Low Carb Creamy Garlic Chicken & Broccoli

If Low Carb Creamy Garlic Chicken & Broccoli sounds like the kind of dinner that should take an hour and a sink full of dishes… I have wonderful news: it doesn’t. This is the cozy, creamy, garlicky skillet meal you make on a Tuesday when your brain is tired, your stomach is loud, and someone in your house is already asking, “What’s for dinner?” (A question that, somehow, always feels personal.)

This recipe is rich and comforting, but still low carb—and it comes together in about 30 minutes in one pan. That means fewer dishes, more flavor, and a very real chance you’ll sit down while your food is still hot. Honestly? That’s the dream.

I’m all about making chicken feel like magic without needing a culinary degree—or a week’s worth of motivation. This one is a repeat in my kitchen because it hits all the right notes: golden chicken, silky garlic Parmesan sauce, and bright broccoli that soaks up every creamy drop.

Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Creamy Garlic Chicken & Broccoli

  • One skillet, minimal cleanup. Your future self will thank you.
  • Creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce that tastes like restaurant comfort food.
  • Low carb, high satisfaction. No sad “diet dinner” energy here.
  • Broccoli + sauce = a love story. Tender-crisp veggies, not mush.
  • Family-friendly with an optional little kick from red pepper flakes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes the magic happen (and why each one matters):

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts – juicy protein that browns beautifully
  • 2 tbsp olive oil – helps you get that golden sear
  • 1 tbsp butter – adds richness for the sauce base
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced – the star of the show (no skimping, bestie)
  • 1 cup heavy cream – makes the sauce velvety and low carb
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth – balances the richness and adds savory depth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan – salty, nutty, thickens the sauce
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning – herby flavor without extra work
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes – gentle heat (optional, but fun)
  • 8 oz broccoli florets – bright, tender-crisp veggie goodness
  • Salt + black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (garnish) – makes everything feel fancy

How To Make Low Carb Creamy Garlic Chicken & Broccoli (One-Skillet)

1) Season the chicken

Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Pat it in so it sticks—like you mean it.

2) Sear until golden

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken and cook undisturbed for 5–7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
Remove chicken to a plate.

Tip from my kitchen: Don’t move the chicken around too much. Let it sit and get that gorgeous brown crust. That crust becomes flavor currency for the sauce later.

3) Sauté the garlic (quickly!)

Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant and lightly golden.

Garlic can go from “mmm” to “oh no” fast, so keep it moving.

4) Build the creamy base

Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Scrape up those browned bits from the bottom (that’s not mess—that’s flavor). Bring to a gentle simmer.

5) Add Parmesan + a little heat

Stir in Parmesan and red pepper flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

If your sauce looks a little rebellious at first, don’t panic—it’s just warming up to you.

6) Add broccoli + return chicken

Add broccoli florets right into the sauce. Nestle the chicken back in. Cover and simmer 5 minutes, until broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp, and the chicken is warmed through.

7) Taste and finish

Taste the sauce and adjust salt/pepper as needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately—preferably with a spoon nearby for “sauce quality control.”

Cooking Tips (Because Life Is Real)

  • Slice thick chicken breasts in half if they’re huge. They cook faster and stay juicier.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan if you can. Pre-shredded works in a pinch, but fresh melts smoother.
  • Want thicker sauce? Simmer uncovered for an extra 1–2 minutes before adding broccoli.
  • Want more sauce? Add a splash more broth + a sprinkle more Parmesan. (I support your saucy lifestyle.)
  • Broccoli timing matters: Add it at the end so it stays tender-crisp, not sad and soggy.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

The first time I made this, it was one of those evenings where I had exactly enough energy to stand upright—and not one ounce more. I wanted something comforting, but I also wanted to feel good after eating it.

This Low Carb Creamy Garlic Chicken & Broccoli was the answer. My family was suspicious at first (because broccoli), but once the sauce hit the table? Total silence. The good kind. The “everyone is too busy eating to talk” kind. Now it’s one of those recipes I make when I need a win—because it always delivers.

Low Carb Creamy Garlic Chicken & Broccoli with two golden-seared chicken breasts in creamy garlic Parmesan sauce and tender broccoli florets.
Low Carb Creamy Garlic Chicken & Broccoli—double the juicy chicken, drenched in creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce with bright, tender broccoli.

FAQs About Low Carb Creamy Garlic Chicken & Broccoli

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless thighs work great and stay extra juicy. Just cook them until they reach 165°F internally.

Can I make Low Carb Creamy Garlic Chicken & Broccoli ahead of time?

Yes! Make it, cool it, and store it in an airtight container. It reheats well, though the sauce may thicken in the fridge.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

You can, but thaw it first and pat it dry. Frozen broccoli releases water and can thin the sauce (and we worked hard for that creamy vibe).

Is this recipe spicy?

Not really—1/4 tsp red pepper flakes is a mild warmth. If you’re sensitive, reduce or skip it. If you’re spicy-bold, add a pinch more.

Your Next Cozy Dinner Plan

If you’ve been hunting for a dinner that feels indulgent but still fits your goals, Low Carb Creamy Garlic Chicken & Broccoli is it. It’s creamy, garlicky comfort in one skillet—fast enough for busy nights, good enough for company, and so satisfying you won’t miss the carbs for a second.

When you make it, don’t be surprised if you start planning excuses to cook it again. (Leftovers? Meal prep? “Accidentally” buying more broccoli? I won’t tell.)

Keep the Chicken Magic Going (More Cozy Dinners!)

  • If you loved that silky garlic-Parmesan vibe, you’ll probably want to bookmark Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli for another fast, veggie-packed skillet night.
  • Craving something warm and spoonable with the same comfort-food energy? Try Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup—it’s like a hug in a bowl (and yes, it smells amazing).
  • Want to keep it low carb but switch up the flavor? You’ll love Low Carb Bang Bang Chicken for a creamy, slightly spicy change of pace.
  • And if you’re feeling like turning dinner into a full “wow” moment, make Chicken Wellington with Dijon Cream Sauce when you want something extra special (without needing a fancy restaurant reservation).

If you made Low Carb Creamy Garlic Chicken & Broccoli, I’d LOVE to hear how it went—please leave a quick review and tap your star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ below. Your feedback helps other busy cooks find their new favorite dinner!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Low Carb Creamy Garlic Chicken & Broccoli with two golden-seared chicken breasts in creamy garlic Parmesan sauce and tender broccoli florets.

Low Carb Creamy Garlic Chicken & Broccoli


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Aneta
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Low Carb Creamy Garlic Chicken & Broccoli is a rich, comforting one-pan dinner made with juicy seared chicken, tender broccoli, and a silky garlic Parmesan cream sauce. This quick low-carb meal comes together in about 30 minutes and is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying, flavorful, and easy to prepare.


Ingredients

Scale

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
8 ounces broccoli florets
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish


Instructions

  1. 1. Season the Chicken
    Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.

    2. Sear the Chicken
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and set aside.

    3. Cook the Garlic
    Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.

    4. Make the Cream Sauce
    Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well while scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer.

    5. Add Cheese and Seasoning
    Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

    6. Add Broccoli and Chicken
    Add broccoli florets and return the chicken to the skillet. Cover and simmer for about 5 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp.

    7. Finish and Serve
    Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Slice large chicken breasts in half for faster and more even cooking.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese.
For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
This recipe stores well and reheats beautifully with a splash of broth or cream.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet / One-Pan
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce and broccoli
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 135 mg

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star