Description of this recipe This Creamy Cheese Chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, delivering a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner option that’s both comforting and satisfying, sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. The chicken breasts are seasoned with a blend of spices, seared to golden perfection, and then bathed in a luscious, creamy cheese sauce. It’s an easy recipe that doesn’t compromise on taste, making it ideal for busy individuals and families alike.
Why you will love this recipe
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of seared chicken, creamy sauce, and melted cheeses creates a harmonious blend of flavors that’s simply irresistible.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
- Quick Dinner Option: Ready in under 45 minutes, it’s an excellent choice for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table fast.
- Versatile: The sauce can be customized with your favorite cheeses, spices, and herbs to create a unique flavor profile that suits your taste preferences.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: The creamy, cheesy sauce combined with tender chicken is the ultimate comfort food that will warm your heart and soul.
- Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults will love this recipe, making it a great option for family dinners and gatherings.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish can be easily made ahead of time and reheated, making it a great option for meal prepping and planning.
- Pairs Well with Everything: It goes well with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, vegetables, or even a simple salad, giving you plenty of options for sides.
Ingredients:
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½–2 lbs / 700–900g)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Creamy Cheese Sauce:
- ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar (or mozzarella/gouda blend)
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan
- Fresh parsley, chopped (garnish, optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is essential for achieving a good sear. Moisture on the surface of the chicken will prevent it from browning properly. Season both sides of each chicken breast generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure to distribute the spices evenly for consistent flavor.
Step 2: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Use a skillet large enough to accommodate all four chicken breasts without overcrowding. If you overcrowd the pan, the chicken will steam instead of sear. Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken; a hot skillet will help create a beautiful golden-brown crust.
Step 3: Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Sear them for 5–6 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. Searing the chicken not only adds flavor but also helps to seal in the juices, resulting in a more tender and succulent final product.
Step 4: Once the chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a plate and set it aside. Leaving the chicken to rest while you prepare the sauce allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful piece of meat.
Step 5: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chicken broth and Dijon mustard (if using) to the skillet. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These browned bits, also known as fond, are packed with flavor and will add depth to the sauce. The Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang that complements the richness of the cheese sauce.
Step 6: Stir in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and let it cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened. Be careful not to boil the sauce, as this can cause the cream to curdle. Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken to the perfect consistency.
Step 7: Lower the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar (or mozzarella/gouda blend) and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and silky. Stirring constantly prevents the cheese from clumping or burning.
Step 8: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or garlic powder to taste. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Remember that the cheese will add saltiness to the sauce, so taste it before adding more salt.
Step 9: Return the chicken breasts to the pan, along with any juices that have accumulated on the plate. Spoon the creamy cheese sauce generously over the chicken. Cover the skillet and simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to warm through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Step 10: Garnish with fresh parsley, chopped, if desired. Parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Serve the Creamy Cheese Chicken hot, over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or your favorite vegetables.
COOKING Rating: 5/5 Stars
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Pair with pasta, such as penne or fettuccine, for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Serve alongside mashed potatoes for a classic comfort food combination.
- Accompany with steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans, for a well-rounded meal.
- Serve with a fresh salad for a lighter option.
Tips:
- For an even thicker sauce, whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and add it to the sauce before adding the cheese.
- To prevent the cheese from clumping, shred it yourself instead of using pre-shredded cheese, which often contains cellulose to prevent caking.
- If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
- Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra flavor.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Fontina, or Monterey Jack.
- To make this dish even easier, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the sauce.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving) Calories: 550 kcal Protein: 50g Sodium: 800mg
Conclusion
This Creamy Cheese Chicken recipe is a winner for its simplicity, rich flavors, and versatility. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to share with family and friends, this recipe delivers on all fronts. The tender chicken, bathed in a luscious, creamy cheese sauce, is a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a truly delicious and satisfying meal.
5 Questions and Answers about this recipe:
- Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
- Absolutely! One of the great things about this recipe is that it’s very customizable. You can use any cheese or combination of cheeses that you enjoy. Gruyere, Fontina, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy Pepper Jack would all be delicious additions. Just be sure to use cheeses that melt well for the best results.
- Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
- If you’re looking to reduce the fat content or simply don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can use half-and-half as a substitute. However, keep in mind that the sauce will be less rich and creamy than if you use heavy cream. You could also try using a combination of milk and a thickening agent like cornstarch to achieve a similar consistency.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Yes, this recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the entire dish, including the chicken and sauce, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop until warmed through. This makes it a great option for meal prepping or for busy weeknights when you want a quick and easy dinner.
- What side dishes pair well with Creamy Cheese Chicken?
- The possibilities are endless! Creamy Cheese Chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Some popular options include rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. You could also serve it with crusty bread for dipping into the delicious sauce.
- How can I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?
- To prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy, it’s important to use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese, which often contains cellulose to prevent caking. Also, be sure to keep the heat on low while melting the cheese and stir continuously. Avoid boiling the sauce, as this can also cause the cheese to separate and become grainy.
