Effortless Elegance: One-Pan Creamy Chicken Recipe for Weeknight Dinners
Craving a delicious and satisfying meal without the fuss of multiple pots and pans? This one-pan creamy chicken recipe is your answer! It’s quick, easy, and delivers an explosion of flavor that will impress even the pickiest eaters. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal on the table in under an hour. The beauty of one-pan cooking lies in its simplicity – less cleanup, more flavor! The chicken cooks alongside the vegetables, absorbing all the delicious pan juices and creating a harmonious blend of tastes.
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables and herbs. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to create your own signature dish. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is foolproof and guaranteed to become a family favorite.
## Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Creamy Chicken
* **Easy Cleanup:** Only one pan to wash! Need we say more?
* **Quick and Convenient:** Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Delicious Flavor:** Creamy, savory, and packed with delicious herbs and spices.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables and herbs.
* **Family-Friendly:** A crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will enjoy.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses simple and affordable ingredients.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Chicken:** 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each). You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
* **Vegetables:** 1 pound baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1 onion, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup broccoli florets
* **Creamy Sauce:** 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh parsley, chopped; red pepper flakes
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious one-pan creamy chicken:
**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**
* Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them to brown nicely. Season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder on both sides. The seasoning is key to infusing the chicken with flavor, so don’t be shy!
**Step 2: Prep the Vegetables**
* Wash and chop all the vegetables. Halve or quarter the baby potatoes, slice the bell peppers and onion, mince the garlic, and cut the broccoli into florets. Having all the vegetables prepped and ready to go will streamline the cooking process.
**Step 3: Sear the Chicken**
* Heat the olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. The combination of oil and butter adds both flavor and helps to prevent the butter from burning. Once the skillet is hot, carefully place the chicken breasts in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd it. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Searing the chicken creates a flavorful crust and helps to seal in the juices. Don’t worry about cooking the chicken all the way through at this stage; it will finish cooking in the oven.
* Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
**Step 4: Cook the Vegetables**
* Add the potatoes, onion, and bell peppers to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until slightly softened. Stir occasionally to ensure that the vegetables cook evenly and don’t burn. The goal is to soften them slightly before adding the creamy sauce.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Garlic burns easily, so be careful not to overcook it.
* Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn bright green. Broccoli cooks quickly, so add it towards the end of the vegetable cooking process.
**Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce**
* In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and dried Italian herbs. The Parmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty flavor to the sauce, while the Italian herbs provide a classic savory aroma. Make sure the Parmesan is finely grated so that it melts evenly into the sauce.
* Pour the creamy sauce over the vegetables in the skillet.
**Step 6: Bake the Chicken**
* Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the vegetables and sauce in the skillet. Make sure the chicken is partially submerged in the sauce so that it stays moist and flavorful during baking.
* Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
**Step 7: Rest and Serve**
* Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
* Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
## Tips and Variations
* **Chicken Thighs:** For a richer flavor, substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Chicken thighs tend to be more forgiving and stay moist during cooking.
* **Vegetables:** Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, asparagus, or green beans. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the type of vegetable you use.
* **Cheese:** Try different types of cheese in the sauce, such as Gruyere, Mozzarella, or Fontina. Each cheese will add a unique flavor to the dish.
* **Herbs:** Use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs for a more vibrant flavor. Rosemary, thyme, and oregano are all great options.
* **Spice:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the creamy sauce for a little bit of heat. You can also use a dash of hot sauce.
* **Wine:** Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after searing the chicken for extra flavor. Let the wine reduce for a minute or two before adding the vegetables.
* **Make it Lighter:** Substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream to reduce the fat content. The sauce will be a bit thinner, but still delicious.
* **Add Some Lemon:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end adds a bright, citrusy note that complements the creamy sauce and chicken perfectly.
## Serving Suggestions
This one-pan creamy chicken is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with:
* **Rice:** Serve over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
* **Quinoa:** A healthy and nutritious alternative to rice.
* **Pasta:** Toss the chicken and vegetables with your favorite pasta shape for a comforting and satisfying meal.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad adds a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy chicken.
## Storage and Reheating
* **Storage:** Store leftover chicken and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
**Q: Can I use frozen chicken?**
A: It’s best to use thawed chicken for this recipe to ensure even cooking. If you must use frozen chicken, make sure it is completely thawed before cooking. Pat it dry before searing.
**Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**
A: You can prepare the vegetables and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, sear the chicken and proceed with the recipe as directed. You can also cook the entire dish ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. Note that the sauce may thicken upon standing.
**Q: Can I use different herbs?**
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs. Rosemary, thyme, oregano, and basil are all great options.
**Q: Can I add cheese to the sauce?**
A: Yes, you can add cheese to the sauce. Parmesan cheese is a great option, but you can also use Gruyere, Mozzarella, or Fontina.
**Q: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?**
A: The best way to ensure that the chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
**Q: The sauce is too thick. How can I thin it out?**
A: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out.
**Q: The sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?**
A: If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it over medium heat for a few minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken. You can also whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water to thicken the sauce quickly.
**Q: Can I grill the chicken instead of searing it?**
A: Yes, you can grill the chicken instead of searing it. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Then, add the chicken to the skillet with the vegetables and sauce and bake as directed.
**Q: Can I add spinach to the dish?**
A: Yes, you can add spinach to the dish. Add a few handfuls of fresh spinach to the skillet with the vegetables during the last few minutes of cooking. Cook until the spinach is wilted.
**Q: Can I use bone-in chicken?**
A: Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but it will take longer to cook. Increase the baking time accordingly and make sure the chicken is cooked through before serving.
**Q: What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?**
A: If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the chicken and vegetables to a baking dish before baking. Make sure the baking dish is large enough to accommodate all of the ingredients.
This one-pan creamy chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity and deliciousness make it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners. Enjoy!