This Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables recipe is a delicious and easy one-pan meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken and roasted vegetables are bathed in a creamy garlic sauce, creating a comforting and flavorful dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Meal: This recipe minimizes cleanup by using a single baking sheet and skillet.
- Healthy and Balanced: It combines lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and a creamy, flavorful sauce.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the vegetables and seasonings to your preferences.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables:
- Broccoli florets: Fresh, adds nutrients and a vibrant green color.
- Cubed butternut squash: Adds sweetness and a hearty texture.
- Olive oil: Divided, for roasting vegetables and browning chicken.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Provides lean protein.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sauce.
- Salt and ground black pepper: To taste.
- Diced onion: Adds a savory base to the sauce.
- Minced garlic: Adds aromatic depth.
- Dried parsley: Adds a touch of herb flavor.
- Chicken broth: Low-sodium, for a flavorful sauce base.
- Half-and-half or whole milk: Creates a creamy sauce.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables
Step 1: Roast the Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the broccoli and butternut squash in a single layer. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, stir to coat, and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 20 minutes.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken thighs in the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 4 minutes on each side. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
Step 3: Make the Pan Sauce
Add the butter to the hot skillet and swirl to melt. Add the salt, pepper, onion, garlic, parsley, and chicken broth. Cook and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes. Whisk together the half-and-half and cornstarch, then slowly pour the mixture into the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Add the chicken and roasted vegetables to the skillet, stirring to coat everything in the sauce. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C)).
Step 5: Serve
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use similar-sized vegetable pieces: This ensures they roast evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: This allows the vegetables to roast, not steam.
- Use an instant-read thermometer: This ensures the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Adjust the sauce consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables
- As a Complete Meal: This dish is a complete meal on its own, with protein, vegetables, and a creamy sauce.
- With Grains: Serve it over rice, quinoa, or pasta for a heartier meal.
- With Bread: Enjoy it with crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for a few days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave.
Freezing Instructions:
Cool completely, then cover and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature, and then reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave.1
FAQs
Can I use different vegetables?
Yes, you can use any vegetables you like, such as potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, green beans, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
You can, but chicken thighs are more flavorful and tend to stay more moist.
Can I use heavy cream instead of half-and-half or whole milk?
You can, but heavy cream is very thick. You may need to omit the cornstarch, but the results may vary. Half-and-half or whole milk are ideal.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried herbs. Use about half the amount of dried herbs as fresh herbs.
There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
PrintCreamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables recipe is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken and roasted vegetables are bathed in a rich and creamy garlic sauce, creating a satisfying and wholesome dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cups cubed butternut squash
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more for vegetables & chicken
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 7–8 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium is fine)
- 3/4 cup half-and-half or whole milk
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Roast Vegetables: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the broccoli and butternut squash in a single layer. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Bake for 20 minutes.
- Brown Chicken: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet (cast iron or oven-safe) over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook for 4 minutes per side, until lightly browned. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
- Make Sauce: Add butter to the skillet and swirl to melt. Add onion, garlic, parsley, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring and scraping up browned bits, for 5 minutes. Whisk together half-and-half and cornstarch. Slowly pour into the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Season to taste.
- Combine and Bake: Add the chicken and roasted vegetables to the skillet, stirring to coat. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C).
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Vegetables: Use about 4 cups of your favorite vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, green beans, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
- Chicken: Chicken breasts can be used, but thighs are more flavorful.
- Milk: Half-and-half or whole milk is recommended. Avoid heavy cream and low-fat milk.
- Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 450kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg