Smothered Creamy Skillet Chicken – A One-Pan Delight!

This Smothered Creamy Skillet Chicken is the perfect blend of rich, creamy flavors and nutritious ingredients, all coming together in just one skillet! With tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a luscious sauce, this dish is high in protein, low in carbs, and incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it the ultimate weeknight dinner.

this Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
• One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup, more flavor.
• Nutritious & Balanced: Packed with protein and fresh vegetables.

Taste & Texture

• Juicy Chicken: Perfectly seared and simmered in a creamy, flavorful sauce.
• Velvety Sauce: A light yet indulgent blend of cashew milk, Greek yogurt, and cream cheese.
• Fresh & Vibrant: Spinach, mushrooms, and mini sweet bell peppers add texture and color.

Dietary Attributes

• Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly (Swap Greek yogurt for heavy cream if needed).
• Gluten-Free.
• High in Protein.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

• 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 stalks green onions (scallions or spring onions), sliced
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 8 ounces white button mushrooms, chopped
• 7-8 mini sweet bell peppers, sliced
• 1 cup unsweetened cashew milk (or almond milk)
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 tablespoon cream cheese or mascarpone cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Notes on Quality

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best, but thighs can be used for extra juiciness.
• Dairy Alternatives: Cashew milk provides a creamy texture, but almond milk or regular dairy milk can work too.
• Mushrooms: Fresh white button mushrooms add a nice umami depth, but cremini or baby bella mushrooms can enhance the richness.

Possible Substitutions

• Greek Yogurt: Swap for sour cream or coconut yogurt for a dairy-free option.
• Cream Cheese/Mascarpone: Use heavy cream or coconut cream if preferred.
• Spinach: Kale or Swiss chard are great substitutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Sauté for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown and almost cooked through. Remove and set aside.

• Lower the heat and add the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil to the skillet.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Stir in the sliced green onions and half of the chicken broth, increasing the heat to medium.
• Add the chopped mushrooms and sliced sweet bell peppers. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, until the mushrooms soften.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the cashew milk, Greek yogurt, and half of the chopped parsley, then pour it into the skillet.
• Add the fresh spinach, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Nestle the chicken breasts back into the skillet. Pour in the remaining broth, add the cream cheese or mascarpone, and cook uncovered for another 5-10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens.
• Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, garnish with the remaining parsley, and serve warm.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Sear the chicken until golden brown for extra flavor before simmering.
• Use room-temperature cashew milk and Greek yogurt to prevent curdling.
• Stir occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.

Common Mistakes

• Overcooking the chicken can make it dry. Cook just until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Adding cold dairy products straight to the pan may cause separation. Let them sit at room temperature before mixing in.
• Don’t skip simmering! It helps the flavors meld and the sauce thicken.

Time-Saving Tips

• Pre-slice vegetables ahead of time.
• Use pre-minced garlic or frozen spinach for quicker prep.
• Cook the chicken in advance and reheat it in the sauce for an even faster meal.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

• Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or with mashed potatoes for extra comfort.
• Pair with roasted asparagus or a side salad for a well-rounded meal.

Presentation Ideas

• Garnish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
• Serve in a shallow bowl to showcase the creamy sauce and vibrant veggies.

Beverage Pairings

• A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the creaminess.
• A light and citrusy sparkling water makes a refreshing non-alcoholic option.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze for up to 2 months, but the sauce may separate slightly upon reheating.

Reheating Methods

• Stovetop: Warm on low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to maintain creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

Can I use coconut milk instead of cashew milk?
Yes! Coconut milk will give a richer, slightly sweeter flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free yogurt and coconut cream instead of cream cheese.

Troubleshooting

Why is my sauce too thin?
Let it simmer longer to reduce or stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.

Why is my chicken dry?
Make sure not to overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Dairy-Free: Use coconut yogurt and coconut cream instead of dairy-based ingredients.
• Keto: Swap Greek yogurt for heavy cream and reduce the amount of bell peppers.

Flavor Twists

• Add crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Mix in grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

• Use butternut squash instead of bell peppers in the fall.
• Add cherry tomatoes for a summery twist.

More Delicious Recipes to Try

If you love this recipe, you’ll also enjoy these:

• Creamy Chicken Marsala – A Perfect Valentine’s Day Dinner
• Sheet Pan Gnocchi – The Ultimate Easy 30-Minute Dinner
• Creamy Chicken Marsala – A Perfect Valentine’s Day Dinner

For more recipes and inspiration, follow on Pinterest: Cooking With Callie

This creamy skillet chicken is sure to be a hit! If you try it, leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Happy cooking!

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