Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is the epitome of comfort food, delivering a deliciously creamy garlic sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken and golden potatoes. The combination of flavors is irresistible, and with a high protein content, it's an excellent choice for anyone looking to fuel up with a nutritious, satisfying meal. The balance of rich, savory, and cheesy flavors makes this dish a true crowd-pleaser, ideal for weeknights or a special dinner gathering.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup chicken broth
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
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Prepare the potatoes: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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Cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In the same skillet, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
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Make the creamy sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
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Combine the flavors: Add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with fresh thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
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Assemble the dish: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips. Return the potatoes to the skillet and stir them into the creamy sauce. Arrange the sliced chicken on top. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
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Serve and garnish: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 25 minutes
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Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
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Low-Carb: Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lower-carb version.
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Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give it some heat.
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Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for tofu or a hearty vegetable like eggplant for a vegetarian version.
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives for a dairy-free version of this creamy dish.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little bit of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be a great substitute for chicken breasts. They’re more flavorful and tender, so they would work well in this recipe.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can make the sauce and cook the potatoes ahead of time, but it’s best to add the chicken and combine everything just before serving to ensure the chicken stays juicy.
3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
4. How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some spice, sprinkle in red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or a bit of hot sauce to the creamy sauce.
5. Can I substitute the heavy cream for something lighter?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, but the sauce may not be as creamy.
6. How can I make the dish even creamier?
For a richer, creamier sauce, you can add more heavy cream or incorporate a bit of cream cheese into the sauce.
7. What can I serve this dish with?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or even some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
8. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes! You can experiment with different types of cheese like cheddar or gouda for a different flavor profile.
9. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the broth and other ingredients don’t contain any gluten.
10. Can I use frozen potatoes for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh potatoes for the best texture and flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, frozen diced potatoes can work as a substitute.
Conclusion
This High Protein Creamy Garlic Cheesy Chicken & Potatoes recipe is a perfect combination of creamy, cheesy goodness and tender chicken. It’s quick to prepare, customizable, and perfect for anyone looking for a deliciously satisfying meal packed with protein. Whether you stick to the original recipe or make your own variations, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your weekly meal rotation.
High Protein Creamy Garlic Cheesy Chicken & Potatoes
A hearty and flavorful meal combining tender chicken, creamy garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked potatoes, packed with protein for a filling dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In the same skillet, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with fresh thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips. Return the potatoes to the skillet and stir them into the creamy sauce. Arrange the sliced chicken on top. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a lower-carb version, replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets.
- Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to make the dish spicy.
- For a vegetarian version, swap chicken for tofu or eggplant.
- For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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