One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken with Veggies: The Ultimate Comfort Food Made Simple

There are few meals as comforting and satisfying as a perfectly seared chicken breast smothered in a rich, creamy garlic sauce, paired with tender vegetables that soak up every bit of flavor. It’s the kind of dish that instantly makes you feel at home, whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for a busy week, or treating yourself to a cozy night in.

What makes this recipe even more special is that it’s a one-pan wonder. Yes—everything cooks in the same skillet. That means minimal cleanup, maximum flavor, and a meal that tastes like it took hours but comes together in under 40 minutes.

With golden chicken, a velvety garlic cream sauce, vibrant broccoli, and sweet carrots, this One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken with Veggies is destined to become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive into the details.

this Recipe

What Is One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken with Veggies

At its core, this recipe is about simplicity without sacrificing flavor. You start by searing seasoned chicken breasts until golden brown, then build a luscious garlic cream sauce in the same pan, letting all those delicious browned bits infuse the sauce with flavor. Fresh vegetables—like broccoli florets and baby carrots—are added directly to the sauce, allowing them to steam and simmer until tender while absorbing every drop of garlicky goodness.

The result? A complete, well-balanced meal with juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and vibrant veggies—all made in just one pan.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

• Minimal Cleanup: One pan means fewer dishes and more time to relax.
• Family-Friendly: The creamy sauce and mild flavors appeal to adults and kids alike.
• Restaurant-Quality Flavor: Golden seared chicken and garlic cream sauce taste indulgent.
• Nutritionally Balanced: Protein-packed chicken, fiber-rich vegetables, and healthy fats in one dish.
• Versatile: Change the vegetables, add cheese, or swap proteins depending on what you have.
• Quick and Easy: Perfect for weeknights—ready in under 40 minutes.

How Does It Taste?

If you’re imagining bland chicken in a heavy sauce, think again. This dish is a flavor bomb. The chicken is seasoned simply but seared until golden for maximum juiciness. The sauce, made with garlic, broth, and cream, is rich but not overpowering—balanced with just the right amount of seasoning.

The broccoli adds a bright, slightly nutty taste, while the carrots bring natural sweetness to round out the savory sauce. Each bite combines creamy, garlicky, and buttery flavors with freshness from the vegetables and a sprinkle of parsley. It’s the perfect harmony of indulgence and nourishment.

Health & Ingredient Benefits

While creamy dishes can sometimes feel heavy, this recipe is surprisingly balanced. Here’s why:

• Chicken: Lean, high-protein meat that supports muscle repair and keeps you full.
• Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Broccoli: High in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber.
• Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene, Vitamin A, and natural sweetness.
• Cream: Provides healthy fats and a velvety texture—use half-and-half for a lighter option.
• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy fat that enhances flavor.

Together, these ingredients create a dish that is nourishing, filling, and packed with vitamins and minerals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup baby carrots (or sliced carrots)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet (cast iron or stainless steel recommended)
• Tongs for flipping chicken
• Wooden spoon for stirring sauce
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board

Optional Substitutions & Additions

One of the best things about this dish is its flexibility. You can make it your own with a few swaps:

• Protein Swaps: Use chicken thighs, pork chops, shrimp, or tofu.
• Veggie Swaps: Add mushrooms, zucchini, green beans, or spinach.
• Cheesy Twist: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut milk for cream.
• Flavor Boosters: Add a splash of white wine, lemon juice, or Dijon mustard for depth.

How to Make

1. Season & Sear Chicken
   • Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Remove and set aside.
2. Make Garlic Sauce Base
   • In the same pan, add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
   • Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release flavorful browned bits.
3. Add Cream & Seasoning
   • Stir in cream and Italian seasoning. Simmer gently until sauce thickens slightly.
4. Cook Vegetables
   • Add broccoli and carrots to the sauce. Cover and cook until veggies are tender but not mushy (about 7–10 minutes).
5. Finish & Serve
   • Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer 3–4 minutes.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

What to Serve With

This dish is complete on its own, but pairing it with the right sides makes it unforgettable:

• Garlic mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash
• Steamed jasmine rice or wild rice blend
• Buttery egg noodles to soak up the sauce
• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Crusty artisan bread for dipping into the creamy sauce

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
• Simmer, Don’t Boil: A gentle simmer prevents cream from curdling.
• Cut Veggies Evenly: Uniform size ensures they cook at the same rate.
• Deglaze Properly: Scraping up browned bits gives the sauce maximum flavor.
• Serve Fresh: This dish tastes best hot and freshly made.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Burning Garlic: It turns bitter quickly—cook only until fragrant.
• Adding Cream Too Early: Wait until broth simmers first to avoid curdling.
• Overcrowding the Pan: If your skillet is small, sear chicken in batches.
• Overcooking Vegetables: They should stay tender-crisp, not mushy.

How to Store & Reheat

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze chicken and sauce together for up to 2 months. (Vegetables may lose texture when frozen.)
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or cream if sauce is too thick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes—thighs are juicier and work beautifully in this recipe.

Can I lighten this dish?
Use half-and-half or even Greek yogurt in place of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best fresh. Cook chicken and sauce separately, then reheat together before serving.

Is it keto-friendly?
Yes—this recipe is naturally low in carbs and fits well into a keto diet.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just use a larger skillet or cook in two batches.

Nutritional Info (approximate per serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 580mg

Conclusion

This One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken with Veggies is the kind of recipe that proves you don’t need fancy techniques or endless ingredients to create something special. It’s easy, hearty, and bursting with flavor, making it perfect for weeknights when you want comfort food without the fuss.

With juicy chicken, tender veggies, and a velvety garlic cream sauce—all cooked in one skillet—it’s a dish that satisfies both your cravings and your schedule. Keep this recipe in your rotation, and you’ll always have a reliable, delicious dinner option ready to go.

Print

September 15, 2025 by Melissa