Description
Cheesy Skillet Chicken with Roasted Potatoes
A one-pan wonder that’s cheesy, creamy, and absolutely irresistible! Perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 large chicken breasts
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
For the Potatoes:
3 cups baby potatoes, halved
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried rosemary
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Sauce:
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss baby potatoes with olive oil, dried rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking tray and roast for 20-25 minutes until golden and tender.
Cook the Chicken:
Season chicken breasts with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides (about 4-5 minutes per side). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
Assemble the Dish:
Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the cheese sauce over the top.
Arrange the roasted potatoes around the chicken in the skillet.
Finish and Serve:
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and place the skillet under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, cheesy delight!
A hearty, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress at the dinner table!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep & Roast: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss halved baby potatoes with oil and seasonings. Roast on a tray for 20-25 minutes until fork-tender. 2. Sear Chicken: While potatoes roast, season chicken breasts. Heat oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to a plate. 3. Create Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently. Reduce heat to low and whisk in cheeses until smooth. 4. Combine: Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the chicken. Add the roasted potatoes around the edges. 5. Final Broil: Sprinkle with parsley and place the skillet under a preheated broiler for 3-5 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
This rich dish pairs perfectly with simple, fresh sides to balance the meal. Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or steamed green beans or broccoli. For a heartier meal, crusty bread is excellent for soaking up the extra cheese sauce. A glass of chilled white wine, like Chardonnay, complements the creamy flavors beautifully.
How-to Summary
This one-pan meal involves roasting potatoes while pan-searing seasoned chicken breasts. A simple, creamy cheese sauce is made in the same skillet, then everything is combined and broiled until golden. The key steps are achieving a good sear on the chicken, letting the sauce simmer to thicken slightly, and using the broiler for a perfect finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, bone-in or boneless thighs work well. Adjust cooking time to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
How can I make the sauce lighter? Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, but heat it gently to prevent curdling. The sauce will be less thick.
My sauce is too thin. How do I thicken it? Let it simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce. You can also add a tablespoon of cream cheese or a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water).
Can I prepare any components ahead? You can season the chicken and cut/season the potatoes ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge. Roast the potatoes and proceed with the recipe when ready.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet? After making the sauce, transfer everything to a baking dish before placing it under the broiler.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Skillet: Sear chicken in batches if needed. Crowding steams the meat instead of creating a golden crust.
- High Heat for the Sauce: Use medium-low heat when adding cheese. Boiling can cause the sauce to break or become grainy.
- Underseasoning: Potatoes and chicken need ample seasoning. Taste the sauce before assembling and adjust.
- Skipping the Broiler Step: The brief broil is crucial for achieving that appetizing, bubbly, golden top.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Skillet Chicken with Roasted Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food that delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. By following the detailed steps and tips, you can avoid common pitfalls and create a restaurant-quality dish at home. It’s a reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. Enjoy the delicious results of this satisfying one-pan wonder.