Cheesy Skillet Chicken and Potatoes

This Cheesy Skillet Chicken and Potatoes is a one-pan meal that’s pure comfort food. Tender, golden-brown potatoes and juicy chicken are cooked to perfection, then smothered in a rich, gooey cheese sauce. It’s a hearty, satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or feeding a hungry family with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Skillet Wonder – Everything cooks in one pan for easy cleanup.
Cheesy & Comforting – Melty cheddar and savory chicken make it a family favorite.
Satisfying & Filling – Packed with protein, carbs, and creamy goodness.
Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry and fridge staples.
Customizable – Add your favorite veggies, swap cheeses, or spice it up your way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken & Potatoes:

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 lb baby potatoes, halved or quartered
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning or thyme
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup milk (whole milk preferred)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup grated parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley or chives
• Crushed red pepper flakes for heat
• Extra shredded cheese for topping

Tools You’ll Need

• Large oven-safe skillet (cast iron preferred)
• Whisk
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Potatoes
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the halved potatoes, cut-side down.
Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and half the paprika.
Cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and fork-tender.
Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In the same skillet, add the diced chicken.
Season with onion powder, Italian seasoning, remaining paprika, salt, and pepper.
Sear for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is browned and cooked through.
Return potatoes to the skillet and toss to combine.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
Gradually add the milk while whisking until smooth.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and parmesan until fully melted.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the cheese sauce over the chicken and potatoes in the skillet.
Gently stir or toss to coat everything evenly.
Optional: Sprinkle with extra cheese and broil for 2–3 minutes for a bubbly, golden top.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Top with chopped parsley, chives, or a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
Serve straight from the skillet while warm and gooey.

Tips for the Best Cheesy Chicken and Potatoes
Use Chicken Thighs – They stay juicier than breasts and bring more flavor.
Cut Even Pieces – Uniform potato and chicken pieces cook more evenly.
Shred Your Own Cheese – It melts smoother and avoids anti-caking agents.
Add Veggies – Stir in cooked broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms for more nutrition.
Make it Spicy – Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne to the cheese sauce.

Serving Suggestions
With a Crisp Salad – A fresh side helps balance the richness.
Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up every cheesy bite.
As a Casserole – Transfer everything to a baking dish and broil for a crispy finish.
Meal Prep – Divide into containers for hearty lunches throughout the week.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing:
Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:
Microwave – Heat in 60-second intervals until warmed through.
Stovetop – Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
Oven – Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
Yes! Just cut them into small cubes and cook slightly longer until tender.

2. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely—zucchini, bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli all work well.

3. What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, gouda, or mozzarella also melt well.

4. Can I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter, dairy-free milk, and vegan cheese alternatives.

5. Is this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend in the cheese sauce to make the dish gluten-free.

Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Skillet Chicken and Potatoes recipe is the ultimate comfort meal—easy, hearty, and irresistibly cheesy. With just one pan and simple ingredients, it’s perfect for feeding your family or impressing guests on a busy night.
Make it once, and it’ll earn a permanent spot in your weeknight dinner rotation.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 430 | Protein: 33g | Carbohydrates: 22g | Fat: 25g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 490mg

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