Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful meal that’s easy to put together yet feels a bit special, this Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables Recipe is the perfect pick. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again because the tender chicken, roasted veggies, and that luscious garlicky sauce are seriously irresistible.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a delightful balance of flavors and textures — tender chicken, sweet roasted squash, and fresh broccoli all coated in a creamy garlic sauce. When shopping, look for fresh, firm broccoli and a bright orange butternut squash to get the best taste and color.

• Broccoli florets: Fresh works best here to keep that nice crunch after roasting.
• Butternut squash: Cubed to roast evenly; I prefer peeling it myself for the best texture.
• Olive oil: Use extra virgin for rich flavor in both roasting and sautéing.
• Chicken thighs or breasts: I love thighs for juiciness, but breasts work if you prefer leaner meat.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sauce without overpowering the garlic.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning each component perfectly.
• Diced onion: Builds a savory base for the sauce.
• Garlic cloves: The star player — use fresh and minced for maximum punch.
• Dried parsley: Adds herby brightness; you can swap with fresh if you like.
• Chicken broth: Low sodium keeps the saltiness in check while adding depth.
• Half-and-half or whole milk: Creates that creamy sauce without heaviness.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce beautifully without lumps.
• Optional fresh parsley: For garnish, adding a fresh splash of color and flavor.

Variations

I love how flexible the Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables Recipe is — you can easily make it your own depending on what’s in season or your dietary preferences. I often switch up the veggies based on what I have in my fridge or what’s freshest at the market.

• Vegetable swaps: I’ve successfully used green beans, cauliflower, or even zucchini instead of broccoli and squash, and it always turns out great.
• Dairy-free variation: Swap the half-and-half for canned coconut milk for a dairy-free creamy sauce that’s just as delicious.
• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the garlic for a subtle kick.
• Protein options: Ground turkey or chicken sausage can be used instead of chicken thighs for a quicker version.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Vegetables to Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper — this keeps cleanup simple. Spread out your broccoli florets and cubed butternut squash in a single layer so they roast evenly. Drizzle with half of the olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss to coat. Pop them in the oven for about 20 minutes. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the squash and crisps up the broccoli just right.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken for Flavor and Texture

While the veggies roast, heat the remaining olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat — I usually grab my trusty cast iron for even heat and great searing. Season your chicken thighs or breasts with salt and pepper, then place them in the pan. Cook each side for about 4 minutes until they’re nicely browned but not fully cooked. This step locks in juices and builds flavor. Once seared, transfer the chicken to a plate and loosely cover with foil to rest.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Don’t clean the skillet — those browned bits are flavor gold. Add the butter and let it melt, swirling the pan to coat. Toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, dried parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a good stir, scraping up those tasty bits stuck to the bottom. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk together the half-and-half and cornstarch until smooth, then slowly pour this into the skillet, stirring consistently. After about a minute, the sauce will thicken beautifully. Taste it and add more salt or pepper if you feel it needs it — I usually do a quick flavor check here.

Step 4: Bring It All Together and Bake

Add the seared chicken and roasted vegetables back into the skillet, stirring gently so everything is coated in the creamy garlic sauce. Transfer the skillet to your oven and bake for 5 to 10 minutes, or until your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This final bake finishes cooking the chicken while letting all the flavors marry together perfectly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Take the skillet out of the oven, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if you like, and dig in! This dish looks as good as it tastes, with colorful veggies and that luscious sauce pooling around perfectly cooked chicken.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness, but a bit of grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice also adds a lovely brightness that cuts through the creaminess. It’s a simple touch that takes the dish from good to wow.

Side Dishes

Since this dish is quite complete on its own, I usually keep sides simple — a crusty bread to mop up the sauce is always a winner. Sometimes, I pair it with a light green salad or steamed rice if I want extra carbs. Mashed potatoes are also fantastic if you’re craving some extra comfort food vibes.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I serve this creamy garlic chicken in shallow white bowls so the sauce pools nicely and the colors of the vegetables really pop. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens can elevate it for a dinner party. I’ve also made individual portions in oven-safe ramekins—perfect for portion control and a pretty presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and they stay great for about 3 days. The creamy sauce thickens up when cooled, so just stir in a splash of broth or milk when reheating to loosen it back up — it’s quick and easy.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers. Since cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when frozen, I recommend gently reheating and stirring well to bring it back together. My experience is that freezing works best for the chicken and veggies, but the sauce might be slightly less creamy.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally so the sauce warms evenly. Adding a splash of chicken broth or milk helps keep it silky. Microwave reheating works fine too — just heat in short bursts and stir between intervals to avoid hot spots.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, I absolutely love how this Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables Recipe comes together — it’s cozy without being complicated, and it always feels like a bit of a treat even on a busy weeknight. Once you try it, I’m pretty sure it’ll become one of your go-to dinners too. So grab your skillet, roast some veggies, and get ready to wow your taste buds — you’ve got this!

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