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Chicken with Cheese Sauce


  • Author: Sally Roberts
  • Total Time: 40
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Chicken with Cheese Sauce is an easy dinner idea that turns simple chicken breasts into a cozy, restaurant-style meal with minimal effort. Juicy seared chicken simmers in a rich, garlicky three-cheese sauce that’s perfect for spooning over rice, pasta, or potatoes, making it one of those quick dinner ideas you’ll rely on again and again. This easy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, relaxed weekends, or whenever you need comforting food ideas that still feel special, and it fits right in with your favorite quick breakfast, easy dinner, healthy snack, and everyday breakfast ideas collection.


Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

2 cloves garlic minced

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1/4 cup diced red bell pepper

1 tablespoon lime juice optional


Instructions

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and sear for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until lightly golden. Transfer the chicken to a plate; it does not need to be fully cooked yet.

3. Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to form a smooth roux.

5. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

6. Whisk in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.

7. Lower the heat and add the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses a handful at a time, stirring until each addition is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

8. Stir in the Dijon mustard and crushed red pepper flakes, then taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

9. Return the seared chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet, turning the pieces to coat them in the cheese sauce.

10. Cover and simmer on low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

11. Just before serving, sprinkle the chicken with chopped parsley and diced red bell pepper. Add a squeeze of lime juice for brightness if desired.

12. Serve the chicken hot with plenty of cheese sauce spooned over the top and your favorite sides.

Notes

This recipe works with boneless skinless chicken thighs as well; just add a few extra minutes of simmer time until very tender.

For the smoothest cheese sauce, grate your cheeses from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese, and keep the heat low when you stir them in.

If the sauce becomes too thick, whisk in a splash of warm chicken broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency, then adjust the seasoning as needed.

  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 25
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with cheese sauce
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3
  • Sodium: 650
  • Fat: 28
  • Saturated Fat: 14
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 6
  • Fiber: 0
  • Protein: 44
  • Cholesterol: 150

Keywords: chicken with cheese sauce, creamy chicken, easy chicken dinner, quick dinner ideas, skillet chicken, low carb chicken recipe, comfort food ideas