10-Minute One-Pan Creamy High-Protein Chicken: Your New Weeknight Hero!
Life moves fast, and often, so do our dinner plans! But what if you could whip up a genuinely delicious, incredibly satisfying, and super healthy meal in just 10 minutes? Impossible, you say? Think again! Our 10-Minute One-Pan Creamy High-Protein Chicken recipe is here to prove that quick, easy, and nutritious dinners are not just a dream.
This recipe is a true weeknight warrior, perfect for busy evenings when you want something homemade but are short on time. It’s packed with lean protein, fresh veggies, and a luscious, creamy sauce, all cooked in a single pan for minimal cleanup. Get ready to add this gem to your regular rotation!
Why You'll Love This 10-Minute One-Pan Chicken
- Blazing Fast: From start to finish, you're looking at just 10 minutes. Perfect for those "What's for dinner?" emergencies.
- High-Protein Power: Fuel your body with a generous serving of lean chicken, keeping you full and satisfied.
- Creamy & Delicious: A simple Greek yogurt or cream cheese base creates a rich, indulgent sauce without heavy creams.
- One-Pan Wonder: Say goodbye to a mountain of dishes! Everything cooks in a single pan.
- Customizable: Easily swap veggies or protein to suit your taste and what you have on hand.
Ingredients You'll Need
You'll be surprised how few ingredients it takes to create such a flavorful dish!
How to Make Your 10-Minute Creamy High-Protein Chicken
Follow these simple steps to culinary success:
- Step 1: Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast and cook until browned and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. While it cooks, ensure your chicken is diced into even, bite-sized pieces for quick and consistent cooking. A quality chef's knife makes this prep work a breeze!
- Step 2: Add broccoli florets and diced bell pepper to the pan. Season generously with garlic powder and smoked paprika. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender-crisp.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to low. Stir in 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or light cream cheese until a smooth, creamy sauce forms and beautifully coats the chicken and vegetables.
- Step 4: Sprinkle your desired amount of mozzarella or Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover the pan for 1-2 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a bubbly, irresistible layer.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately. Enjoy your effortless, incredibly tasty, and satisfying high-protein meal!
Tips for Success & Variations
Make it Your Own!
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the spices for a fiery kick.
- Veggie Swaps: Spinach, mushrooms, asparagus, or thinly sliced carrots can all work wonderfully. Add softer veggies towards the end of cooking.
- Herb Power: Fresh or dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or dill can elevate the flavor profile.
- Protein Alternatives: Diced turkey breast, shrimp, or even firm tofu can be used instead of chicken. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free cream cheese or a cashew-based cream alternative.
Common Questions About This Recipe
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about this speedy, satisfying meal.
Ready to Revolutionize Your Weeknights?
This 10-Minute One-Pan Creamy High-Protein Chicken isn't just a recipe; it's a lifestyle upgrade! It proves that you don't need hours in the kitchen to enjoy a healthy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying dinner. So grab your pan, gather your ingredients, and get ready to discover your new favorite quick meal!
Happy cooking!
FAQs
What makes this recipe high-protein?
This recipe is high in protein primarily due to the generous portion of chicken breast, which is a lean and excellent source of protein. Using Greek yogurt or light cream cheese also contributes a modest amount of protein compared to traditional heavy cream.
Can I use different vegetables in this one-pan chicken recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. You can easily swap broccoli and bell pepper for other quick-cooking vegetables like spinach (add at the very end), mushrooms, asparagus, or green beans. Just ensure they are cut into small pieces for even cooking in 10 minutes.
What's the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked through quickly?
For quick cooking, ensure your chicken breast is diced into small, even, bite-sized pieces. Cooking it over medium-high heat will help it brown and cook through efficiently. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can steam the chicken instead of searing it.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can! To make it dairy-free, substitute the Greek yogurt or light cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative or a cashew-based cream. Omit the mozzarella/Parmesan or use a dairy-free shredded cheese substitute.
10-Minute One-Pan Creamy High-Protein Chicken
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: High-Protein, Low-Carb
Description
A quick and incredibly delicious one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a luscious creamy sauce, all ready in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
1 cup diced chicken breast (or turkey)
½ cup broccoli florets
¼ cup diced bell pepper
1 tsp olive oil
garlic powder
smoked paprika
2 tbsp Greek yogurt or light cream cheese
mozzarella or parmesan cheese (for sprinkling)
Instructions
Step 1: Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast and cook until browned and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 2: Add broccoli florets and diced bell pepper to the pan. Season with garlic powder and smoked paprika. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender-crisp.
Step 3: Reduce heat to low. Stir in 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or light cream cheese until a creamy sauce forms and coats the chicken and vegetables.
Step 4: Sprinkle with mozzarella or parmesan cheese and cover the pan for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve immediately and enjoy your quick, high-protein meal!
Notes
For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Feel free to substitute chicken with turkey, or use other quick-cooking vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Leave a Reply