Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheesy Skillet Chicken & Potatoes is the kind of hearty, no-fuss dinner that quickly becomes a weeknight favorite. Everything cooks together in one pan, which means fewer dishes and deeper flavor as the chicken, potatoes, and seasonings mingle while cooking. The chicken stays juicy, the potatoes turn tender with crispy edges, and the melted cheese brings everything together into a comforting, satisfying meal. I have made this recipe on busy evenings when I needed something filling without spending hours in the kitchen, and it never disappoints. It feels rustic and cozy, yet polished enough to serve straight from the skillet at the table. If you enjoy simple ingredients transformed into a rich, family-friendly meal, this recipe is exactly what you need.
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Cheesy Skillet Chicken & Potatoes (One-Pan, Comforting, and Flavor-Packed)
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Cheesy Skillet Chicken & Potatoes is a hearty one-pan meal made with tender chicken, crispy potatoes, and melted cheese, perfect for a comforting and easy family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add potatoes, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender.
- Push potatoes to one side of the skillet and add chicken pieces.
- Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook chicken for 6–8 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
- Stir chicken and potatoes together evenly.
- Reduce heat to low and sprinkle cheese evenly over the skillet.
- Cover and cook for 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use a cast-iron skillet for best browning.
- Add bell peppers or onions for extra flavor.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken Breasts or Thighs
Chicken provides the main protein. Thighs stay extra juicy, while breasts offer a leaner option.
Baby Potatoes
Baby potatoes cook evenly and become tender on the inside with lightly crisp edges.
Olive Oil
Olive oil helps brown the chicken and potatoes while adding flavor.
Butter
Butter adds richness and enhances the overall flavor of the skillet.
Garlic
Garlic brings aromatic depth and savory warmth.
Onion
Onion adds mild sweetness and balances the richness of the cheese.
Paprika
Paprika adds color and gentle smoky warmth.
Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning provides herbaceous flavor that pairs well with chicken and potatoes.
Salt
Salt enhances all the flavors in the dish.
Black Pepper
Black pepper adds subtle heat and balance.
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese melts beautifully and adds bold, savory flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella adds stretch and creaminess, balancing the sharpness of cheddar.
Fresh Parsley
Parsley adds freshness and color just before serving.
Directions
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil and butter. Once hot, add the chicken seasoned with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Sear for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the potatoes and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Add onion and garlic and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.
Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the potatoes. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
Reduce the heat to low and sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the skillet. Cover and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve directly from the skillet.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: approximately 45 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying.
Variations and Customizations
This skillet meal is easy to adapt. You can add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra vegetables. I tested it with mushrooms, and they added great depth and texture.
For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese in place of cheddar.
You can also swap potatoes for sweet potatoes, adjusting cooking time slightly.
For extra richness, drizzle a small amount of cream into the skillet just before adding the cheese.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Approximate nutrition per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbs | 32 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 760 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Brown the Chicken First
This builds flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.
Cut Potatoes Evenly
Uniform pieces ensure even cooking.
Use a Covered Skillet
Trapping steam helps potatoes soften faster.
Add Cheese at the End
This prevents burning and keeps it creamy.
Rest Briefly Before Serving
This helps flavors settle.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, they work very well and stay especially juicy.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It is best fresh, but reheats well for leftovers.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar and mozzarella provide the best balance of flavor and melt.
Can I bake this instead?
Yes, transfer everything to an oven-safe skillet and bake at 190°C (375°F) until done.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free.
Conclusion
Cheesy Skillet Chicken & Potatoes is a comforting, one-pan meal that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Juicy chicken, tender potatoes, and melted cheese come together in a satisfying dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners. Simple, hearty, and endlessly adaptable, this recipe is one you will return to again and again.
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