Skillet Chicken & Veggies with Creamy Light Garlic Sauce
Try this Skillet Chicken & Veggies with Creamy Light Garlic Sauce recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Skillet Chicken & Veggies with Creamy Light Garlic Sauce recipe, or contribute your own.
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 cup chicken broth (i recommend reduced sodium)
- around 4 cups vegetables (cubed butternut squash quartered small potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, chopped asparagus)1
- 4 skinless boneless chicken breasts (i used 3 because they we
- 5 whole garlic cloves minced2
- 3/4 cup whole milk at room temperature3
- optional:â fresh parsley for garnish
- large ovenproof skillet (11-12 inch is best as the
- Carbohydrate 2.86775083284656 g
- Cholesterol 8.204375 mg
- Fat 4.79275604239007 g
- Fiber 0.327750000154146 g
- Protein 0.61973541666528 g
- Saturated Fat 2.17108368759988 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (27g)
- Sodium 586.279249999967 mg
- Sugar 2.54000083269241 g
- Trans Fat 0.278870875019597 g
- Calories 55 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Spread vegetables on top and lightly drizzle with 1 Tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside. Keep oven on. (Time saving tip: Get started on steps 2 and 3 as the vegetables bake.)
- If the chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, pound them down so they're all even. This way all the breasts will cook through simultaneously.
- Evenly sprinkle the chicken with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
- In a large ovenproof skillet, heat 1 Tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes, turning once. You want the chicken nice and browned on the outside. (It doesn't have to be cooked all the way through yet.)
- Set chicken on a plate and cover tightly with foil until step 5.
- Remove skillet from heat and add the broth, butter, onion, garlic, and parsley.
- Return to heat. Cook and stir to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Bring to a boil.
- Allow to boil gently, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
- Whisk together the milk and cornstarch, then slowly whisk into the sauce.
- Add chicken and cooked vegetables to the sauce and place the skillet in the oven.
- Bake until the chicken is completely cooked through, about 5-10 minutes.
- Serve chicken, vegetables, and sauce together with a little fresh parsley for garnish if desired. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for a few days. Reheat to your liking.
My Weeknight Winner: Skillet Chicken & Veggies with Creamy Garlic Sauce
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Between school pick-ups, soccer practice, and the never-ending cycle of laundry, a simple, yet satisfying meal is a lifesaver. That's why this Skillet Chicken & Veggies with Creamy Light Garlic Sauce recipe has become a staple in our household. It's quick, easy, and the whole family loves it!
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. I love using seasonal vegetables – in the fall, I'll toss in butternut squash and potatoes; in the spring, asparagus and broccoli are my go-to choices. Feel free to experiment! Whatever vegetables you have on hand, this recipe adapts beautifully. The creamy garlic sauce is the star, though. It's rich and flavorful without being heavy, thanks to the addition of milk and a touch of cornstarch for thickening. The chicken cooks perfectly in the same skillet, creating a delicious pan sauce that coats every bite. It's so convenient – minimal cleanup is always a win!
Beyond the Recipe: Weeknight Wonders and Family Time
This recipe isn’t just about the food; it’s about making the most of precious family time. While the chicken and vegetables are baking, I often use the time to help my kids with their homework or simply chat about their day. It's a time to connect, to laugh, and to unwind together after a busy day. The aroma of garlic and herbs fills the kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere – a small but significant contribution to creating happy memories. The act of cooking together, even if it's just me doing the majority of the work while the kids watch, is bonding time.
Adapting to Your Lifestyle:
Even on the busiest of days, this recipe is adaptable. I often prep the vegetables the night before, storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. This means that when dinner time rolls around, I can focus on the cooking process itself, making it even faster and easier. For those times when I'm really short on time, I’ll use pre-cut vegetables from the grocery store—no judgments here! The key is to make it work for your schedule and your lifestyle.
More Than Just a Meal: A Ritual of Comfort
This simple skillet chicken dish has become more than just dinner; it's a ritual, a comforting routine that anchors our evenings. It's a reminder that even amidst the chaos of daily life, there's still time for nourishment – both physically and emotionally. The family gathers around the table, sharing stories, laughter, and the delicious food we’ve created together. It's these moments, these simple joys, that make life worthwhile.
Tips and Tricks for Success:
- Even Chicken Breasts: Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook through evenly.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure you have enough space in your skillet for the chicken to brown properly.
- Scrape the Bottom: Scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet adds depth and flavor to the sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to add more herbs, spices, or garlic to personalize the flavor.
- Leftovers Are a Blessing: This dish is even better the next day, making it perfect for lunch or a quick dinner.
So, the next time you're looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious weeknight meal, give this Skillet Chicken & Veggies with Creamy Light Garlic Sauce a try. It's a simple recipe with a big impact, sure to become a family favorite. And more importantly, it's a reminder that even in the midst of a busy life, there's always time for a little bit of home-cooked love.
