Easy Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet Recipe for Busy Evenings

When whipping up this mouthwatering low carb chicken broccoli skillet, magic happens in just one pan.

Simplicity meets nutrition with every delicious bite.

Weeknight cooking can feel challenging, but this recipe changes everything.

Home chefs seeking quick and healthy meals will adore this streamlined approach.

Protein and green vegetables combine effortlessly to create a satisfying dinner solution.

Each forkful delivers incredible flavor without complicated techniques or excessive ingredients.

You’ll fall in love with how easily nutrition and taste come together in this skillet masterpiece.

Chicken Skillet Q&A

• Is this recipe diabetic-friendly?

Yes, it’s low-carb and suitable for diabetics. The recipe uses minimal carbohydrates and focuses on protein and vegetables, which helps manage blood sugar levels.

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just thaw and pat dry the frozen broccoli before sautéing to prevent excess moisture. Fresh or frozen work equally well in this recipe.

• How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be golden brown and no longer pink in the center.

• What makes this a low-carb dish?

The recipe eliminates high-carb ingredients like pasta or rice, uses low-carb vegetables like broccoli, and focuses on protein and healthy fats from chicken, cream, and cheese.

Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet Overview

• Packed with low-carb ingredients like chicken, broccoli, and cream-based sauce, this recipe delivers high-fat, high-protein content that supports ketogenic diet goals without sacrificing flavor.
• Customize the dish by serving over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, adding different seasonings, or swapping proteins to keep the meal exciting and adaptable to personal preferences.
• Minimize kitchen cleanup with this single-skillet recipe that streamlines cooking process, reduces dishes, and allows you to build layers of flavor in one convenient cooking vessel.

Ingredients for This Simple Skillet Meal

• Chicken: Lean protein that forms the base of the dish, best when boneless and skinless for easy cooking.

• Broccoli Florets: Adds nutrition and texture, low-carb vegetable that pairs perfectly with creamy sauce.

• Olive Oil: Helps with cooking and adds subtle flavor, choose extra virgin for best taste.
• Butter: Creates rich, creamy base for sauce, enhances overall dish richness.
• Heavy Cream: Provides luxurious, smooth texture to the sauce.
• Mozzarella, Parmesan Cheese: Melts into creamy sauce, adds depth and tangy flavor.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasoning that enhances chicken's natural taste.
• Paprika: Adds mild smoky flavor and beautiful color to chicken.
• Garlic Powder: Provides deep, consistent garlic flavor throughout the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle heat and complexity.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that brings Mediterranean flavor profile.

• Lemon Juice: Adds fresh, tangy dimension to balance rich sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides fresh garnish and bright finish to the dish.

Cooking Instructions for Chicken and Broccoli

Step 1: Prep Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Garlic powder

Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and completely done, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer chicken to separate plate.

Step 2: Roast Broccoli

Add another splash of olive oil to skillet. Toss in broccoli florets and cook until tender-crisp, roughly 3-4 minutes. Remove broccoli and set aside with chicken.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes
• Italian seasoning

Simmer sauce until it thickens, about 2 minutes. Optional: Add fresh lemon juice for brightness.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Return chicken and broccoli to skillet. Gently toss everything in creamy sauce. Let ingredients mingle for additional 2 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Enjoy with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for complete low-carb meal.

Tips to Keep It Low-Carb and Full of Flavor

• Perfectly Sear Chicken: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in maximum flavor.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, from mild to fiery hot, without compromising the dish's creamy texture.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Keep heat low when adding cheese to the cream sauce, stirring constantly to create a smooth, velvety consistency that coats every ingredient.
• Boost Veggie Nutrition: Swap broccoli with other low-carb vegetables like cauliflower or asparagus to add variety and keep the meal nutritionally balanced.
• Quick Meal Prep: Cook extra chicken and sauce to store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making future meals fast and convenient for busy weeknights.

Storing and Reheating This Skillet Dish

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sauce separation and maintain the creamy texture.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Add a splash of heavy cream or chicken broth when reheating to restore the sauce's original consistency and prevent the chicken from becoming tough.

Low Carb Pairings That Work Well

• Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to complement the creamy sauce and cut through the richness of the cheese.
• Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the skillet's creamy texture and add fresh, peppery notes.
• Prepare simple roasted cauliflower with garlic and herbs to enhance the dish's low-carb profile and provide an additional vegetable element.
• Choose a citrus-infused sparkling water with lemon or lime to refresh the palate between bites and mirror the recipe's bright lemon undertones.

Skillet Meal Variations to Explore

Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, cubed and pan-fried until golden, maintaining the same seasoning profile for a protein-packed plant-based alternative.

Dairy-Free Modification: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream, use nutritional yeast instead of cheese, and choose almond-based mozzarella to create a creamy sauce without dairy ingredients.

Keto-Friendly Option: Keep the original recipe intact, ensuring high fat content with extra butter or olive oil, and swap Parmesan for a full-fat aged cheese to maintain ketogenic macronutrient ratios.

Mediterranean Remix: Add kalamata olives, swap Italian seasoning for dried oregano and thyme, and finish with crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.

Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty low carb chicken broccoli skillet delivers bold Mediterranean flavors with minimal effort. Protein-packed ingredients and quick preparation make this dish perfect for busy weeknight dinners you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 ½ pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces

Fresh Vegetables:

• 3 cups broccoli florets

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

Herbs and Zest:

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Dairy Components:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Oil:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Warm a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high temperature, creating an ideal cooking environment for the chicken.
2. Massage chicken pieces with a blend of seasonings, coating each morsel with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to enhance flavor profiles.
3. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the heated skillet, allowing each piece to develop a golden-brown exterior while ensuring complete internal cooking, approximately 5-7 minutes.
4. Transfer perfectly cooked chicken to a separate plate, preserving its warmth and juiciness.
5. Introduce additional olive oil to the same skillet, then add broccoli florets, sautéing until they reach a vibrant, tender-crisp texture.
6. Remove broccoli and set alongside the chicken, maintaining optimal temperature and texture.
7. Reduce skillet heat to medium and introduce butter, creating a rich foundation for the sauce.
8. Quickly incorporate minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence and infusing the pan with intense flavor.
9. Blend heavy cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning into a luxurious, creamy mixture, allowing it to simmer and thicken.
10. Brighten the sauce with a splash of lemon juice, stirring to integrate the citrusy notes.
11. Reunite chicken and broccoli with the velvety sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete coating and flavor melding.
12. Allow the combined ingredients to simmer briefly, harmonizing the dish’s complex flavors.
13. Elevate the presentation by scattering fresh parsley and additional Parmesan across the skillet.
14. Serve immediately, optionally accompanied by cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a comprehensive low-carb dining experience.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes for heat-loving palates or reducing them for milder tastes.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut cream to create a dairy-free version that maintains the creamy texture.
• Enhance protein content by adding extra chicken or incorporating sliced almonds for a crunchy nutritional boost.
• Meal prep friendly: Store separated components in airtight containers and reheat gently to prevent sauce separation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 464
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 735 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg