Cheesy Chicken and Potato Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Chicken and Potato Bake is a comforting, hearty dish that brings together tender chicken, crispy potatoes, and a rich cheese sauce. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines simple ingredients into a flavorful, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 lbs small red or Yukon gold potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, toss the chicken cubes and potato chunks with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until evenly coated.
2. Step 2: Spread the chicken and potatoes evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and chicken is cooked through.
3. Step 3: While the chicken and potatoes bake, prepare the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden, whisking constantly.
4. Step 4: Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
5. Step 5: Once the chicken and potatoes are done, pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
6. Step 6: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use baby potatoes whole for a different texture and presentation.
• Add steamed broccoli or green beans beneath the cheese sauce for extra veggies.
• Swap mozzarella for cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses for varied flavor.
• Use skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the sauce creamy and the potatoes tender. Avoid microwaving to prevent the sauce from separating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to a day before baking. Cover and refrigerate it, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.

Can I use frozen chicken or potatoes?

It is best to use fresh chicken and potatoes for even cooking. If using frozen, thaw completely before preparing to ensure proper texture and doneness.

Cheesy Chicken and Potato Bake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 92 reviews

This Cheesy Chicken and Potato Bake is a comforting and hearty one-dish meal featuring tender chunks of chicken breast and crispy potatoes baked in a rich and creamy cheese sauce, topped with mozzarella and Parmesan for a golden, bubbly finish. Perfect for a family dinner, this dish combines simple ingredients into a flavorful, satisfying casserole that’s easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Potatoes

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 lbs small red or Yukon gold potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Cheese Sauce

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash and cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until evenly coated.
2. Cook the Potatoes: Spread the seasoned potatoes evenly on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until they start to become tender but are not fully cooked through.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a roux and is slightly golden. Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
4. Combine Chicken, Potatoes, and Sauce: In a large baking dish, combine the partially roasted potatoes and raw cubed chicken. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top and stir gently to mix well.
5. Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked, potatoes are tender, and the top is bubbly and golden.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness, then let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• Use Yukon gold potatoes for a creamier texture, but red potatoes work well too for a firmer bite.
• Feel free to substitute mozzarella with cheddar or a blend of cheeses you prefer.
• Check the chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or fresh herbs to the seasoning mix.
• This dish can be prepared a day ahead and baked fresh before serving, making it perfect for meal prepping.

Keywords: cheesy chicken bake, chicken and potatoes casserole, oven baked chicken, cheesy potato bake, comfort food, family dinner recipe