Easy One-Pot Creamy Chicken
**Easy One-Pot Creamy Chicken**
**Introduction**
Imagine a creamy, dreamy chicken dinner that comes together in a single pot with minimal effort and maximum flavor. This Easy One-Pot Creamy Chicken is the ultimate weeknight hero, featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in a rich, velvety sauce made with garlic, herbs, and a touch of Parmesan. The key flavors are savory, garlicky, and deeply comforting, with a sauce that is luxuriously smooth without being overly heavy. What makes this dish special is its brilliant simplicity and elegant result; it looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but the entire meal is ready in well under an hour with just one pan to wash. It’s perfect for those busy evenings when you crave a wholesome, satisfying meal that feels like a treat, without the culinary stress.
**Perfect for:**
* Busy Weeknight Dinners
* Quick Family Meals
* Easy Date Night at Home
* Meal Prep for Lunches
* Cozy Comfort Food Evenings
**Why You’ll Love This Easy One-Pot Creamy Chicken Recipe**
**Unbelievably Flavorful Sauce:** The sauce is built layer by layer in the same pan used to cook the chicken, capturing all the delicious browned bits (fond) for incredible depth of flavor.
**Minimal Cleanup:** Using just one skillet or Dutch oven means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal. This is the practical magic of one-pot cooking.
**Quick & Efficient:** From stovetop to table in about 45 minutes, this recipe is designed for efficiency without sacrificing an ounce of taste or presentation.
**Family-Friendly & Adaptable:** The creamy, mild sauce is a universal pleaser. It’s also a perfect canvas for adding your favorite vegetables, herbs, or a bit of spice.
**Preparation and Cooking Time**
* Total Time: 45 minutes
* Preparation Time: 15 minutes
* Cooking Time: 30 minutes
* Servings: 4 servings
* Calories per serving: Approximately 380-420 calories
**Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Estimate):**
* **Calories:** 380-420 kcal
* **Protein:** 35g
* **Carbohydrates:** 6g
* **Fat:** 24g
* **Fiber:** 0g
* **Sugar:** 2g
**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**
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 – 2 lbs total)
* 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
* ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
* 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
* ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
* ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or basil
**Step-by-Step Instructions**
1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until a deep golden-brown crust forms. The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this stage. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate.
3. Build the Sauce Base: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the dried Italian seasoning.
4. Simmer and Finish Cooking: Return the seared chicken breasts (and any accumulated juices) to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (reaching 165°F internally).
5. Create the Cream Sauce: Remove the cooked chicken to a plate and tent with foil. Increase the heat to medium. Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow it to thicken slightly.
6. Add Cheese and Finish: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste the sauce and add the remaining ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper, if needed.
7. Serve: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Alternatively, slice the chicken and place it on a serving platter, then pour the sauce over. Garnish generously with fresh parsley or basil.
**How to Serve Easy One-Pot Creamy Chicken**
* Over a bed of cooked pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or creamy polenta to soak up the delicious sauce.
* Alongside a simple, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
* With steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans on the side.
* With a slice of crusty bread or a warm dinner roll for dipping directly into the creamy sauce.
**Additional Tips for Easy One-Pot Creamy Chicken**
* For even cooking and juicier results, use chicken breasts that are similar in size and thickness. You can also pound thicker breasts to an even ½-inch thickness.
* Do not substitute pre-grated Parmesan in a canister. It contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce. Freshly grated cheese from a block is essential.
* To prevent the cream from curdling, ensure the sauce is at a gentle simmer, not a rapid boil, when you add it.
* If your sauce seems too thin after adding the cheese, you can simmer it for an additional 2-3 minutes. If it’s too thick, thin it with a splash of extra chicken broth.
**Recipe Variations of Easy One-Pot Creamy Chicken**
* **Creamy Mushroom & Spinach Chicken:** After sautéing the garlic, add 8 oz of sliced mushrooms and cook until browned. Add 2 cups of fresh spinach in the last minute before adding the cream.
* **Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Version:** Add ½ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained) to the sauce with the cream. Finish with fresh basil instead of parsley.
* **Cajun Creamy Chicken:** Season the chicken with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning blend instead of salt and pepper. Proceed with the recipe as written for a spicy kick.
**Freezing and Storage for Easy One-Pot Creamy Chicken**
**Storage:** Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a small splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
**Freezing:** Freezing is possible but not ideal for the creamiest texture. Dairy-based sauces can sometimes separate or become grainy upon thawing. If freezing, cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently, whisking well.
**FAQ Section about Easy One-Pot Creamy Chicken**
* **Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?** Absolutely. Bone-in, skin-on thighs will add more flavor. Sear skin-side down first, then follow the recipe, extending the simmering time to 15-20 minutes to ensure they are cooked through.
* **What can I use instead of heavy cream?** Half-and-half is a good substitute for a slightly lighter sauce. For a dairy-free version, full-fat canned coconut milk works well, though it will impart a mild coconut flavor.
* **My sauce broke or looks oily. What happened?** This can happen if the heat was too high when adding the cream or cheese. Remove the pan from the heat and vigorously whisk in a tablespoon of cold broth or cream. It should re-emulsify.
* **Can I make this gluten-free?** This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Always ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free if needed.
**Conclusion of Easy One-Pot Creamy Chicken Recipe**
Easy One-Pot Creamy Chicken is the dependable, delicious dinner solution you’ve been searching for. It masterfully combines the promise of a rich, restaurant-style meal with the undeniable convenience of minimal cleanup. This recipe proves that a handful of simple ingredients, when treated with care, can create something truly special and satisfying. The tender chicken and luxurious, garlic-Parmesan sauce come together to form a classic comfort dish that will earn a permanent spot in your weekly rotation. Embrace the ease, enjoy the process, and savor every bite of this perfectly creamy, utterly delicious one-pot wonder.