Cheesy Chicken and Potato Bake Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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