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Creamy Chicken With Vegetables

Creamy Chicken With Vegetables

The ultimate comfort food, Creamy Chicken With Vegetables combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce and vibrant veggies. This easy weeknight dinner is perfect for satisfying cravings and making memories around the table. You'll want to make it tonight!
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 540

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken breasts boneless, skinless
  • Salt
  • 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning divided
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter or use more oil
  • 1 medium zucchini cut to half moons, 1-1/2 cups
  • 2 cups brown mushrooms sliced, 5 ounces
  • 3/4 cup roasted red bell peppers diced (jarred)
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons garlic minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth reduced-sodium
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
  • 1/4 cup basil fresh, ribboned, optional
  • lemon optional but recommended

Equipment

  • Large Skillet

Method
 

  1. Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise, then slice into half moons. Slice the mushrooms and dice the roasted bell peppers.
  2. Slice each chicken breast in half widthwise to create 2 thinner pieces. Pound lightly if necessary to ensure even thickness. Combine 1 tsp of Italian seasoning with salt and pepper (I add 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper) and season one side of each chicken piece.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken, seasoned side down. Season the other side with the remaining seasoning mixture. Cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes, then flip and continue cooking another 3–4 minutes or until chicken is golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove chicken from the skillet and cover with foil to keep warm.
  4. Using the same skillet, add the butter, zucchini, and mushrooms. Cook for about 3–5 minutes or until crisp-tender, stirring occasionally. Add a tiny pinch of salt and pepper, then add the diced roasted red bell pepper, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds; transfer the vegetables to a plate.
  5. To the skillet, add 1/2 cup chicken broth and reduce heat to medium. Scrape the pan to release any browned bits and cook until the broth has reduced to about half, about 1 minute. Add remaining 1/2 cup broth, cream, remaining 1 tsp Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened. Stir frequently. Stir through basil if using.
  6. Taste sauce; adjust seasoning as needed. I love to add some fresh lemon. There are two options for serving: 1. Toss the cream sauce with freshly cooked pasta and some reserved pasta water until nicely emulsified, then add the chicken (diced or thinly sliced) and the cooked vegetables. 2. Or return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet with the cream sauce, spoon the veggies around the chicken, and serve straight from the skillet. Garnish with additional freshly grated Parmesan if desired. Enjoy hot!

Notes

  • Tip 1: Since the chicken, veggies, and Parmesan add plenty of flavor and salt, low-sodium broth helps maintain balance of the overall saltiness.
  • Tip 2: Heavy cream plays a pivotal role in enhancing the dish’s flavor and texture. Lower-fat or dairy-alternative products unfortunately won’t thicken properly or offer the same richness.
  • Tip 3: Opt for a block of Parmesan cheese and grate it on the small holes of a grater. Gently pack it into your measuring cup. (Parmesan from the can will be too salty and won’t melt into the sauce nicely.)
  • Tip 4: Store leftover Creamy Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.