If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal to whip up on a busy weeknight, look no further than this creamy chicken skillet with a twist. It’s packed with flavor and comes together in just one pan, making clean-up a breeze. With tender chicken, colorful veggies, and a rich cream sauce, this dish will leave everyone at the table happy and satisfied.
Why Make This Recipe
This creamy chicken skillet is not just tasty; it’s also incredibly simple to make. With ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, this dish is budget-friendly and perfect for busy families. It’s versatile too—serve it over rice, couscous, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Plus, the leftovers are just as good, making it a great option for meal prep!
How to Make Creamy Chicken Skillet with a Twist
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, to serve
Directions:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped chicken thighs, seasoning with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook until the chicken is golden and cooked through, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the sliced red onion and bell pepper. Sauté until they are softened.
- Add the minced garlic and chili flakes, stirring well.
- Pour in the chicken broth and deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom.
- Reduce the heat and stir in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt). Let it gently simmer for a few minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the creamy sauce. Heat through.
- Serve topped with fresh herbs.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Skillet with a Twist
This dish is best served hot, topped with fresh basil or parsley. You can pair it with rice, couscous, or crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. It’s a complete meal all in one skillet!
How to Store Creamy Chicken Skillet with a Twist
If you have leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen up the sauce.
Tips to Make Creamy Chicken Skillet with a Twist
- For a little extra crunch, consider adding some chopped nuts or seeds on top when serving.
- If you like more heat, increase the amount of chili flakes or add a splash of hot sauce.
- Feel free to mix in other vegetables such as spinach or zucchini for added nutrition.
Variation
You can easily switch up the protein in this recipe. Try using shrimp or tofu for a different taste. Additionally, swapping out the sour cream for a dairy-free alternative makes it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
Yes! Chicken breasts can be used. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it ahead and store it in the refrigerator. It tastes great even after a few days!
3. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with mushrooms or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian option while keeping everything else the same.
Enjoy this creamy chicken skillet with a twist as a weeknight wonder on your dinner table!