Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares

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**Introduction**

Imagine a dish that delivers the soul-warming comfort of a slow-cooked meal but is ready in the time it takes to watch a sitcom. That is the magic of this One-Pot Creamy Chicken. It’s a symphony of tender, golden-seared chicken and hearty vegetables, all enveloped in a luscious, lightly herb-infused sauce. The character is undeniably rich and comforting, yet the preparation is anything but heavy. It’s the culinary equivalent of a warm embrace on a busy evening, transforming simple, humble ingredients into something deeply satisfying. This recipe is the ultimate weeknight hero, designed for minimal fuss and maximal flavor. It’s perfect for anyone seeking a delicious, home-cooked dinner that respects their time and delights their palate.

**Perfect for:**
* Hectic Weeknights
* New Home Cooks Building Confidence
* Cozy Family Dinners
* Meal Prep Sundays
* Impromptu Comfort Food Cravings

**Why You’ll Love This Easy One-Pot Creamy Chicken Recipe**

**Minimal Cleanup:** The entire meal—protein, vegetables, and sauce—comes together in a single Dutch oven or deep skillet. One pot to cook, one pot to wash. It’s the ultimate practical luxury after a long day.

**Ultimate Comfort in a Bowl:** This dish is the definition of cozy. The creamy, savory sauce, tender chicken, and soft vegetables create a harmonious and deeply satisfying eating experience that feels both nourishing and indulgent.

**Effortless Elegance:** Despite its simple method, the result looks and tastes impressively complex. It’s a meal you’d be proud to serve to guests, yet it requires no special culinary skills or hours of labor.

**Forgiving and Adaptable:** Forgot an herb? Swap a vegetable. This recipe is a fantastic template. It welcomes adjustments based on what’s in your fridge or your personal taste preferences, making it a reliable staple in your rotation.

**Preparation and Cooking Time**
* Total Time: 45 minutes
* Preparation Time: 15 minutes
* Cooking Time: 30 minutes
* Servings: 4-6 servings

**Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Estimate):**
* **Calories:** 450-550 kcal
* **Protein:** 35g
* **Carbohydrates:** 20g
* **Fat:** 25g
* **Fiber:** 3g
* **Sugar:** 5g

**Nutritional Disclaimer**
aileenrecipes is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.

**Ingredients**
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 teaspoon salt, divided
* ½ teaspoon black pepper
* 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
* 1 medium yellow onion, diced
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
* 2 stalks celery, sliced
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* ¼ cup all-purpose flour
* 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
* 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
* ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
* 1 cup frozen peas
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

**Step-by-Step Instructions**
1. **Season the Chicken:** Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season evenly with ½ teaspoon of the salt and all of the black pepper.
2. **Sear the Protein:** In a large Dutch oven or deep skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this stage. Remove to a clean plate and set aside.
3. **Sauté the Aromatics:** In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and the vegetables begin to soften. Add the garlic, thyme, and paprika, cooking for 1 more minute until fragrant.
4. **Create the Roux:** Sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
5. **Deglaze and Simmer:** Slowly pour in the chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits (fond). This adds incredible flavor. Follow with the milk and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently until it just begins to thicken.
6. **Finish the Dish:** Return the seared chicken (and any accumulated juices) to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the carrots are tender.
7. **Add Cream and Peas:** Stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas. Cook uncovered for an additional 3-5 minutes, until the peas are heated through and the sauce has reached your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
8. **Garnish and Serve:** Remove from heat. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

**How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Chicken**
* **Classic Comfort:** Serve as a complete main course over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or steamed white rice to soak up every drop of the creamy sauce.
* **Lighter Option:** Pair with a crisp, bright side salad dressed with a simple lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
* **Bread for Dipping:** Offer warm, crusty bread or flaky biscuits on the side for the ultimate satisfying experience.
* **Elegant Presentation:** For a dinner party, serve in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a twist of cracked pepper for a restaurant-worthy look.

**Additional Tips for One-Pot Creamy Chicken**
* For deeper flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Sear as directed, then remove the skin before returning to the sauce to simmer until cooked through.
* Do not rush the sear. Getting a good golden-brown color on the chicken is crucial for building the foundational flavor of the entire dish.
* To prevent curdling, ensure you use full-fat dairy and avoid boiling the sauce once the cream has been added. A gentle simmer is key.
* Let the dish rest for 5 minutes off the heat before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld further.

**Recipe Variations of One-Pot Creamy Chicken**
* **Mushroom & Spinach:** Add 8 oz of sliced mushrooms with the carrots. Stir in 2 cups of fresh baby spinach just before adding the cream, allowing it to wilt.
* **Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil:** Add ½ cup of chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes with the cream. Swap the thyme for dried oregano and garnish with fresh basil instead of parsley.
* **Cajun Spiced:** Replace the paprika and thyme with 1.5 tablespoons of your favorite Cajun or Creole seasoning. Add a diced bell pepper with the onions.
* **Dairy-Free Version:** Substitute the milk and cream with full-fat canned coconut milk. The result will be slightly sweeter with a subtle coconut note.

**Freezing and Storage for One-Pot Creamy Chicken**
* **Storage:** Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce if necessary.
* **Freezing:** This dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that creamy sauces can sometimes separate slightly upon thawing; a vigorous stir or a quick blitz with an immersion blender will usually re-emulsify it.

**FAQ Section about One-Pot Creamy Chicken**
* **Can I use chicken tenderloins?** Absolutely. Reduce the initial searing time to 2-3 minutes per side and the final simmering time to 5-7 minutes.
* **My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?** Create a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into the simmering sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
* **My sauce is too thick. What should I do?** Simply thin it with additional chicken broth or milk, a few tablespoons at a time, until your desired consistency is reached.
* **Can I make this in a slow cooker?** Yes. Sear the chicken and sauté the onions as directed, then transfer everything except the peas and cream to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in the cream and peas 30 minutes before serving.

**Conclusion of One-Pot Creamy Chicken Recipe**

This Easy One-Pot Creamy Chicken stands as a testament to the idea that incredible meals don’t require complexity. It is a straightforward, reliable path to a dinner that feels both special and utterly familiar. The tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and velvety sauce come together to create a plate of pure comfort with impressively little effort. It’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a trusted favorite—a delicious solution for busy days, a surefire hit with the family, and a beautiful reminder of the joy of simple, good food. Gather your ingredients, grab your favorite pot, and get ready to enjoy a meal that truly delivers on every promise.