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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Warm a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high temperature, creating an ideal cooking environment for the chicken.
- Massage chicken pieces with a blend of seasonings, coating each morsel with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to enhance flavor profiles.
- 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.
- Transfer perfectly cooked chicken to a separate plate, preserving its warmth and juiciness.
- Introduce additional olive oil to the same skillet, then add broccoli florets, sautéing until they reach a vibrant, tender-crisp texture.
- Remove broccoli and set alongside the chicken, maintaining optimal temperature and texture.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium and introduce butter, creating a rich foundation for the sauce.
- Quickly incorporate minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence and infusing the pan with intense flavor.
- Blend heavy cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning into a luxurious, creamy mixture, allowing it to simmer and thicken.
- Brighten the sauce with a splash of lemon juice, stirring to integrate the citrusy notes.
- Reunite chicken and broccoli with the velvety sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete coating and flavor melding.
- Allow the combined ingredients to simmer briefly, harmonizing the dish’s complex flavors.
- Elevate the presentation by scattering fresh parsley and additional Parmesan across the skillet.
- 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