Easy Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet Recipe to Try
If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s satisfying, nutritious, and quick to throw together, this Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet Recipe is your new go-to meal. Bursting with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a medley of delicious seasonings, it delivers a powerhouse of flavors without loading you up with carbs. Perfect for anyone craving a wholesome, home-cooked dish that’s as colorful as it is comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy Preparation: Get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy evenings.
- Low Carb and Healthy: Perfectly tailored for low-carb diets, focusing on protein and veggies to keep you full and energized.
- Flavor-Packed: Each bite is rich with savory spices and a touch of garlic, making it anything but bland.
- One-Pan Convenience: Fewer dishes to clean thanks to this all-in-one skillet method.
- Family Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, making it a great choice for all ages.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything about this Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet Recipe is designed to be simple and straightforward. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in balancing taste, texture, and nutritional value that comes together beautifully in every bite.
- Chicken breast or thighs: Provides lean protein, keeping the dish hearty and satisfying.
- Fresh broccoli florets: Adds vibrant color and a crisp, healthy crunch.
- Olive oil: The perfect base to sauté your ingredients while adding a subtle fruity flavor.
- Garlic cloves: For aromatics that elevate the dish with a warm, inviting scent.
- Onion: Brings sweetness and depth to the skillet base.
- Chicken broth: Keeps the skillet moist and infuses a savory richness.
- Italian seasoning: A balanced blend of herbs that complements both chicken and broccoli.
- Salt and pepper: Essential to bring all the flavors together just right.
- Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a nutty, creamy finish for extra indulgence.
Variations for Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet Recipe
This recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to customize. Whether you want to switch up proteins, boost flavors, or adapt for special diets, these variations let you make it your own.
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for warmth that wakes up the palate.
- Different veggies: Swap broccoli for cauliflower or green beans to mix textures and tastes.
- Keto-friendly creamy sauce: Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese for a luscious, rich twist.
- Smokehouse flavor: Use smoked paprika and add a bit of bacon for a smoky, savory depth.
- Herbal freshness: Top with fresh basil or parsley to brighten the skillet right before serving.
How to Make Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces and chopping the broccoli into small, even florets. Mince the garlic and dice the onion so they’re ready to sauté.
Step 2: Sauté Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed, then toss in the garlic and onion. Cook until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add the broccoli and cook for another 4-5 minutes until just tender.
Step 4: Combine and Season
Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the chicken broth. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the top. Let everything simmer together for 3-4 minutes so the flavors meld and the broccoli softens just right.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
If you’re using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the skillet and allow it to melt as you remove the pan from heat. Serve hot and enjoy the satisfying medley of flavors.
Pro Tips for Making Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet Recipe
- Even chicken pieces: Cut chicken into uniform size to ensure quick, even cooking.
- Avoid overcooking broccoli: Keep broccoli crisp-tender to maintain its nutrients and crunch.
- Use high-quality broth: A richer broth amplifies the overall flavor considerably.
- Let it rest: Allow the skillet to sit for a couple of minutes off the heat for all flavors to fully develop.
- Adjust seasoning at the end: Taste and tweak salt and spice after cooking for perfect balance.
How to Serve Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a burst of color and freshness, while some grated Parmesan cheese on top adds savory richness that invites everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
This skillet pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad, cauliflower rice for extra low carb, or even a light garlic butter sautéed mushroom mix to complement the robust flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the skillet over a bed of spiralized zucchini noodles or alongside a dollop of creamy avocado to add more texture and healthy fats to the meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
This Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet Recipe freezes well. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken and broccoli. Adding a splash of chicken broth before reheating helps maintain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just thaw and drain any excess water before adding it to the skillet to avoid sogginess.
Is this recipe suitable for keto diets?
Absolutely! It’s low in carbs, high in protein, and can easily be made richer with added fats like cheese or cream to fit keto macros.
What can I substitute for chicken?
You can swap chicken for turkey breast, firm tofu, or even shrimp for a different but equally delicious twist on this recipe.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative to keep the recipe free from dairy while maintaining flavor.
How do I keep the chicken tender?
Cook chicken over medium heat without overcrowding the pan to ensure it browns nicely without drying out, then simmer briefly with broth to keep it juicy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a wholesome skillet meal, and this Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet Recipe delivers flavor, nutrition, and ease in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or just craving a satisfying dinner, this recipe is a must-try that will quickly become one of your favorites. Go ahead, give it a whirl and enjoy a vibrant, healthy dish that never feels like a compromise.
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PrintLow Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet Recipe
This Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet Recipe is a quick, nutritious, and flavorful weeknight dinner option. It features tender chicken and vibrant broccoli sautéed with garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning, all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup. Perfect for low-carb and keto diets, it delivers a wholesome, satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb, Gluten Free, Keto Friendly
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
Liquids & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and chop the broccoli into small, even florets. Mince the garlic and dice the onion to prepare for sautéing.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Cook Vegetables: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add broccoli and cook for another 4-5 minutes until just tender.
- Combine and Season: Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the chicken broth. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the dish. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until flavors meld and broccoli softens perfectly.
- Finish and Serve: If using, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the skillet and allow it to melt while removing the pan from heat. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Avoid overcooking broccoli to keep it crisp-tender and nutritious.
- Use high-quality chicken broth to enhance flavor.
- Let the skillet rest off heat for a couple of minutes to develop flavors.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper after cooking to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: low carb, chicken skillet, broccoli, quick dinner, healthy, keto, one-pan meal