Zippy Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet Recipe for Beginners

Weeknight dinners demand quick, nutritious meals that satisfy hunger while keeping nutrition on track.

This low carb chicken broccoli skillet delivers robust flavors with minimal effort and maximum taste.

Lean protein meets vibrant green vegetables in a one-pan wonder that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of tender chicken and crisp broccoli, seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices.

The skillet method ensures even cooking and locks in every ounce of succulent flavor.

Home cooks seeking a healthier alternative to traditional heavy meals will adore this streamlined recipe.

Prepare to transform an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration that nourishes both body and palate.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 464 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients That Make Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet Shine

• Chicken: Lean protein powerhouse that adds hearty muscle-building goodness, select boneless and skinless for quick and even cooking.
• Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder: Flavor-boosting spices that transform chicken from bland to grand, choose fresh ground spices for maximum taste intensity.

• Broccoli Florets: Vibrant green nutrient-packed vegetable that brings crunch and health benefits, select fresh firm florets with deep green color.

• Olive Oil: Healthy cooking fat that provides smooth sautéing base, choose extra virgin for richer flavor profile.
• Butter: Rich flavor enhancer that creates silky sauce texture, select unsalted for better seasoning control.
• Garlic: Aromatic flavor bomb that adds depth to sauce, pick fresh cloves for most potent taste.
• Heavy Cream: Luxurious sauce thickener that creates velvety consistency, opt for full-fat version.
• Mozzarella, Parmesan: Melty cheese duo that delivers incredible richness, select freshly grated for superior melting.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Subtle heat provider that sparks sauce excitement, adjust quantity based on spice preference.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that introduces Mediterranean flair, choose high-quality dried mix.
• Lemon Juice: Bright acid that balances richness and adds freshness, use fresh squeezed for best results.

• Fresh Parsley: Vibrant green finisher that adds visual appeal and subtle herbaceous note, select bright green leaves.

Kitchen Tools for Chicken Broccoli Skillet Success

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking and creating this one-pan wonder.
• Cutting board: Perfect for prepping chicken and chopping garlic.
• Sharp knife: Needed for cutting chicken into pieces and chopping fresh parsley.
• Measuring spoons: Great for accurately adding seasonings and spices.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir and mix ingredients smoothly in the skillet.
• Tongs: Useful for turning and handling chicken while cooking.

Cooking Steps for Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet

• Sizzle the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle chicken with seasonings and cook until golden and tender, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside on a clean plate.

• Brighten the Broccoli

Add another drizzle of oil to the skillet and toss in broccoli florets. Cook until they’re crisp-tender and vibrant green, around 3-4 minutes. Transfer to the plate with chicken.

• Create the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat and melt butter. Toss in minced garlic and let it dance for half a minute. Pour in heavy cream, then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan. Stir in red pepper flakes and Italian herbs. Let the sauce bubble and thicken for 2 minutes.

• Splash of Sunshine

Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Stir thoroughly.

• Reunite and Simmer

Return chicken and broccoli to the skillet. Gently toss everything to coat with the luscious sauce. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to marry the flavors.

• Finishing Touches

Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve piping hot with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a complete low-carb feast.

Swaps and Additions for Chicken Broccoli Skillet Meals

• Pro Low-Carb Sauce Thickening: Use room temperature cream cheese or xanthan gum for a richer, smoother sauce without extra carbs.
• Keto-Friendly Protein Swap: Replace chicken with salmon, shrimp, or tofu for diverse protein options that maintain low-carb profile.
• Storage and Meal Prep Magic: Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 3 days, reheat gently to prevent sauce separation and maintain creamy texture.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream, use nutritional yeast instead of cheese, and choose plant-based butter alternatives for a lactose-free version.
• Quick Flavor Boost: Experiment with smoked paprika, fresh basil, or red chili flakes to elevate the dish's taste profile without adding significant carbohydrates.

Serve Up Your Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet With Ease

• Hearty Protein Powerhouse: Pair this skillet with a crisp side salad loaded with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy sauce.
• Comfort Carb Alternative: Replace traditional rice or pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a satisfying low-carb base that soaks up the delicious cheesy sauce.
• Meal Prep Magic: Store leftovers in airtight containers and enjoy cold or reheated for a quick lunch, keeping the chicken and broccoli tender and the sauce creamy when gently warmed.
• Gourmet Garnish Upgrade: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds on top for an extra crunch and nutty flavor that complements the cheesy chicken and broccoli perfectly.

Store and Reheat Chicken Broccoli Skillet Without Losing Flavor

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the chicken and sauce separate to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy broccoli.
• Reheating Magic: Gently warm individual portions in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream to revive the sauce's creamy consistency and prevent drying out the chicken.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Prepare and freeze the sauce separately from chicken and broccoli for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and quickly reheat for a quick weeknight dinner.
• Portion Control Trick: Divide the skillet into single-serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches, ensuring balanced macronutrients and making meal prep a breeze during busy weeks.

Sizzling Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent low carb chicken broccoli skillet delivers a quick, nutritious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Protein-packed chicken and crisp broccoli combine with savory seasonings, ensuring you’ll enjoy a satisfying, health-conscious dinner in minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
• 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prep Chicken: Season chicken thoroughly with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, ensuring complete and even coverage.
2. Sear Protein: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then cook chicken until golden-brown and fully cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes, then remove and set aside.
3. Vegetable Preparation: In the same skillet, sauté broccoli florets until vibrant and tender-crisp, then transfer to a separate plate.
4. Sauce Foundation: Reduce skillet heat to medium, add butter, and introduce minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the cooking surface.
5. Cream Fusion: Whisk heavy cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning into a luxurious sauce, simmering until it thickens and develops a rich consistency.
6. Flavor Enhancement: Brighten the sauce with a splash of lemon juice, stirring to integrate citrusy undertones.
7. Final Assembly: Reunite chicken and broccoli with the velvety sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete coating and flavor integration.
8. Garnish and Serve: Scatter fresh parsley and additional Parmesan across the skillet, and serve immediately with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a complete low-carb meal.

Notes

• Optimize Chicken Browning: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure maximum crispiness and achieve perfect golden-brown exterior without excess moisture.
• Balance Cream Sauce Consistency: Slowly add heavy cream while stirring constantly to prevent sauce from separating or becoming grainy, maintaining smooth texture.
• Prevent Overcooking Broccoli: Sauté broccoli quickly on high heat to retain vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture, avoiding mushy vegetable syndrome.
• Customize Low-Carb Options: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream for dairy-free version or use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to keep carbohydrate content minimal.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 150mg