What to Make With Chicken and Broccoli Tonight

A humble combination that becomes something special with tomatoes and cheese.

Chicken and broccoli might sound straightforward, but they're a canvas waiting for your touch. Add tomatoes and cheese, and you've got the foundation for something genuinely satisfying—whether you're in the mood for something light or deeply comforting. The beauty is in how forgiving these ingredients are.

If you're trying to figure out what to make with what you have, you're not alone. Mealmizer was made for this. Try Mealmizer Free

Cheesy Tomato Chicken with Roasted Broccoli

Total Time: 30 minutes • Serves: 4

A quick and satisfying one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts topped with melted cheese and fresh tomatoes, served alongside crispy roasted broccoli.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 cups diced fresh tomatoes
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss broccoli florets with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes.
While broccoli cooks, heat remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden.
Add minced garlic and diced tomatoes to the skillet with the chicken. Simmer for 5 minutes, then top each chicken breast with 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese.
Cover the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until cheese melts and chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
Remove from heat and serve chicken and tomato sauce alongside the roasted broccoli. Garnish with additional basil if desired.

Quick Variations

Lighter Option

Keep the cheese modest and lean into fresh tomatoes and herbs. A simple pan with minimal oil lets the vegetables shine without heaviness.

Hearty Option

Go generous with the cheese, add cream or a tomato-based sauce, and consider a starch underneath. This is comfort food done right.

Vegetarian or Flexible Option

Swap the chicken for chickpeas, white beans, or firm tofu to keep the same satisfying structure. The tomatoes and cheese do most of the work.

Simple Substitutions

Protein Substitutes

Turkey breast
Salmon or firm white fish
Chickpeas or cannellini beans
Firm tofu
Ground turkey

Carb Substitutes

Pasta
Rice
Polenta
Cauliflower rice
Crusty bread
Potatoes

Flavor Boosters

Garlic and red pepper flakes
Basil and oregano
Lemon zest
Balsamic vinegar
Caramelized onions
Sun-dried tomatoes

Common Questions

Should I cook the chicken and broccoli separately?

Not necessarily. You can cook them together in one pan, though broccoli often benefits from a head start or slightly higher heat to get some color. The choice depends on your preferred texture and your cooking vessel.

What type of cheese works best here?

Mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar are all excellent choices. Mozzarella adds melt and richness, Parmesan brings nutty depth, and cheddar adds bold flavor. Mix two if you like.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes. Most versions freeze well before cooking or can be assembled and refrigerated for a day. If you're using fresh tomatoes and cheese, add them just before reheating to preserve texture.