chicken con broccoli olive garden recipe

Olvin

2 min read

·

11-01-2025

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Olive Garden's Chicken with Broccoli is a beloved dish known for its creamy, savory sauce and tender chicken. While the restaurant's exact recipe remains a secret, this copycat version comes remarkably close, capturing the essence of that iconic flavor profile. Get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe focuses on achieving the signature creamy, garlicky sauce that makes Olive Garden's Chicken with Broccoli so addictive. We've carefully balanced the richness of the cream with the brightness of lemon and garlic, resulting in a sauce that's both decadent and refreshing. The addition of parmesan cheese provides a salty, nutty depth, perfectly complementing the tender chicken and crisp-tender broccoli.

Ingredients You'll Need:

• For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• For the Sauce:

  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• For the Broccoli:

  • 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. 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.

2. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

3. Combine Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

4. Add the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the sauce and cook until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the chicken and broccoli in the creamy sauce.

6. Serve: Serve immediately over pasta (fettuccine or linguine work well), rice, or enjoy it as is. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips and Variations:

• For a richer sauce: Use a combination of heavy cream and half-and-half.
• Add some spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or pan-fried halloumi cheese.
• Boost the flavor: Add a tablespoon of white wine to the sauce while it simmers.

Why This Recipe Is Better Than Others:

Many online recipes for Olive Garden copycat dishes miss the mark on the creamy sauce's delicate balance. This recipe prioritizes achieving that signature texture and flavor, resulting in a dish that truly tastes like the restaurant version. The detailed instructions and helpful tips ensure success even for novice cooks.

This recipe provides a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy recreating the magic of Olive Garden at home!