Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken and Broccoli in 15 Minutes

Discover the ultimate weeknight dinner solution with our **Chicken Broccoli with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce**! This incredibly delicious and comforting meal is packed with flavor, yet perfectly low-carb, making it a healthy and satisfying choice for any evening. Say goodbye to bland dinners and hello to a vibrant dish that comes together in a flash.

This chicken recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a family favorite that consistently earns rave reviews. Featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts seasoned to perfection, generously coated in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, it’s a dish that guarantees smiles around the dinner table. What’s more, this easy comfort food allows you to enjoy succulent chicken breasts in a fresh and exciting way, all cooked quickly on your stovetop.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Family-Favorite Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe!

This delightful **creamy chicken and broccoli dinner** isn’t just tasty; it’s incredibly practical for busy households. You can whip up this entire meal in less than 20 minutes, utilizing simple pantry staples you likely already have on hand. It’s the perfect solution for those evenings when you crave a homemade, flavorful dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

The depth of flavor in this seemingly simple recipe is truly extraordinary. The combination of perfectly seasoned chicken, tender broccoli, and the rich, tangy sun-dried tomato cream sauce creates a culinary experience that feels gourmet, even though it’s incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you enjoy it on its own for a low-carb option or serve it over a bed of fluffy rice, pasta, or cauliflower rice, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table. Its speed and impressive taste make it an instant hit for weekly meal rotations, proving that healthy, delicious, and quick meals are entirely achievable.

Essential Ingredients for Our Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken and Broccoli

Crafting this flavorful and satisfying **Chicken Broccoli with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce** requires a handful of accessible ingredients that come together harmoniously. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to create this amazing meal:

• Oil: A good quality cooking oil is crucial for searing the chicken and building the flavor base of your dish. Olive oil or avocado oil are excellent choices you likely already have in your pantry. Both offer a neutral-to-mild flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
• Chicken: For this recipe, fresh, skinless chicken breasts are recommended. Cutting them into bite-sized cubes ensures even cooking and allows the chicken to absorb the rich flavors of the sauce more effectively. Aim for pieces roughly 1-inch in size for optimal texture and cooking time. You can also use chicken thighs if preferred, just adjust cooking time slightly.
• Seasoning: The magic of this creamy sauce largely comes from its perfectly balanced seasoning. A simple yet powerful combination of Italian seasoning, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and finely minced garlic will elevate the dish. Italian seasoning provides an aromatic herb blend, while salt and pepper enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables. Fresh minced garlic is non-negotiable for its pungent, savory kick.
• Tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes are the star of our creamy sauce, imparting a concentrated, sweet, and tangy flavor that is truly unique. You’ll need a jar of oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped. The oil from the jar can even be used as part of your cooking oil for an extra layer of flavor.
• Broccoli: For convenience and consistent results, frozen broccoli florets work wonderfully in this recipe. They cook quickly and maintain their vibrant color and tender-crisp texture. If you prefer, fresh broccoli can also be used; simply chop it into bite-sized pieces to ensure it cooks through at the same rate as the chicken.
• Cooking Liquid: To achieve the best taste and an incredibly luscious texture for this quick dinner, a combination of heavy cream and chicken broth (or chicken stock) is essential. The chicken broth adds savory depth, while the heavy cream provides the luxurious richness that defines this dish’s irresistible creaminess.
• Cheese: No creamy pasta or chicken dish is complete without a generous sprinkle of cheese. Shredded Colby Jack cheese melts beautifully and offers a mild, slightly sharp flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sun-dried tomatoes. Alternatively, grated Parmesan cheese provides a saltier, more nutty profile, adding another dimension of deliciousness. Feel free to use your favorite melting cheese.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make This Irresistible Creamy Chicken and Broccoli

Creating this **creamy chicken and broccoli dinner** is incredibly straightforward, perfect for novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. Follow these simple steps for a truly rewarding meal:

​Step 1: Perfectly Cook the Chicken

1. Begin by placing a large skillet over medium heat. Add your chosen oil (olive or avocado) and allow it to heat up until shimmering, indicating it’s ready for cooking.
2. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the cubed chicken breast to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can steam the chicken instead of searing it. Work in batches if necessary.
3. Generously season the chicken with the Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Use a spatula to stir the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated in the fragrant spices. This step is crucial for building the foundational flavors of the dish.
4. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side. Continue cooking, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and cooked through, with no pink remaining in the center. Properly cooked chicken will be tender and juicy.

Step 2: Infuse with Garlic and Add the Veggies

1. Once the chicken is fully cooked, reduce the heat slightly if needed. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and stir continuously for about 30 seconds, or until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can impart a bitter taste.
2. Next, incorporate the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and chopped broccoli into the pan. Pour in the chicken broth and stir all the ingredients together thoroughly. Ensure everything is well combined and coated in the savory liquid and aromatics.

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

1. Allow the mixture to gently simmer for 3-5 minutes. During this time, the broccoli will soften to your desired tenderness, and the flavors will meld together beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Finish and Serve

1. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and your chosen shredded cheese (Colby Jack or Parmesan). Continue to stir gently until the cheese has completely melted into the sauce, creating a thick, velvety consistency. The sauce should be smooth and luxurious.
2. Once the cheese is fully incorporated and the sauce is wonderfully creamy, your **Chicken Broccoli with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce** is ready to be enjoyed immediately! Serve hot and savor every bite of this quick, flavorful, and comforting meal.

Serving Suggestions for Your Creamy Chicken and Broccoli:

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. We particularly enjoy serving it over a fluffy bed of white rice, which soaks up the incredible creamy sauce. For a low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice is an excellent choice. If you’re craving pasta, penne pasta or classic egg noodles provide a wonderfully comforting base for this flavorful chicken and broccoli. A simple green salad on the side would also complete this perfectly balanced meal.

Chicken Broccoli With Cream-Dried Tomato Sauce – A Quick 15-Minute Meal

By: Julia Pacheco

This flavorful **Chicken Broccoli with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce** is a delightful dinner that comes together in just 15 minutes. It’s packed with tender, juicy chicken and wholesome veggies, all enveloped in a rich and savory cream sauce. Perfect for a busy weeknight, this dish offers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Prep Time: 2 mins | Cook Time: 13 mins | Total Time: 15 mins

Servings: 4

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Equipment

• Large skillet
• Spatula

Ingredients

• 2 tbs olive oil
• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 2 tbs minced garlic
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups frozen broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Colby jack cheese, shredded

Instructions

Cook chicken:

• To a large skillet over medium heat, add the oil.
• Once the oil is hot, add the cubed chicken.
• Season the chicken with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, stirring with a spatula to coat the chicken in the seasonings.
• Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side or until cooked through.

Add garlic and veggies:

• Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the minced garlic for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
• Now add in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chopped broccoli, chicken broth, and stir well.

Simmer ingredients:

• Let everything simmer for 3-5 minutes or until the broccoli is tender to your liking.

Add cream and serve:

• Turn the heat to low and stir in heavy cream and cheese.
• Once the cheese is melty, you are ready to enjoy!

Notes

Serving suggestion:

We like to eat this over a bed of white rice, cauliflower rice, penne pasta, or egg noodles!

Nutrition

Calories: 484kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 138mg | Sodium: 1060mg | Potassium: 1143mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1222IU | Vitamin C: 49mg | Calcium: 314mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation. It’s advisable to consult a professional for personalized dietary advice.

Tried this amazing recipe?Let us know how delicious it was!

Tips for Storing Leftovers from Your Creamy Chicken Dinner

One of the best things about this **Chicken Broccoli with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce** is that it makes fantastic leftovers, perfect for a quick lunch the next day. Proper storage ensures the flavors remain vibrant and the chicken stays tender.

Fridge: To store leftovers from this delicious dinner recipe, simply transfer the cooled chicken and sauce into an airtight container. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent air exposure, which can dry out the chicken and alter the sauce’s texture. Stored correctly in the refrigerator, your creamy chicken and broccoli will remain fresh and delightful for 4-5 days. When reheating, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if the sauce has thickened too much.

Expert Tips and Tricks for Elevating Your Chicken Broccoli Dinner Recipe

While this **creamy chicken and broccoli dinner** is already fantastic as written, a few extra tips and tricks can help you customize it to your liking or troubleshoot common cooking queries. Here’s how to make your dish even better:

Achieving Your Desired Sauce Thickness

If you prefer a thicker, more luxurious sauce, there are a couple of easy ways to achieve it. You can stir in a tablespoon or two of cream cheese along with the heavy cream and shredded cheese; this will add extra richness and body. Alternatively, a small amount of tomato paste (about 1-2 tablespoons) can be whisked into the sauce along with the chicken broth. Not only will it help thicken the sauce, but it will also intensify the savory tomato flavor. For a quick fix, you can also create a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water) and stir it into the simmering sauce until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Heavy Cream Substitutes for a Lighter Touch

If you’re looking for an alternative to heavy cream, or simply don’t have it on hand, you have a few options. Half-and-half can be used as a direct substitute to still achieve a wonderfully creamy texture, though it will be slightly less rich. For a dairy-free or different flavor profile, full-fat coconut milk is an excellent choice. It will create a beautifully creamy sauce and add a subtle, delightful coconut flavor that pairs surprisingly well with the sun-dried tomatoes and chicken, offering a unique twist on the classic dish. Just be aware that coconut milk will indeed alter the overall flavor, but in a delicious way!

Creative Add-Ins and Variations for Your Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Dinner

Don’t be afraid to experiment and personalize this recipe with various add-ins. Here are some ideas to enhance the flavor or add more vegetables to your **creamy chicken and broccoli**:

• Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic will introduce a lovely warmth and subtle spice to the sauce, cutting through the richness beautifully.
• Zucchini Noodles: To boost the vegetable content and keep the meal even lighter, consider adding spiralized zucchini noodles during the simmering stage. They cook quickly and absorb the creamy sauce, making for a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pasta.
• Paprika: A teaspoon of smoked or sweet paprika can add an extra layer of smoky depth and a beautiful reddish hue to your sauce, complementing the sun-dried tomatoes perfectly.
• Garlic Powder: While fresh minced garlic is essential, a dash of garlic powder can be added to the chicken seasoning for an even more pronounced garlic flavor without adding extra moisture.
• Spinach or Kale: Wilt in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or chopped kale at the very end of cooking. These leafy greens add nutrients and a fresh counterpoint to the rich sauce.
• Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms (cremini or button) sautéed with the chicken can add an earthy flavor and another layer of texture to the dish.
• Artichoke Hearts: For an extra Mediterranean flair, add chopped canned or jarred artichoke hearts along with the sun-dried tomatoes.

These additions can transform the dish, making it unique each time you prepare it, while still retaining its core deliciousness and ease.

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