This chicken and broccoli recipe is a delightful and nutritious option for a quick and easy dinner. With tender chicken legs, crisp-tender broccoli, and a creamy, flavorful sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home. It’s packed with flavor and can be whipped up in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Let’s get started on this delicious recipe!
Ingredients
- 6 chicken legs: Provides the main protein for the dish, offering tender and juicy meat.
- 400 g (1 lb) broccoli, cut into florets: Adds a healthy, green vegetable component with a slight crunch.
- 1 clove of garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a robust, aromatic flavor.
- 1 onion, sliced: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 1 chili pepper, sliced: For a bit of heat and extra flavor (adjust to taste).
- 1 cup of cream: Creates a rich and creamy sauce that brings everything together.
- 1 teaspoon mustard: Adds a tangy, slightly sharp flavor to the sauce.
- Salt, to taste: Essential for seasoning the chicken and vegetables.
- Pepper, to taste: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.
- Paprika, to taste: For a smoky, sweet flavor and color.
- Olive oil: For browning the chicken.
- Butter: Adds richness and enhances the flavor of the dish.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken legs with salt, pepper, and paprika on all sides.
- Place a large skillet on medium-high heat and pour in a splash of olive oil.
- Brown the chicken legs in the skillet, cooking them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add a knob of butter and let it melt.
- Add the sliced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it begins to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and sliced chili pepper, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Cook the Broccoli:
- Add the broccoli florets to the skillet, stirring them into the onions, garlic, and chili. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the broccoli starts to soften but still retains some crunch.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Combine the cream and mustard in a small bowl, stirring until well blended.
- Pour the cream mixture into the skillet with the vegetables, stirring to combine.
- Season the sauce with a little more salt, pepper, and paprika to taste.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Finish Cooking the Chicken:
- Return the browned chicken legs to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce and vegetables.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and let everything simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the broccoli is tender.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Serve the chicken legs and broccoli with the creamy sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley if desired.
Conclusion
This chicken and broccoli dish is an easy and delicious way to enjoy a hearty, nutritious meal. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce is simply irresistible. With its blend of flavors and ease of preparation, this recipe is perfect for any night of the week. Try it out, and you’ll see why it’s bound to become a staple in your dinner rotation!