamins and protein, supporting a healthy lifestyle.
Additionally, this dish is versatile, allowing for various adaptations to suit personal tastes. Overall, it is a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any night of the week, ensuring that health-conscious individuals do not have to sacrifice flavor for nutrition.
FAQ
What are some common questions about the Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet? Many people ask about ingredient substitutions.
Chicken thighs can replace breasts, but cooking time may vary. For those seeking dairy-free options, coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk can be used in place of heavy cream.
Another frequent query concerns adding more vegetables; bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms can enhance the dish’s heartiness.
Additionally, some wonder about different cooking methods. You can bake the skillet contents at 375°F for 15 minutes for a new texture.
Lastly, it’s essential to monitor the sauce’s thickness, as heavy cream can thicken quickly. Avoid overcooking the broccoli to maintain its crispness and nutritional value.
Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet Recipe
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 large head broccoli cut into small florets
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese or cheese of choice
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Cooking Instructions
- Begin by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and seasoning it with salt and pepper. Prepare the broccoli by cutting it into small florets and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces and sear them for about 5-6 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent. Then, add the broccoli florets and chicken broth. Cover the skillet and let the broccoli steam for about 3-4 minutes, until it is tender-crisp.
- After the broccoli is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Allow it to thicken for 3-4 minutes. Next, add the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, mixing it with the broccoli and sauce. Let everything simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through and coated with the creamy sauce.
- For the best results when preparing this dish, be mindful of the cooking times for both the chicken and broccoli to maintain a tender texture. You can customize the recipe by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for additional flavor and nutrition.
- If you prefer a dairy-free option, consider substituting the heavy cream with coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk. Enjoy your meal fresh, but leftovers can be conveniently stored in the refrigerator for easy reheating!