Are you ever stuck in that familiar midweek rut, craving something utterly delicious and comforting but also wanting to stick to your healthy eating goals? We’ve all been there. The temptation for a takeaway is strong, but what if we told you that you could whip up a meal that’s faster, tastier, and infinitely better for you in less than 30 minutes? Enter our sensational Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Bowl, a dish that proves you never have to sacrifice flavour for health.

This isn’t just another boring chicken and vegetable dish. Imagine tender, juicy morsels of chicken breast and vibrant, crisp-tender broccoli florets, all swimming in a luxuriously creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce. It’s a one-pan wonder that delivers a symphony of savoury, rich flavours with every single spoonful. The sauce is so good, you’ll want to lick the pan clean – and since it’s completely low carb and keto-friendly, you can feel fantastic about enjoying it.

Whether you’re a seasoned low-carb enthusiast, a busy parent needing a quick family-pleaser, or simply someone who adores a hearty, flavour-packed meal, this recipe is for you. It’s perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner, an impressive yet effortless meal for guests, or even for meal prepping your lunches for the week. Prepare to fall in love with a dish that’s as nourishing as it is indulgent.

Recipe Overview

This Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Bowl is a simple skillet recipe that brings together classic, comforting flavours in a modern, healthy way. At its heart, it’s a celebration of simple ingredients cooked to perfection. The flavour profile is rich and savoury, dominated by creamy garlic and the salty tang of Parmesan cheese, balanced by the fresh, earthy notes of broccoli. It’s incredibly easy to make, even for novice cooks, and the entire meal comes together in one pan, which means minimal washing up. Expect a deeply satisfying, restaurant-quality meal that fits perfectly into a keto or low-carb lifestyle.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 people
• Difficulty: Easy

Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Bowl

• Incredible Flavour: The combination of seared chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce is simply divine. It’s a taste that feels decadent and comforting, yet it’s surprisingly light.
• Quick & Easy: With a total time of just 30 minutes and only one pan required, this is the ultimate weeknight dinner. It’s a fuss-free recipe that delivers maximum flavour with minimum effort.
• Healthy & Keto-Friendly: Packed with protein and healthy fats, and exceptionally low in carbohydrates, this dish is perfect for anyone following a Keto diet or simply looking to reduce their carb intake. It’s a guilt-free indulgence. For more ideas, check out our collection of Healthy Chicken Recipes.
• Perfect For Meal Prep: This recipe holds up beautifully in the fridge. You can easily make a big batch on a Sunday to enjoy for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. It reheats wonderfully without losing its creamy texture.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This isn’t just diet food; it’s a dish that everyone at the table will adore. Its comforting, cheesy, and garlicky profile appeals to all ages, making it a guaranteed family favourite.

Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Bowl

⏱️ 15 min prep  •  🍳 30 min cook  •  👥 4 servings

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Ingredients You’ll Need

We believe that the best dishes start with simple, high-quality ingredients. For this recipe, you’ll need a handful of fresh and pantry staples that come together to create something truly special. Look for fresh, firm broccoli and good-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavour.

• 600g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2-3cm chunks
• 1 large head of broccoli (about 400g), cut into small florets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 250ml double cream
• 120ml chicken stock
• 80g grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
• A small squeeze of fresh lemon juice (optional, to brighten the flavours)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Pro Tip: For an even more tender and Juicy Chicken Recipe experience, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They have a slightly higher fat content which keeps them moist and adds extra flavour to the dish.

How to Make Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Bowl

The process for creating this delicious bowl is straightforward and rewarding. We’ll start by searing the chicken to lock in flavour, then create the creamy sauce and bring everything together in one pan. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.

1. Prepare and Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken chunks dry with a paper towel. This helps them to brown properly. Season them generously on all sides with salt, black pepper, and the dried oregano.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or frying pan over a medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken chunks in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; cook in two batches if necessary. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until it’s beautifully golden brown. It doesn’t need to be cooked through at this stage. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the same pan, using the leftover chicken juices for flavour. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onion has softened and become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning.
4. Cook the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pan along with 60ml of the chicken stock. Cover the pan with a lid and let the broccoli steam for 3-4 minutes, until it’s tender-crisp and bright green. You want it to have a slight bite, as it will cook a little more in the sauce.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce: Uncover the pan. Pour in the remaining chicken stock, the double cream, and the Dijon mustard. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Melt the Cheese: Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and stir in the 80g of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring gently until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth and has started to thicken slightly. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
7. Combine and Finish: Return the seared chicken and any accumulated juices back to the pan. Stir everything together to coat the chicken and broccoli in the luscious creamy sauce. Let it simmer gently for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the chicken to finish cooking through and the flavours to meld together. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash more stock or water.
8. Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. A small squeeze of fresh lemon juice at this stage can really brighten up the flavours. Serve the Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Bowl immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Expert Tips for Perfect Results

• Temperature Matters: Ensure your pan is properly heated before adding the chicken. A hot pan is crucial for achieving a beautiful golden-brown crust, a process known as the Maillard reaction, which creates immense flavour. If the pan isn’t hot enough, the chicken will steam instead of sear.
• Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: The key to great texture in this dish is to avoid mushy broccoli. Steaming it until it is just tender-crisp ensures it retains its vibrant colour and satisfying crunch, even after simmering in the sauce.
• Make It Ahead: You can chop the onion, garlic, and broccoli, and cut the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This makes assembly on a busy night incredibly fast.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken upon cooling. Reheat gently in a saucepan over a low heat, adding a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce, or in the microwave. According to the UK’s Food Standards Agency, it’s important to cool leftovers quickly and store them properly.

Delicious Variations to Try

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to adapt it based on what you have in your fridge or your personal preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spicy Version: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red chilli flakes along with the garlic for a gentle, warming heat. For a bigger kick, add a dash of your favourite hot sauce to the finished dish.
• Add More Veggies: This dish works wonderfully with other low-carb vegetables. Try adding sliced mushrooms, a few handfuls of fresh spinach (stirred in at the end until wilted), or swapping the broccoli for cauliflower or green beans. For another great one-pan meal, try our Chicken Breast And Green Beans.
• Different Cheeses: While Parmesan is classic, you could experiment with other hard cheeses. A sharp cheddar or a bit of Gruyère would add a delicious, nutty complexity to the sauce.

What to Serve With Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Bowl

This dish is a fantastic all-in-one meal, but if you’d like to serve it with something on the side to round it out, here are some excellent low-carb options:

• Cauliflower Rice: Serve the chicken broccoli bowl over a bed of fluffy cauliflower rice to soak up every last drop of the delicious creamy sauce.
• Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light lemon vinaigrette offers a fresh, acidic contrast that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce.
• Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed courgette ‘noodles’ make a wonderful, keto-friendly pasta alternative.
• Beverage Pairing: A crisp, dry white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or an unoaked Chardonnay complements the creamy garlic sauce beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Bowl

A quick and delicious one-pan meal featuring tender chicken and crisp broccoli in a rich, creamy Parmesan and garlic sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 600 g boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2-3cm chunks
• 1 large head of broccoli about 400g, cut into small florets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 250 ml double cream
• 120 ml chicken stock
• 80 g grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste
• A small squeeze of fresh lemon juice optional, to brighten the flavours
• Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Method

 

1. Prepare and Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken chunks dry with a paper towel. This helps them to brown properly. Season them generously on all sides with salt, black pepper, and the dried oregano.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or frying pan over a medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken chunks in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; cook in two batches if necessary. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until it's beautifully golden brown. It doesn't need to be cooked through at this stage. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the same pan, using the leftover chicken juices for flavour. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onion has softened and become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning.
4. Cook the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pan along with 60ml of the chicken stock. Cover the pan with a lid and let the broccoli steam for 3-4 minutes, until it's tender-crisp and bright green. You want it to have a slight bite, as it will cook a little more in the sauce.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce: Uncover the pan. Pour in the remaining chicken stock, the double cream, and the Dijon mustard. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Melt the Cheese: Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and stir in the 80g of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring gently until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth and has started to thicken slightly. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
7. Combine and Finish: Return the seared chicken and any accumulated juices back to the pan. Stir everything together to coat the chicken and broccoli in the luscious creamy sauce. Let it simmer gently for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the chicken to finish cooking through and the flavours to meld together. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash more stock or water.
8. Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. A small squeeze of fresh lemon juice at this stage can really brighten up the flavours. Serve the Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Bowl immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For a brighter flavour, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

There you have it – a truly spectacular Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Bowl that is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. It’s proof that eating low-carb can be incredibly satisfying, easy, and full of bold, comforting flavours. If you love this recipe, you’ll also adore our quick and easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole. We can’t wait for you to try this dish. Please let us know how it turns out for you in the comments below – we love hearing from you!