This Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Skillet is a quick, comforting dinner made with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, tangy cream sauce. It is easy enough for a weeknight and low-carb friendly when served on its own.
Some recipes begin with a simple moment of inspiration, and this creamy chicken skillet is one of them. After tasting a cozy dinner with a mustard-style gravy, I kept thinking about how delicious that same tangy flavor would be in an easy one-pan meal. Mustard, cream, chicken, and vegetables are a natural match, especially when the sauce is smooth, savory, and balanced with just a touch of honey.
This Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Skillet brings those flavors together in a practical dinner that does not require complicated steps. Bite-size pieces of chicken cook quickly in a large skillet, while fresh broccoli adds color, texture, and a satisfying vegetable element. The creamy honey mustard sauce is made with chicken broth, heavy cream, whole grain mustard, parmesan cheese, and a small amount of honey for balance.
The finished dish is hearty enough to enjoy by itself, especially if you want a low-carb friendly meal. It is also delicious served with simple rice, mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash, or another side that can soak up the extra sauce. If you enjoy creamy chicken and broccoli dinners, this skillet recipe is a dependable option for busy nights when you want something warm, flavorful, and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You Need
- Chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are cut into bite-size pieces so they cook quickly and stay tender.
- Fresh broccoli – Broccoli adds freshness, color, and a healthy vegetable that pairs beautifully with the creamy honey mustard sauce.
- Butter and olive oil – These help brown the chicken and create a flavorful base for the skillet sauce.
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic adds aroma and depth without overpowering the mustard flavor.
- Chicken broth – Broth gives the sauce body and helps create a smooth, savory finish.
- Heavy cream – This creates the creamy texture and rich flavor that makes the sauce so comforting.
- Whole grain mustard – Whole grain mustard brings tanginess and a little texture from the mustard seeds. It is flavorful without being overly spicy.
- Honey – A small amount of honey balances the sharpness of the mustard and rounds out the sauce.
- All-purpose flour – Just two tablespoons help thicken the sauce so it coats the chicken and broccoli.
- Parmesan cheese – Parmesan adds a savory, slightly salty finish that makes the cream sauce taste fuller.
- Pantry seasonings – Salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika give the chicken simple but important flavor.
🥦Highlighted Tip
For a faster dinner, steam the broccoli in the microwave while the chicken browns. Place the florets in a microwave-safe bowl with a few tablespoons of water, cover, and cook for 3-4 minutes, just until tender-crisp. This saves time and keeps the broccoli bright, fresh, and sturdy enough to finish in the skillet.
How To Make Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli
These are the basic steps for making creamy honey mustard chicken and broccoli. The full ingredient amounts and detailed instructions are included in the recipe card below.
- Step One – Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder. Brown them in a large skillet with butter and olive oil, then transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Step Two РIn the same skillet, saut̩ the garlic briefly until fragrant. Keep the heat controlled so the garlic does not burn.
- Step Three – Whisk the flour into the skillet until it forms a paste. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly. The mixture should begin to smooth out and thicken.
- Step Four – Stir in the heavy cream, whole grain mustard, honey, and parmesan cheese. Add the browned chicken back to the pan along with the steamed broccoli.
- Step Five – Gently toss the chicken and broccoli in the creamy sauce and cook for another 5 minutes, or until everything is hot and coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Use chicken thighs for extra flavor – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts if you prefer a richer, juicier result.
- Do not overcook the broccoli – The broccoli should be tender but still slightly crisp so it holds its shape in the cream sauce.
- Adjust the sweetness – Start with a small amount of honey, then add more only if you prefer a sweeter honey mustard flavor.
- For a lower-carb adjustment – Replace the flour with a preferred low-carb thickener if desired, following the thickener’s package directions for best results.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy honey mustard chicken and broccoli skillet is filling enough to serve as a complete meal, especially if you want to keep dinner simple. If you prefer a heartier plate, serve it with one of these side dish ideas:
- Creamy mashed cauliflower
- Rice pilaf
- Mashed potatoes with cream cheese
- Melting potatoes
- Baked potatoes
- Boiled baby potatoes
- Parmesan cheese toast
- Garlic bread
Will Frozen Broccoli Work?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used if that is what you have available. For the best texture, fresh broccoli is still recommended. If using frozen broccoli, thaw it first and drain away as much excess moisture as possible. Too much water can thin the creamy honey mustard sauce and make the finished dish less rich.
Not A Fan Of Broccoli? Try These Veggies Instead
- Fresh spinach
- Asparagus, blanched first
- Fresh green beans, blanched first
- Mushrooms, sautéed first
Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?
This dish is best served right after cooking while the sauce is silky and the broccoli is still tender-crisp. If it sits too long, the sauce may thicken and the broccoli can soften more than desired. Leftovers can still be reheated gently, but the texture is best when freshly made.
More One-Skillet, Low-Carb Friendly Dinners To Try
- Beef and broccoli stir fry
- Easy chicken chili verde
- Low-carb Philly cheesesteak skillet meal
- Reuben skillet meal
- Creamy green chili chicken enchilada skillet
- One-pan egg roll bowls
- Chicken cauliflower rice casserole
Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli
Equipment
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Large skillet
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Medium microwave-safe bowl
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 ½ cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or half and half, though the sauce may be thinner
- 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
- 1-2 teaspoons honey, or to taste
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Paprika, to taste
- Onion powder, to taste
Instructions
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Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder.
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and olive oil, then brown and cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
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While the chicken cooks, place the broccoli florets in a microwave-safe dish with about ¼ cup water. Cover and microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, until bright green and tender-crisp. Set aside.
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Reduce the heat to medium. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Whisk in the flour. If there is not enough fat in the pan to form a paste, add a little more butter before whisking.
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Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly. Continue whisking until the sauce base is smooth and begins to thicken.
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Add the heavy cream, whole grain mustard, honey, and parmesan cheese. Whisk until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
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Return the chicken and any juices to the skillet. Add the steamed broccoli, leaving behind any excess liquid. Toss gently, taste for seasoning, and serve immediately.
Notes
Broccoli texture: Avoid overcooking the broccoli. It should stay bright green and slightly crisp so it does not fall apart in the sauce.
Sweetness: Two teaspoons of honey create a balanced sauce, but you can adjust the amount to your taste.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave. If the sauce thickens, add a small splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen it.
Nutritional information is provided as an estimate only and may vary based on ingredients and preparation.
Nutrition
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