If you’re looking for a high-protein, low-calorie comfort meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare, this Creamy Garlic Cheesy Chicken & Potatoes is your answer. This one-pan dinner combines juicy chicken breast, crispy seasoned potatoes, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce for a meal that’s both hearty and healthy. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or family meals, it delivers all the flavor without excess calories.
The secret to this dish is layering textures and flavors: tender, flavorful chicken; golden, crispy potatoes; and a luscious garlic-cheese sauce that binds everything together. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
Ingredients
Servings: 4
Total Time: 45 minutes
Chicken & Seasoning
- 1.75 lbs (800g) chicken breast, cubed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp mixed herbs (thyme, oregano, rosemary)
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp olive oil
Potatoes & Seasoning
- 1.75 lbs (800g) potatoes, cubed
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp mixed herbs
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 1 tsp paprika
Creamy Garlic Cheese Sauce
- ½ cup milk (any type, 120ml)
- 3.5 oz light cream cheese (100g)
- 1.4 oz grated Parmesan cheese (40g)
- 1.75 oz shredded mozzarella or low-fat cheese (50g)
Garnish
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Equipment
- Large deep pan or skillet
- Air fryer or oven
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowls
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, toss cubed chicken breast with minced garlic, onion powder, mixed herbs, chili flakes, paprika, salt, and olive oil until evenly coated. This seasoning blend ensures the chicken is bursting with flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large deep pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides. Reduce heat to medium-low to keep the chicken tender while you prepare the potatoes and sauce.
Step 3: Season and Cook the Potatoes
In a separate bowl, toss cubed potatoes with salt, garlic powder, mixed herbs, chili flakes, and paprika. Spray lightly with cooking spray if desired for extra crispiness.
- Air Fryer: Cook at 400°F for 18–20 minutes until crispy.
- Oven: Bake at 400°F for 20–23 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Crispy potatoes are key—they add texture and balance the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Cheese Sauce
Lower the heat on the chicken pan. Add milk and light cream cheese, stirring continuously until the cream cheese melts and the mixture is smooth.
Stir in grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, garlic, or mixed herbs as needed.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Potatoes
Gently fold in the crispy potatoes, ensuring each piece is coated with the creamy garlic cheese sauce. Cover the pan and cook on low heat for 4–5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to fully integrate.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Tips for Success
- Prevent Burning: Watch the potatoes carefully, especially in the air fryer.
- Avoid Curdling: Lower heat before adding milk and cream cheese to ensure a smooth sauce.
- Maintain Potato Texture: Gently fold the potatoes into the sauce to keep them crispy.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Cheese Variations: Use a mix of cheeses like provolone or Swiss for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (~1 portion)
Calories: 502 kcal
Protein: High (approx. 40–45g per serving)
Carbohydrates: Moderate from potatoes
Fat: Moderate, primarily from cheese and olive oil
High-Protein Creamy Garlic Cheesy Chicken & Potatoes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 portions
Description
High-protein, low-calorie one-pan meal featuring juicy chicken breast, crispy potatoes, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1.75 lbs chicken breast, cubed (800g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp mixed herbs
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1.75 lbs potatoes, cubed (800g)
- 1 tsp salt for potatoes
- 1 tsp garlic powder for potatoes
- 1 tsp mixed herbs for potatoes
- 1 tsp chili flakes for potatoes
- 1 tsp paprika for potatoes
- 0.5 cup milk (120ml)
- 3.5 oz light cream cheese (100g)
- 1.4 oz grated Parmesan cheese (40g)
- 1.75 oz shredded mozzarella (50g)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Toss cubed chicken with garlic, onion powder, herbs, chili flakes, paprika, salt, and olive oil until evenly coated.
- Heat a large deep pan over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 5-6 minutes until browned. Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Toss cubed potatoes with salt, garlic powder, herbs, chili flakes, and paprika.
- Cook potatoes in air fryer at 400°F for 18-20 minutes or oven at 400°F for 20-23 minutes until crispy.
- Lower chicken heat, add milk and cream cheese, stirring until smooth.
- Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Fold in crispy potatoes gently, coating with sauce. Cover pan 4-5 minutes on low heat.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Watch potatoes carefully to prevent burning.
- Lower heat before adding milk and cream cheese to prevent curdling.
- Handle potatoes gently when mixing to maintain crispiness.
- Perfect for meal prep – stores well in refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop & Oven/Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes! Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and extra fiber. Slice thinly for faster cooking.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Absolutely. Thighs are juicier and may need slightly longer cooking time.
3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes. Substitute cream cheese and cheeses with plant-based alternatives like cashew cream and vegan mozzarella.
4. Can I bake the chicken and potatoes together in the oven?
Yes. Roast chicken and seasoned potatoes on a sheet pan at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, then add the creamy sauce afterward.
5. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Store cooled portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Conclusion
The High-Protein Creamy Garlic Cheesy Chicken & Potatoes is a one-pan wonder that balances protein, flavor, and comfort. With crispy potatoes, juicy chicken, and creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, it’s a dish that pleases everyone at the table.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or cooking a special family dinner, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and full of protein-packed goodness. A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end elevates the presentation, making it just as appealing as it is delicious.