Imagine a dish that combines melt-in-your-mouth chicken breasts with a luscious, garlicky cream sauce and perfectly cooked veggies—all in one skillet. That’s the irresistible promise of my Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables Recipe. This meal is a weeknight hero: cozy, hearty, and shockingly easy to pull off, yet it tastes like the kind of home-cooked comfort you’d happily serve to guests. It’s all about rich textures, gorgeous color, and that unmistakable flavor pop that only real, simple ingredients can offer. If you’re ready for a dinner where every bite is silky, savory, and loaded with wholesome goodness, this recipe is your new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Just a handful of fresh ingredients deliver layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color, making the Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables Recipe a star at any table. Here’s what you’ll need—and why each piece matters:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless, and juicy; they soak up all the lovely creamy sauce and stay tender.
- Olive Oil: For that deep golden sear on the chicken, giving you flavor and a hint of richness.
- Butter: Adds a silky, decadent touch to the sauce and helps the garlic bloom.
- Garlic: Four cloves, minced; this is the backbone of your flavor—don’t skimp!
- Chicken Broth: Lifts the sauce with savory depth, deglazing those tasty browned bits.
- Heavy Cream: Delivers ultimate creaminess—feel free to sub half-and-half for a lighter result.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that pulls the whole dish together with aromatic warmth.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for drawing out all those delicious natural flavors.
- Baby Carrots: Sweet and colorful; halved lengthwise, they cook evenly alongside the other veggies.
- Green Beans: Bring a crisp, fresh bite and vivid green color.
- Broccoli Florets: Add heartiness and soak up the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Parmesan Cheese: The crowning touch—salty, nutty, and melts right into the sauce.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): For a pop of green and a touch of freshness right before serving.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating that splash of olive oil in your largest, sturdiest skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides, then lay them into the hot pan. You’ll want to hear a satisfying sizzle! Let them sear undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes per side until they’re golden and cooked through. This not only locks in juices but creates those gorgeous crusty edges. Set the cooked chicken aside on a plate while you build your sauce.
Step 2: Create the Garlicky Base
Turn the heat down to medium and melt in the butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for one fragrant minute—it should smell absolutely irresistible but don’t let it brown. This is where the Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables Recipe gets its name–those little garlic bits make all the difference!
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth while scraping up every bit of savory goodness stuck to the pan. This deglazing gets huge flavor payoff. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then slowly stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce bubble away so it thickens slightly and all the flavors marry together.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
Add the halved baby carrots, green beans, and broccoli florets right into the creamy simmering sauce. Give them a stir to coat and let them cook for 6 to 8 minutes, just until they’re vibrant and fork-tender—not mushy! You want each bite to have a bit of snap and color.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Chicken
Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and watch as it melts into the sauce, making it ultra creamy and a touch tangy. Slide the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet and spoon the garlicky sauce and veggies over the top. Simmer everything together for 2 to 3 more minutes, just until the chicken is warmed through and soaked in flavor.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
If you love a fresh finish, garnish your skillet with chopped parsley just before serving. Not only does it look stunning, but it adds a touch of herby brightness to every bite of this Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables Recipe.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
A shower of chopped fresh parsley is a classic, but you can also try a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a light dusting of lemon zest if you want a sunny, zippy finish. These little touches make the Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables Recipe look truly restaurant-worthy and add a pop of flavor right at the end.
Side Dishes
This skillet dinner is hearty on its own, but don’t hesitate to serve it over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes, tender rice, or a swirl of pasta to soak up every drop of that incredible sauce. Crusty bread for mopping up is also never a bad idea—trust me, your plate will be spotless!
Creative Ways to Present
Serving family-style right in the skillet means less fuss and more rustic charm, but you can also plate individual servings with a scoop of veggies and a ladle of sauce over each chicken breast for a bistro flair. For a dinner party, garnish each plate with a fresh parsley sprig and a swirl of sauce—it’s an easy upgrade for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables Recipe holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to three days, and the flavors continue to meld, making day-two lunches downright dreamy.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish—just let it cool completely first. Place portions in freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for sauce expansion. For best results, freeze for up to two months. Note: creamy sauces can sometimes separate a bit when reheated, but a gentle stir usually brings them back together.
Reheating
Warm individual portions in the microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each, or gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce. Avoid high heat, as it can make the chicken dry out or the sauce grainy.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless breasts are especially tender for this Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables Recipe, thighs also work wonders and add a touch of extra richness. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time—thicker thighs may need a few extra minutes to cook through.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
You can create a dairy-free version by swapping the butter for plant-based margarine, the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk, and using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The result will still be creamy and full of garlicky flavor!
What vegetables can I substitute?
Feel free to use what you have: bell peppers, zucchini, snap peas, or asparagus would all be delicious. Just remember to chop sturdy veggies smaller so they cook at the same rate, and keep delicate veggies for the last few minutes of simmering.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Definitely. Frozen veggies make this Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables Recipe even quicker—add them straight from the freezer and shave a few minutes off the cook time since they soften faster than fresh.
What can I serve with this recipe?
This dish shines with comforting sides like rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. If you want to keep things lighter, a big green salad or cauliflower rice pairs wonderfully, while a hunk of warm, crusty bread is always welcome for swooping up sauce.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a new weeknight staple that feels both effortless and special, I can’t recommend this Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables Recipe enough. It’s a crowd-pleaser with velvety sauce, juicy chicken, and vibrant veggies all in one pan. Try it once, and I think you’ll want to put it on repeat. Happy cooking—your kitchen is about to smell downright amazing!
Print
Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables recipe is a delicious one-pan meal that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy garlic sauce and a medley of fresh vegetables. Perfect for a comforting and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For the Vegetables:
- 1 cup baby carrots, halved lengthwise
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup broccoli florets
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic, add chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning. Simmer until creamy.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add carrots, green beans, and broccoli to the skillet. Cook until tender. Stir in Parmesan cheese.
- Finish and Serve: Return chicken to the skillet. Simmer to heat through. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can use half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Frozen vegetables can be substituted, adjust cook time accordingly.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with vegetables
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
