If you’re looking for a dinner that’s as comforting as it is elegant, Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables will forever be one of my absolute go-tos. It’s that magical combination of juicy chicken, buttery garlic, fresh veggies, and a dreamy Parmesan cream sauce that pulls your loved ones to the table before you’ve even set out the plates. Whether you’re cooking for your family or looking to impress a dinner guest, this dish brings together the best of both weeknight ease and restaurant-worthy flavor, making your home feel like the place to be.

Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables is how each humble ingredient plays a starring role, from the golden seared chicken to the color-burst vegetables. These powerhouse elements create a meal that’s hearty, vibrant, and loaded with flavor, yet so simple it happily fits any night of the week.

Chicken Breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tenderness and quick cooking.
Olive Oil: A touch of olive oil gives the chicken a crisp, golden finish and rich undertones.
Salt: Essential for bringing out every savory note in the chicken and sauce.
Black Pepper: Freshly cracked works best for a gentle heat and depth.
Unsalted Butter: Adds pure richness and depth, especially when combined with garlic.
Garlic Cloves: Don’t skimp—the fresh, aromatic garlic is the soul of this creamy dish.
Chicken Broth: Deglazes the pan and brings a delicate savory base to your sauce.
Heavy Cream: For that luscious, silky texture that makes every bite irresistible.
Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, nutty, and the magical finishing touch for flavor and body.
Italian Seasoning: A classic blend that seamlessly ties together the creamy, garlicky notes.
Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy pops of brightness that balance the richness of the sauce.
Fresh Baby Spinach: Adds color, earthiness, and a boost of nutrition.
Sliced Carrots: Lightly steamed or blanched carrots provide sweet color and soft crunch.
Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkling of parsley at the end brings freshness and a pretty finish.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high, then place the chicken breasts in, letting them sizzle undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a golden crust and fully cooked centers—don’t rush this step, since that caramelized surface adds loads of flavor to your Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Base

Remove your beautifully browned chicken and drop the heat down to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet (no need to wipe out those savory bits!), letting it melt before stirring in all that fresh minced garlic. Sauté just until fragrant, about a minute, to avoid burning; this step is where the magic truly begins and fills your kitchen with the happiest aroma.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits stuck to the pan—these are flavor gold. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, whisking to combine and letting the sauce bubble at a gentle simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. The sauce should thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon. Trust me, you’ll want to swipe a taste right here!

Step 4: Add the Vegetables

Add the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, and steamed carrots right into the sauce. Let everything simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and the veggies are fork-tender but still bright. These colorful additions bring a garden-fresh sweetness and vibrant contrast to the rich creaminess of our dish.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Coax the chicken back into the skillet, nestling it down into the sea of sauce and vegetables. Spoon some of that glossy, garlicky sauce over the top and let it all heat gently together for another couple minutes. If you like, finish with a sprinkle of parsley. It’s officially time to gather everyone to the table for Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables at its most luscious.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables

Garnishes

A final flourish of chopped fresh parsley brightens each plate, and for a little extra decadence you can shave some extra Parmesan on top just before serving. A grind of black pepper or a drizzle of olive oil makes everything look restaurant-worthy in seconds.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables craves something that can soak up every drop of that velvety sauce. Serve it atop fluffy rice, pillowy mashed potatoes, or your favorite pasta. If you want a lighter touch, try cauliflower mash or a tangle of sautéed greens for a perfectly balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken and fanning it out over a mound of vegetables, then drizzling with extra sauce for a special occasion. You can also serve the entire skillet family-style, letting everyone help themselves. For an elegant dinner, plate with a ring of sautéed spinach or a nest of pappardelle noodles, creating layers of texture and color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), let everything cool to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. This keeps your Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge while the sauce and veggies mingle and become even more delicious over time.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Although the creamy sauce may separate a tad upon thawing, a good stir when reheating brings everything back to its smooth and luscious best. Be sure to label and date your containers so you can enjoy this meal at its prime!

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. If the sauce seems a bit thick, simply add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up and restore that fabulous, silky consistency.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring a slightly richer flavor and often stay extra juicy. Just adjust the cook time as needed to ensure they’re completely cooked through before you add them back to the sauce.

What’s the best way to blanch carrots for this recipe?

Slice carrots and boil or steam them for 3 to 4 minutes, just until they’re bright and still offer a bit of bite. Drain and add to your Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables as the recipe directs for perfect tenderness.

Is there a lighter option for the cream?

You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream if you’d like a lighter sauce. It won’t be quite as luxurious, but it still creates a beautifully creamy and satisfying result every time.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables is naturally gluten-free as written, so it’s a great choice for guests with dietary restrictions. Just make sure your chicken broth is labeled gluten-free if necessary.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, you can use frozen veggies in a pinch. Thaw them first and drain any excess water, then add them to the sauce just long enough to heat through so they keep their color and texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so soul-satisfying about a dish that brings together everything you crave in one skillet, and Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables truly ticks every box. Whether it’s a celebration or just a cozy Tuesday night, I hope this recipe becomes a new favorite at your table. Give it a try and taste all that creamy, garlicky goodness for yourself—you’ll be glad you did!

Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 17 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, garlicky cream sauce and an assortment of colorful vegetables. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal, this easy one-pan recipe is sure to impress!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves (minced)
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Vegetables:

1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 cup fresh baby spinach
1 cup sliced carrots (lightly steamed or blanched)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Add Vegetables: Add cherry tomatoes, spinach, and carrots to the sauce. Cook until tender.
Combine and Serve: Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce and vegetables over the top. Cook to heat through. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.