Chicken with Potatoes in Cheese Sauce Recipe

Creamy Chicken with Potatoes in Cheese Sauce Recipe

Creamy cheese sauce can elevate ordinary chicken with potatoes into a mouthwatering comfort meal that surprises you.

My kitchen experiments often lead to unexpected delights like this cheesy creation.

Rich, velvety textures blend perfectly with tender chicken pieces and golden potato chunks.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet impressive recipes that satisfy hunger and spark joy.

Mediterranean ingredients add depth and complexity to this straightforward dish.

Each forkful promises a delightful combination of melted cheese, herbs, and savory protein.

Dive into this easy recipe that will become your new favorite family meal.

What Makes Chicken with Potatoes in Cheese Sauce So Tasty

  • Conquer Weeknight Dinners: A single-pan marvel that transforms ordinary chicken and potatoes into a creamy, comforting meal with minimal kitchen cleanup.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Rich cheese sauce and perfectly seasoned chicken create a delicious dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a stress-free experience.
  • Master Beginner-Friendly Cooking: Simple step-by-step instructions ensure success for novice cooks, with basic ingredients and straightforward techniques that guarantee a delectable result every time.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Easily swap cheeses or add herbs to personalize the recipe, making it adaptable to different taste preferences and pantry ingredients.

Ingredients Required for Chicken with Potatoes in Cheese Sauce

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: The primary protein source that provides a lean and tender base for this comforting dish.
Dairy Components:
  • Butter, Milk, Cheddar Cheese: These ingredients create a rich and creamy cheese sauce that adds depth and flavor to the chicken and potatoes.
Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Salt, Pepper, Flour: Salt and pepper enhance the overall taste, while flour helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth, velvety texture.
Side Ingredient:
  • Potatoes: A classic side that absorbs the cheese sauce and provides a hearty and satisfying accompaniment to the chicken.

Preparation Steps for Chicken with Potatoes in Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F to get ready for some delicious cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Sprinkle salt and pepper all over the chicken breasts, giving them a flavor boost before their cheesy adventure.

Step 3: Create the Magical Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour until you’ve got a smooth base. Slowly pour in milk, stirring constantly until the mixture transforms into a creamy, thick sauce.

Step 4: Add Cheesy Goodness

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, watching it melt and blend into a luxurious, golden sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 5: Arrange in Baking Dish

Nestle the chicken breasts in a baking dish, surrounding them with diced potatoes for a complete meal.

Step 6: Drench in Cheese Sauce

Pour the dreamy cheese sauce all over the chicken and potatoes, making sure everything gets a generous coating.

Step 7: First Baking Phase

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Let it bake for 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and the chicken to cook gently.

Step 8: Final Crispy Touch

Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for another 15 minutes. This will help the top get golden and slightly crispy.

Step 9: Check for Doneness

Ensure the chicken is fully cooked through and the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 10: Serve and Devour

Pull the dish out of the oven and get ready to enjoy a comforting, cheesy chicken and potato masterpiece straight from your kitchen!

Tips to Enhance Chicken with Potatoes in Cheese Sauce

  • Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of similar size for even cooking.
  • Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese instead of pre-packaged for better melting and richer flavor.
  • Lower sodium options include using low-fat milk and reduced-salt cheese varieties.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a crispy exterior and prevent excess moisture.
  • Enhance the dish by adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the cheese sauce for extra depth of flavor.

Alternative Versions of Chicken with Potatoes in Cheese Sauce

  • Spicy Southwest Fusion: Add jalapeños, chili powder, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
  • Mediterranean Herb Blend: Incorporate oregano, thyme, and feta cheese with a sprinkle of black olives for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Smoky Bacon Upgrade: Crumble crispy bacon over the dish and use smoked gouda instead of cheddar for a rich, smoky flavor profile.
  • Lean Green Version: Mix in roasted broccoli florets, use low-fat milk, and add spinach for a nutritious, vegetable-packed alternative.

Pairing Recommendations for Chicken with Potatoes in Cheese Sauce

  • Pair with Fresh Green Salad: Crisp mixed greens with a light vinaigrette will cut through the richness of the cheesy chicken and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Complement with Chardonnay: A buttery, medium-bodied white wine matches perfectly with the creamy cheese sauce and enhances the chicken's delicate flavor.
  • Serve with Crusty Bread: Warm, rustic bread helps soak up the extra cheese sauce and adds a delightful textural element to the meal.
  • Add Roasted Asparagus: Tender roasted asparagus spears bring a subtle earthiness and green vegetable nutrition to balance the hearty main dish.

Best Practices for Storing Chicken with Potatoes in Cheese Sauce

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Cool the dish completely, then place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Label with the date and store for up to 2 months.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Place leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying.

Common Queries About Chicken with Potatoes in Cheese Sauce

  • What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Cheddar cheese is recommended for its sharp, rich flavor, but you can also use Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for variety.

  • Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and proper temperature throughout the dish.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time and reheat it in the oven, maintaining its creamy texture and delicious flavor.

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Chicken with Potatoes in Cheese Sauce Recipe

Chicken with Potatoes in Cheese Sauce Recipe


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4.7 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 75 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy chicken with potatoes cheese sauce delivers comfort straight from homestyle kitchens, blending rich flavors and simple ingredients. Hearty Mediterranean-inspired dish promises warmth and satisfaction you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 chicken breasts

Starch:

  • 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced

Dairy and Seasonings:

  • 1 cup (237 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (237 milliliters) milk
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) all-purpose flour
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 375F (190C), preparing a spacious baking dish for the meal.
  2. Season chicken thoroughly with salt and pepper, positioning pieces centrally in the dish.
  3. Create a smooth cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisking flour until no lumps remain.
  4. Slowly incorporate milk into the butter-flour mixture, stirring continuously until the sauce reaches a creamy, thick consistency.
  5. Integrate shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and uniformly blended.
  6. Distribute diced potatoes evenly around the seasoned chicken in the baking dish.
  7. Generously cascade the warm cheese sauce over chicken and potatoes, ensuring complete coverage.
  8. Shield the dish with aluminum foil, then bake for 45 minutes to allow flavors to meld and ingredients to cook gradually.
  9. Uncover the dish, return to oven for an additional 15 minutes to achieve a golden top and ensure chicken is fully cooked through with potatoes becoming tender and crisp-edged.
  10. Allow the dish to rest briefly before serving, presenting a bubbling, aromatic meal straight from the oven.

Notes

  • Choose low-fat cheese or Greek yogurt to reduce calories and create a healthier version of this creamy dish.
  • Swap chicken breasts with boneless, skinless thighs for more moisture and richer flavor if preferred.
  • Cut potatoes into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the baking process.
  • Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the cheese sauce for an extra layer of aromatic complexity and depth of flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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