Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Skillet

Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Skillet is a comforting and hearty one-pan meal filled with tender chicken pieces, earthy mushrooms, sweet carrots, and a savory cream-based sauce. It’s perfect for cozy evenings when you want something warm, filling, and full of rich flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This skillet meal is the perfect balance of protein and vegetables in a luxurious, creamy sauce. It’s prepared in one pan, making cleanup simple and efficient. It’s versatile, customizable, and comforting—ideal for busy weeknights or a satisfying weekend dinner.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cubed)
• Salt
• Ground black pepper
• Olive oil or butter
• Carrots (diced)
• Mushrooms (sliced)
• Yellow onion (chopped)
• Garlic (minced)
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• All-purpose flour (or cornstarch, for thickening)
• Fresh thyme or parsley (optional, for garnish)

directions

1. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
2. Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Sauté onions and carrots until softened. Add mushrooms and garlic and cook until mushrooms are tender.
4. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
5. Slowly stir in chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking to avoid lumps.
6. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the sauce thickens.
7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with chopped parsley or thyme before serving.
9. Serve hot on its own or over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower mash or sautéed spinach.
• Add Cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan or cream cheese for an extra indulgent sauce.
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
• Herb Blend: Use rosemary, tarragon, or Italian seasoning for a different herb profile.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk and a dairy-free butter substitute for a creamy result without dairy.

storage/reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. This dish is not recommended for freezing due to the cream-based sauce, which may separate upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, add shredded rotisserie chicken during the final simmer instead of cooking raw chicken.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use coconut milk and oil or a non-dairy cream substitute for a dairy-free version.

What other vegetables can I add?

Peas, green beans, zucchini, or spinach work well in this dish.

How do I thicken the sauce without flour?

Use cornstarch slurry or reduce the sauce longer for a natural thickening.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use cornstarch instead of flour and verify your broth and cream are gluten-free.

What type of mushrooms are best?

Cremini or baby bella mushrooms offer great flavor, but white button mushrooms work too.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, make the dish a day ahead and reheat it slowly before serving.

What can I serve it with?

Serve with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Can I freeze leftovers?

It’s not ideal due to the cream, but if you must freeze, thaw and reheat slowly with extra cream to bring it back together.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Sauté ingredients first, then cook on low for 4–5 hours with reduced liquid. Add cream at the end.

Conclusion

The Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Skillet is a comforting classic that satisfies both flavor and nutrition in a single pan. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and savory vegetables, it’s a reliable recipe you’ll turn to whenever you need a warm, nourishing meal that’s simple to prepare and delightful to eat.

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