Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and black pepper to taste; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 carrots, sliced; 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or thyme (optional); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Creamy garlic chicken & vegetables is a comforting, one-skillet meal that’s loaded with flavor and rich in texture. Tender chicken is simmered in a velvety garlic cream sauce and paired with a medley of colorful, crisp-tender vegetables. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish brings everything together in one pan—juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy garlic-infused sauce that ties it all together. The sauce is smooth and luxurious without being too heavy, and the vegetables add color, texture, and a healthy balance. It’s a meal that looks and tastes like something special but comes together easily, even on busy nights.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Olive oil
Salt and black pepper
Garlic, minced
Onion, finely chopped
Heavy cream
Chicken broth
Grated Parmesan cheese
Carrots, sliced
Broccoli florets
Bell peppers, sliced
Italian seasoning or thyme (optional)
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

I season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat and sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes per side. I remove it from the pan and set it aside.
In the same skillet, I add a little more oil if needed and sauté the onions and garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
I add the carrots and cook for 2–3 minutes, then stir in the bell peppers and broccoli, cooking for another 3–4 minutes until just tender.
I pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for a minute to loosen any browned bits from the pan.
I add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth.
I return the chicken to the pan and let everything simmer for a few more minutes until heated through and the sauce thickens slightly.
I finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I switch up the vegetables depending on what I have—zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms all work well. For a lighter sauce, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. If I want a deeper flavor, I add a splash of white wine to the skillet before the cream. I’ve also served this over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. This dish is best fresh but still tastes great the next day.

FAQs

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, I’ve used frozen mixed vegetables in a pinch. I just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding so the sauce doesn’t get watery.

What cut of chicken works best?

I usually go with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs tend to stay juicier, but breasts work just as well if not overcooked.

How can I thicken the sauce more?

If I want a thicker sauce, I let it simmer uncovered a bit longer or add a small slurry of cornstarch and water to help it along.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, I’ve swapped the cream for full-fat coconut milk and skipped the Parmesan—it changes the flavor but still tastes great with the garlic and herbs.

What’s the best way to serve this?

I love serving it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or even quinoa to soak up the sauce. A warm piece of crusty bread on the side is always welcome too.

Conclusion

Creamy garlic chicken & vegetables is one of my favorite go-to dinners when I want something warm, filling, and full of flavor. It’s a complete meal made in one pan, with tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a sauce that’s good enough to lick the plate. Whether I’m cooking for family or just making something comforting for myself, this recipe never fails to satisfy.