There’s something about a creamy, cheesy skillet that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day.
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Skillet is everything I crave in a simple weeknight dinner—rich, comforting, packed with veggies, and ready in under 30 minutes.
It’s the kind of meal that gets devoured fast and requested often.
Why I Love This Recipe
It comes together in just one skillet—hello, easy cleanup!
A great way to use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken.
Creamy, cheesy sauce with garlic and Parmesan makes it irresistible.
Kid-approved but still elegant enough for guests.
Naturally low-carb and gluten-free.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Chicken – Cooked and chopped. Leftover or rotisserie works perfectly.
Broccoli – Fresh and lightly sautéed for bright flavor and color.
Heavy Cream – Makes the sauce silky and luscious.
Mozzarella Cheese – Melts into gooey perfection.
Parmesan Cheese – Adds nutty, salty depth to the cream sauce.
Garlic & Butter – The base of any good comfort food flavor.
Salt & Pepper – Simple seasoning to let the ingredients shine.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use an oven-safe skillet so you can broil everything directly without switching pans.
Don’t overcook the broccoli—it finishes under the broiler.
Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged.
Use heavy cream, not milk, to keep the sauce from breaking.
Prep all ingredients ahead—this dish moves fast once the heat’s on.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Skillet
Step 1: Sauté the Broccoli
Set a 10-inch ovenproof skillet over medium heat.
Add 2 tablespoons butter and let it melt.
Add chopped broccoli and sauté for about 4 minutes, until bright green and slightly tender.
Remove to a bowl.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Melt the remaining butter in the same pan.
Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream, bring to a simmer, and cook until reduced by about half—this takes 3–5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Stir in mozzarella and all of the Parmesan.
Mix until melted and smooth.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine and Top
Add the cooked chicken and sautéed broccoli back into the pan.
Stir everything to coat in the creamy sauce.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella on top.
Step 5: Broil to Finish
Preheat your broiler. Place the skillet about 6 inches from the heat source.
Broil for 2–5 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and beginning to brown.
Watch closely—broilers vary in intensity!
What to Serve It With
Cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower for a low-carb option
Buttered noodles or garlic pasta for something heartier
Crisp green salad with vinaigrette
Warm dinner rolls or crusty baguette to soak up that sauce
A glass of dry white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc
Variations / Substitutions
Use spinach or kale instead of broccoli
Swap chicken for turkey or cooked shrimp
Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for more depth
Use Gruyère or Fontina cheese instead of mozzarella
Stir in cooked pasta and turn it into a skillet bake
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer – Freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months.
Reheating – Warm gently in a skillet or microwave.
Add a splash of cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to the broiling step, refrigerate, then broil when ready to serve.
Do I have to use heavy cream?
For best results, yes. Milk or half-and-half may cause the sauce to split.
Is this keto-friendly?
Absolutely! It’s low in carbs and high in fat and protein.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just thaw and drain well before sautéing.
What’s the best chicken for this?
Rotisserie chicken is convenient, but any cooked chopped chicken works.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Sure! Just leave out the chicken and add extra veggies or tofu.
What’s the best skillet to use?
A cast iron or stainless steel oven-safe skillet works best for broiling.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Skillet is the kind of dish that makes me look forward to dinner all day.
It’s cozy, satisfying, and comes together so quickly that I barely have time to get hungry.
Perfect for when you want comfort food without the fuss—and without turning on the oven for an hour.
