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This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Skillet is a healthy one-pan meal that you can put together in less than 30 minutes. It is a Whole30 friendly chicken dinner that tastes like satisfying comfort food, but with just a few basic ingredients.
Make this comforting one-pan meal in less than 30 minutes!
I am always looking for some comfort food that also makes my body feel good. This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Skillet fits right into that category. It is made with simple, healthy ingredients, but packs the flavor and comfort of creamy chicken alfredo.
This creamy sauce is made with cashews. Be sure to soak your cashews ahead of time. Once you have done that, this sauce takes less than 30 minutes to put together!
What kitchen tools will I need to make this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Skillet?
- Large frying pan
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- High-speed blender
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Liquid measuring cup
What ingredients will I need to make this healthy chicken skillet?
You will be amazed at how easy it is to make this recipe with just a few simple foods.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast
- Broccoli
- Salt
- Pepper
- Avocado oil
- Garlic cloves
- Raw cashews
- Chicken broth
Let’s make a Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Skillet!
Step 1: Soak the cashews and prep the chicken
First, soak raw cashews in water for at least 4 hours or up to overnight. Then, take 2 chicken breasts and slice in half long ways so you have 4 thin pieces. Next, season each of the 4 chicken breast pieces on both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Steam the broccoli
Then, place broccoli florets in a large frying pan with 1/2 cup of water. Next, bring the water to a boil, cover and reduce to a simmer. Steam the broccoli in the covered pan for 3 minutes then remove.
Step 3: Cook the chicken and make a sauce
Then, heat oil in a frying pan over medium-low heat. Add 3 smashed garlic cloves to the oil and cook for 5 minutes taking care not to burn them. Then, remove the garlic from the pan and leave the oil behind.
Next, increase the heat in the pan to medium and add the chicken to the pan. Cook the chicken for 3 minutes on each side. While the chicken cooks, blend the cashews, chicken broth, salt, and pepper into a smooth sauce.
Step 4: Combine it all in the pan
Finally, add the broccoli and sauce into the pan with the chicken. Simmer for a few more minutes taking care to coat the chicken and broccoli in the sauce.
Step 5: Enjoy!
How long will this recipe keep in the fridge?
Once prepared, store this recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze this recipe once prepared?
YES! Cashew sauces tend to freeze and defrost really well. If you want to freeze this, please allow it to cool fully before placing in an airtight container in the freezer.
You can find the full recipe below. If you make this recipe, please rate and review it in the comments, or share it with me on Instagram!
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Skillet
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Saute
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy Whole30 chicken and broccoli that you can make in one pan.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 3 cloves garlic
Creamy Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup raw cashews
- 1 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Soak raw cashews in water for at least 4 hours or as long as overnight
- Steam broccoli florets by add broccoli and 1/2 cup of water to a large frying pan
- Bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Allow the broccoli to steam for 3 minutes
- While the broccoli cooks, slice each chicken breast in half long ways so two thin pieces remain from each breast. Season each piece on both sides with salt and pepper
- Remove steamed broccoli and excess water from the pan
- Heat avocado oil in the frying pan over medium-low heat and add 3 smashed garlic cloves to the pan
- Allow the cloves to cook in the garlic for 3 minutes taking care to not burn them, then remove the garlic from the pan, leaving the oil behind
- Increase the heat to medium and add the chicken to the pan
- Cook the chiken on medium for 3 mintues each side
- As the chicken cooks, prepare the creamy sauce by blending the soaked cashews, chicken broth, pepper, and salt in a blender until a smooth mixture remains.
- Add the steamed broccoli back into the pan with the cooked chicken and pour the sauce into the pan
- Allow the mixture to simmer for 3 minutes, stirring frequently so the sauce coats the chicken and broccoli
- Remove the pan from the heat and enjoy!
Keywords: skillet chicken, creamy chicken, whole30 skillet
THIS WAS AMAZING….ALL CAPS AMAZING. Wow…so my sauce was not as thick as I expected but one bute and I was in love. Leftovers lasted 2 days and everyone was raving. 10 stars.
★★★★★
Bite 😉 I meant one bite
★★★★★
AH YAY! So glad you enjoyed it!!
This was so delicious and absolutely foolproof! My Dad, who is an incredibly picky eater, won’t stop asking me when we’re going to have it again! Thank you for this very yummy recipe, can’t wait to make it again!
★★★★★
Yes! That makes me so happy. Picky dad stamp of approval is a high honor.
This recipe was amazing!!! Everyone loved it. Would highly recommend!!
★★★★★
Thank you!!
So delicious. We have now made it twice in the last 8 days.
★★★★★
I love that!! A staple recipe for sure!
Loved this so much! I was nervous I messed it up because the sauce wasn’t as thick as I was expecting but it turned out perfect and so subtly flavorful! Definitely going to become a staple!!
★★★★★
Honestly I was a bit skeptical when this came together because as others said, the sauce wasn’t as thick as I thought it would be. But it was so good!! I also threw the three cloves of garlic into the blender with the sauce! Will definitely be making again!!
★★★★★
Yay! So glad you enjoyed! It’s a bit weird with the cashews they definitely thicken as it cooks
Can I use cashew milk if I don’t have cashews on hand? If so, is it the same amount? My Elmhurst 1925 milk has just cashews and water in it.
Hi Katie! It wouldn’t be as thick and creamy so i wouldn’t recommend it, but if you don’t mind a thinner sauce it might work.
Can you make this with other nuts? I have an intolerance to cashews and also walnuts. It looks so good!
Hi I’m sorry I don’t know of another nut that gets as creamy as cashews. If you eat dairy you could try some milk and parmesan cheese to maek a creamy sauce!
This was my first attempt at subbing cashews for dairy and I am HOOKED. You can’t tell there’s no dairy, AND it’s so easy to make. I love the simple ingredients and how amazing it tastes.
★★★★★
wonderful!! thank you!!
I’m mostly a vegetarian but OCCASIONALLY eat Chicken…. I’m pretty picky but know I need some more protein in my diet (and don’t like soy). This was amazing. Super simple for me to make and tasty. Already making it for a second time and it’s only been a week.
★★★★★
aww wonderful! Im so glad I could make a recipe that helps you enjoy some protein!