Herb Chicken And Broccoli
Herb-infused chicken paired with tender broccoli creates a flavorful, healthy meal perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thaw, drain, and cut broccoli spears into bite-size pieces; set aside.
- Slice chicken breasts into 1/2-inch strips.
- Sprinkle chicken with Italian herb seasoning and pound between sheets of plastic wrap.
- Spray a skillet with no-stick cooking spray and sauté chicken until no longer pink.
- Keep cooked chicken warm.
- In a saucepan, whisk together flour, evaporated skimmed milk, crushed garlic, salt, and white pepper.
- Cook the sauce over medium heat until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in shredded Swiss cheese until melted.
- Add broccoli to the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve the chicken topped with the broccoli cheese sauce, garnished with paprika.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker option, use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken. If you prefer a different vegetable, asparagus or green beans can be substituted for broccoli. To enhance flavor, add a splash of lemon juice to the sauce. For a gluten-free version, use cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of quinoa or brown rice for a complete meal. Consider serving a light salad or Coleslaw Surprise for a refreshing contrast. To elevate the meal, a glass of white wine complements the flavors well.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to the sauce to maintain its creamy texture and heat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herb Chicken And Broccoli contains roughly 534 calories, with 27g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (55% of the Daily Value), calcium (52% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 631mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh broccoli can be used instead of frozen. Blanch the fresh broccoli in boiling water for a few minutes before adding it to the sauce to ensure it cooks evenly and retains its vibrant color.
What can I substitute for Swiss cheese?
If Swiss cheese isn't available, you can substitute it with mozzarella or provolone for similar melting properties. Alternatively, cheddar cheese can be used for a sharper flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to the dish, consider incorporating red pepper flakes into the sauce or using a spicier herb blend. You can also serve it with a side of hot sauce for those who prefer an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).