Craving that creamy, dreamy Chicken Con Broccoli from Olive Garden but don't want to leave the house? This recipe lets you recreate the magic in your own kitchen! It’s a simple, healthy, and incredibly satisfying meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend treat. Get ready to enjoy this delicious and easy copycat recipe, bursting with flavor and guaranteed to become a family favorite. This homemade version is surprisingly simple to make, using readily available ingredients. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Broccoli: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly tender-crisp.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened.
Step 4: Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it evenly in the creamy sauce. Simmer for another minute to allow the flavors to meld. Serve immediately over your favorite pasta, rice, or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken Con Broccoli:
- Don't overcook the broccoli: You want it to be tender-crisp, not mushy. Overcooked broccoli will release too much water, thinning the sauce.
- Use fresh garlic: Fresh garlic adds a much brighter, more intense flavor than pre-minced garlic.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste: Feel free to add more or less salt, pepper, or oregano depending on your preference.
- Add some spice: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Variations:
- Add some vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Use different cheese: Try using Asiago, Romano, or a blend of Italian cheeses instead of Parmesan.
- Make it lighter: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream to reduce the fat content.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This easy Chicken Con Broccoli recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a perfect example of delicious and healthy food recipes that can be prepared quickly, making it an ideal addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas. Enjoy your homemade version of this Olive Garden classic! It's a testament to the power of simple, fresh ingredients and homemade cooking. This recipe will certainly earn a place among your best recipes.