Steps for Cooking Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli
Preparing a classic dish like chicken alfredo with broccoli can be a rewarding experience. With the right knowledge, ingredients, and techniques, anyone can make this delicious Italian feast. Here are the basic steps and breakdown of ingredients you’ll need to make your own chicken alfredo with broccoli.
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients: four ounces of broccoli florets, one chicken breast, one cup of chicken broth, two tablespoons of butter, one tablespoon of olive oil, two cloves of garlic, and one cup of parmesan cheese. You will also need half a teaspoon of each: black pepper, salt, and Italian seasoning.
Heat the butter and olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. When the butter melts completely, add in the garlic and sauté it until it’s fragrant. Put the broccoli florets into the pan and reduce the heat to low. Sauté the broccoli until it’s cooked through. Make sure to stir it frequently to ensure that it’s evenly cooked.
Take the pan off the heat and set it aside. In a separate pan, begin cooking the chicken breast. Salt and pepper both sides of the chicken before adding it to the pan. Cook until it’s golden brown on both sides and the core temperature of the chicken is 165°F. Once the chicken is cooked through, set it aside and let it cool.
Slice the cooked chicken breast into cubes and set it aside. Heat the chicken broth in a pot and add in the parmesan cheese. Simmer it for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt into the broth. Add in the cooked chicken, broccoli, and Italian seasoning. Stir the mixture for a few minutes to heat it through. Serve the chicken alfredo with broccoli immediately.
Nutrition Facts and Benefits
Chicken alfredo with broccoli is not only delicious but it is also packed with nutrition. The average serving size provides 485 calories and 25g of protein per cup. This dish also contains more than 25 percent of the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin A, which is vital for the eyes and immune system. Broccoli is an excellent source of dietary fiber, Vitamin K, and Vitamin C. Eating broccoli also has the potential to reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease. In addition, the cheese provides healthy levels of calcium, protein, and fat.
The olive oil used in this dish is a great source of monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease. The fat content does not increase when cooked, so using high quality olive oil is essential. Olive oil also provides the dish with a unique flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Tips and Tricks for Perfectly Delicious Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli
For best flavor and texture, use high quality ingredients. Look for fresh broccoli and use good olive oil. Always opt for a low sodium broth and buy freshly grated parmesan cheese. For restaurant-style alfredo, add a tablespoon of cream to the sauce. It adds richness and depth of flavor. When reheating alfredo, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to your dish. This will help prevent it from drying out.
For a cheesy twist, sprinkle on a bit of mozzarella or gruyere cheese. This adds flavor and creates a gooey, cheesy layer on top of the dish. If you want to add a bit of spice, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes or paprika.
To make this dish even healthier, use whole grain penne or bowtie pasta instead of regular white pasta. Also, you can swap out the butter for low-fat butter or a teaspoon of garlic-infused olive oil. When adding the salt, use sea salt or pink Himalayan salt for extra flavor and nutrients.
Side Dishes to Complete the Meal
A great way to complete this meal is to pair it with a few complementary side dishes. To lighten up the meal, try adding a side salad. If you want to add a bit of crunch to the plate, serve the dish with garlic bread or ciabatta rolls. You can also add a few sides for those who don’t eat meat, like roasted vegetables or oven-roasted potatoes. A cool and creamy side dish like a creamy lemon garlic bean salad or chilled cucumber yogurt salad pairs wonderfully with the richness of the dish.
To add a bit of freshness, add fruity side dishes like a mixed citrus salad or apples with cinnamon and honey. The addition of fruit will balance the flavors of the main dish and will add a refreshing burst of sweetness to every bite.
Garnishing and Decorating Tips
Adding a few garnishes to this classic dish can take it from good to great. Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil over the top of the alfredo before serving. This will add an extra layer of flavor and a pop of color to the plate. Thinly sliced lemon slices can be added to the top of the dish, adding a bright and citrusy flavor.
For a restaurant-style presentation, use a circular bowl or plate. Place a few broccoli florets in the center as the base. Then, create a circle pattern with the chicken slices and pour the alfredo sauce on top. Sprinkle your garnishes over the top of the dish and you are done! This is guaranteed to look impressive when served in a restaurant-style.
Serving and Storage
Once your chicken alfredo with broccoli is cooked, serve it right away. This dish is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t keep well in the refrigerator for longer than two days. To store leftover alfredo, cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store the alfredo in the refrigerator for up to three days, or up to one month in the freezer.
When serving, adjust the sauce according to your preferences. If the alfredo is too thick, add a bit of chicken broth to thin it out. If it is too thin, add in a few tablespoons of cheese to thicken it. For a creamy texture, add in a splash of cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese.
Conclusion
Making chicken alfredo with broccoli is a quick and simple way to bring an authentic Italian dish to your own dinner table. With a few simple ingredients and steps, anyone can make this tasty meal. Plus, with the rich flavors and nutrition packed into this dish, you can rest assured that your family will enjoy every bite.
