How to Make High Protein Creamy Garlic Cheesy Chicken & Potatoes

Are you craving a hearty, satisfying meal that’s packed with protein and flavor but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? You’re not alone! There’s something irresistible about the combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked potatoes all melded together with melty cheese. This High Protein Creamy Garlic Cheesy Chicken & Potatoes recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. It’s also one of those One-Pan High Protein Chicken Recipes that makes cleanup a breeze while providing the nutrition you need after a long day.

Ingredients & Kitchen Tools for High Protein Creamy Garlic Cheesy Chicken & Potatoes

For the Chicken:
– 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3-4 breasts)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste

For the Potatoes:
– 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved (red or gold work best)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or almond flour for low-carb option)
– 1.5 cups chicken broth
– ¾ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Fresh parsley for garnish

Kitchen Tools:
– 12-inch oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan
– Cutting board
– Sharp knife
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Whisk
– Tongs
– Instant-read meat thermometer (optional but recommended)

How Long Does High Protein Creamy Garlic Cheesy Chicken & Potatoes Take?

– Prep Time: 15 minutes
– Cook Time: 35 minutes
– Total Time: 50 minutes
– Servings: 4

This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners when you need something substantial but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Most of the cook time is hands-off, allowing you to help with homework or tackle other tasks while dinner cooks.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make High Protein Creamy Garlic Cheesy Chicken & Potatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season with paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Prepare the potatoes: Toss halved baby potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

4. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in your oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown (they’ll finish cooking in the oven). Remove and set aside.

5. Cook the potatoes: In the same pan, add the seasoned potatoes cut-side down. Cook for 5 minutes until they begin to brown. Stir occasionally.

6. Make the creamy garlic sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the pan with the potatoes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle flour over everything and stir for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Add heavy cream, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken.

7. Add the cheese: Stir in half of both cheeses until melted into the sauce.

8. Combine and bake: Return the High Protein Creamy Garlic Cheesy Chicken & Potatoes to the pan, nestling the chicken into the sauce among the potatoes. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Transfer to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature and potatoes are tender. Like many One-Pan High Protein Chicken Recipes, the flavors meld beautifully during baking.

9. Finish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutritional Benefits of High Protein Creamy Garlic Cheesy Chicken & Potatoes

This protein-packed dish offers numerous health benefits:
– High-quality protein from chicken (approximately 35g per serving)
– Potassium and vitamin C from potatoes
– Calcium from cheese
– Antioxidants from garlic and herbs
– Good source of energy from complex carbohydrates
– Healthy fats that help with nutrient absorption

Variations and Substitutions for High Protein Creamy Garlic Cheesy Chicken & Potatoes

– Swap chicken breasts for thighs for more flavor and moisture
– Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra nutrients
– Make it lower-carb by replacing potatoes with cauliflower florets
– Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter version
– Try different cheese combinations like Gruyère, fontina, or cheddar
– Add white wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor

Common Mistakes When Making High Protein Creamy Garlic Cheesy Chicken & Potatoes

– Overcrowding the pan, which prevents proper browning
– Cooking chicken on too high heat, causing tough exterior before interior cooks
– Not allowing the sauce to thicken before adding cheese
– Cutting into chicken immediately after cooking (let it rest!)
– Under-seasoning the dish (taste and adjust before baking)

Storage & Reheating Tips for High Protein Creamy Garlic Cheesy Chicken & Potatoes

– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
– For best reheating results, warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes
– Microwave individual portions at 70% power with a damp paper towel covering to prevent drying out
– Not recommended for freezing due to the cream-based sauce

Final Thoughts on High Protein Creamy Garlic Cheesy Chicken & Potatoes

This High Protein Creamy Garlic Cheesy Chicken & Potatoes recipe proves that comfort food can also be nutritious and simple to prepare. The combination of tender chicken, creamy garlic sauce, and cheesy potatoes creates a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. The beauty of One-Pan High Protein Chicken Recipes like this one is that they deliver maximum flavor with minimum cleanup. Give this recipe a try the next time you’re looking for a hearty, protein-packed meal that the whole family will love!

Frequently Asked Questions About High Protein Creamy Garlic Cheesy Chicken & Potatoes

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream, and use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternatives. The texture will be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious.

What sides pair well with this dish?
A simple green salad or steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans make perfect accompaniments to balance the richness of the dish.

Can I prep this ahead of time?
You can prepare the components separately (season chicken, chop ingredients) up to a day ahead, but it’s best to assemble and cook just before serving for optimal texture and flavor.

How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes, a diced jalapeño to the sauce, or a dash of hot sauce before serving. You could also add a sprinkle of cayenne to the chicken seasoning.

What’s the best way to check if the chicken is fully cooked?
Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part – the meat should be white with no pink and juices should run clear.