Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken and Broccoli: Your Ultimate 15-Minute Weeknight Dinner

Transform your weeknights with this incredibly flavorful and effortlessly simple Chicken Broccoli with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce. This recipe delivers a deeply comforting meal that is bursting with rich flavors, yet remains low-carb and perfectly healthy for those busy evenings. Forget complicated cooking; this dish comes together in just 15 minutes, proving that delicious and wholesome dinners don’t have to be a labor-intensive affair.

Experience the joy of a truly satisfying meal that everyone at your table will adore. The star of this dish is undoubtedly the luscious, savory sun-dried tomato cream sauce, which perfectly complements the tender, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts. Combined with vibrant broccoli, every bite is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. It’s comfort food reimagined for modern life, offering a quick and easy way to enjoy succulent chicken and fresh vegetables, all cooked swiftly on your stovetop.

Why This Recipe Will Become Your Weeknight Favorite!

This incredibly delicious and creamy chicken and broccoli dinner is a true game-changer for busy households. You can whip it up in under 20 minutes, primarily using everyday pantry staples you likely already have on hand. It’s the perfect solution for those evenings when you crave something homemade and flavorful but are short on time.

The depth of flavor in this seemingly simple recipe is truly extraordinary. The combination of savory chicken, vibrant broccoli, and the rich, tangy sun-dried tomato sauce creates a gourmet experience with minimal effort. Whether you enjoy it as a standalone low-carb meal or serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or pasta, this dish promises to satisfy every palate. Its speed, convenience, and irresistible taste make it an instant family favorite that you’ll return to again and again.

Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken & Broccoli:

• Oil: A good quality olive oil or avocado oil is perfect for searing the chicken and building the flavor base. These oils have a high smoke point and impart a lovely richness to the dish.
• Chicken: Opt for fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cutting them into uniform bite-sized cubes ensures even cooking and allows them to soak up the creamy sauce beautifully. Chicken thighs can also be used for a richer flavor.
• Seasoning: A robust Italian seasoning blend is key for aromatic depth. Pair it with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the chicken’s natural flavors. Minced garlic, added at the right moment, infuses the entire sauce with an irresistible fragrance.
• Tomatoes: Jarred sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, are essential for that distinct tangy and sweet concentrated tomato flavor. Be sure to chop them finely to distribute their deliciousness throughout the sauce.
• Broccoli: Frozen broccoli florets are a convenient choice, cutting down on prep time. However, fresh broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces, works equally well. Just adjust the simmering time slightly until it reaches your desired tenderness.
• Cooking Liquid: To achieve the perfect creamy texture and depth of flavor, a combination of heavy cream and chicken broth (or chicken stock) is used. The broth adds savory notes, while the heavy cream creates that luxurious, velvety consistency.
• Cheese: Finishing this dish with shredded Colby Jack cheese or Parmesan cheese adds a wonderful layer of savory, salty goodness and helps to thicken the sauce further, making it extra comforting.

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

Creating this delightful meal is incredibly straightforward, even for novice cooks. Follow these simple steps for a perfect creamy chicken and broccoli dinner every time.

Cook the Chicken to Golden Perfection:

1. Start by heating your large skillet over medium heat. Add your chosen oil, ensuring it coats the bottom of the pan. Allow it to get hot, shimmering slightly, but not smoking.
2. Once the oil is adequately heated, carefully add the cubed chicken pieces to the skillet. Spread them out in a single layer to ensure even searing.
3. Generously season the chicken with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Use a spatula to stir and toss the chicken, ensuring every piece is beautifully coated in the aromatic spices. This step is crucial for building a rich flavor base.
4. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a lovely golden-brown crust and for the chicken to be fully cooked through, with no pink remaining in the center. Once cooked, the chicken should be juicy and tender.

Infuse Garlic and Introduce the Vibrant Veggies:

1. After the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat slightly if needed. Stir in the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, or until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
2. Next, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and the bite-sized broccoli pieces to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and stir all the ingredients together thoroughly. Ensure everything is well combined and coated.

Simmering to Perfection and Building the Creamy Sauce:

1. Allow the mixture to gently simmer for 3-5 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and softens the broccoli to your preferred tenderness. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Finishing with Cream and Serving:

1. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and your shredded cheese until fully incorporated. The gentle heat will help the cheese melt into the sauce, making it extra creamy and rich without curdling.
2. Once the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety, your incredible meal is ready to be served. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish immediately!

Serving Suggestions: This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a classic comfort meal, serve it over a fluffy bed of white rice or light and tender egg noodles. If you’re looking for a low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice is an excellent choice. Alternatively, enjoy it with your favorite pasta, such as penne or fettuccine, to create a heartier meal.

Chicken Broccoli With Creamy Sun-dried Tomato Sauce – 15 Minute Meal

By: Julia Pacheco

Chicken and broccoli with a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce is a delicious and quick dinner, ready in just 15 minutes, packed with juicy chicken and wholesome vegetables.

Prep: 2 mins

Cook: 13 mins

Total: 15 mins

Servings: 4

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:

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

Add garlic and veggies:

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

Simmer ingredients:

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

Add cream and serve:

1. Turn the heat to low and stir in heavy cream and cheese.
2. 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.

Storing Leftovers: Enjoying Your Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Later:

One of the best things about this creamy chicken dinner is how well it stores, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying delicious leftovers. Proper storage ensures the dish retains its flavor and quality.

Fridge: Once the dish has cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth or a bit more cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge.

While technically possible, freezing is generally not recommended for dishes made with heavy cream, as the sauce can sometimes separate or become grainy upon thawing. For best results, enjoy this dish fresh or from the refrigerator within the recommended timeframe.

Expert Tips & Delicious Variations for Your Chicken Dinner Recipe:

Elevate your creamy chicken and broccoli dish with these helpful tips and exciting variations, ensuring every meal is a culinary success.

How to Thicken the Sauce:

If you prefer a thicker, richer sauce, there are a few simple methods you can employ. A fantastic way to add creaminess and body is by stirring in a spoonful or two of cream cheese along with the heavy cream. This also adds a subtle tang that complements the sun-dried tomatoes beautifully. Alternatively, for a more traditional approach, you can create a slurry with a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water, then stir it into the simmering sauce until it reaches your desired consistency. Another option is to simply reduce the sauce further by simmering it gently for a few extra minutes on low heat, allowing it to naturally thicken as the liquids evaporate.

Heavy Cream Substitute:

While heavy cream provides the most luxurious and rich texture, you can certainly experiment with substitutes. Half and half is a lighter alternative that still offers a creamy consistency, though the sauce will be slightly less dense. For a dairy-free option, full-fat canned coconut milk can work wonderfully. Be aware that coconut milk will impart a distinct, subtly sweet coconut flavor to the dish, which can be delicious but will alter the original taste profile. Ensure you use full-fat for the best creamy result. Evaporated milk can also be used, offering a good compromise between richness and a lighter touch.

Creative Add-Ins & Variations for This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Dinner:

• Spice it Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic will introduce a delightful warmth to the sauce.
• Boost the Veggies: Enhance the nutritional value and texture by adding other quick-cooking vegetables. Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or even zucchini noodles can be incorporated during the simmering phase.
• Herb Power: Fresh herbs like chopped fresh basil or parsley stirred in at the very end will brighten the flavors and add a fresh aromatic touch.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with various cheeses! Aside from Colby Jack or Parmesan, consider using mozzarella for a stretchier, milder melt, or even a touch of smoked gouda for a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
• Pasta Inclusion: Turn this into a one-pan pasta dish by cooking short pasta (like penne or rotini) directly in the broth before adding the cream, ensuring it absorbs all the delicious flavors.
• Protein Swap: While chicken is fantastic, consider trying shrimp or even firm tofu for a different protein source. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some common questions about making this creamy sun-dried tomato chicken and broccoli dish.

What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for their lean protein and quick cooking time. Cutting them into bite-sized cubes ensures they cook evenly and quickly. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used for a slightly richer flavor, though they might require a minute or two longer to cook through.

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh broccoli florets work perfectly. Just make sure to cut them into similar bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly with the other ingredients. The cooking time for fresh broccoli might be slightly longer, so simmer until it reaches your desired tenderness.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Dishes made with heavy cream tend not to freeze and thaw very well, as the cream can separate and become grainy. For the best quality, it’s recommended to enjoy this dish fresh or stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. If you must freeze, be prepared for a potential change in texture when reheating.

How can I make this dish spicier?

For a spicy kick, add a generous pinch or two of red pepper flakes when you’re sautéing the garlic. You can also add a dash of cayenne pepper along with the Italian seasoning for a more integrated heat. Adjust the amount to suit your personal preference for spice.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe to be dairy-free. Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut milk for a creamy texture (note: it will add a subtle coconut flavor). For the cheese, you can either omit it entirely or use a good quality dairy-free shredded cheese alternative that melts well.

Essential Resources for Easy Weeknight Meals:

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We hope you thoroughly enjoy this incredibly quick, easy, and flavorful Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken and Broccoli. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special, perfect for any night of the week. If you try this recipe or any others from our collection, please don’t hesitate to share your experience! Tag us on Instagram @julia.pacheco.cooking and let us know how much you loved your delicious meal. Happy cooking!