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High Protein Creamy Garlic Cheesy Chicken Potatoes

Do you crave comforting, hearty meals that also pack a punch of protein? Look no further than this High Protein Creamy Garlic Cheesy Chicken Potatoes recipe. Bursting with flavors and creaminess, it makes for a dish that brings together the warmth of home-cooked meals and the nutrition you need. This recipe is sure to steal the show at your dinner table, satisfying both your taste buds and your hunger.

What Makes This Recipe Special

If you’re looking for a recipe that not only fills you up but also impresses, here’s why this dish stands out:

Creamy Goodness: A luxurious sauce envelops both chicken and potatoes, making every bite indulgent and satisfying.
Packed with Protein: With chicken and cheese as its main components, this dish is high in protein, making it great for muscle recovery and overall health.
Comfort Food at Its Best: It’s perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or when you just need to treat yourself.

Simple Way to Prepare High Protein Creamy Garlic Cheesy Chicken Potatoes

Let’s jump right into creating this sumptuous meal. With each step, you’ll realize just how easy it is to dish up a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

To make this delightful dish, you will need:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
8 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk, warmed
1 cup chicken broth
4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Prepare the Chicken
Begin by patting dry and cubing 2 lbs of chicken breasts. Toss them in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Once evenly coated, set aside to marinate slightly.
Prepare the Potatoes
Peel and cut the 2 lbs of Yukon Gold potatoes into ½-inch cubes. Rinse them in cold water, drain, and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, along with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper.
Mince Garlic
Take all 8 cloves of garlic and finely mince them to get that wonderful garlic aroma ready for your sauce.
Warm Milk & Prep Cheese
Gently warm 2 cups of whole milk in a saucepan on low heat. Soften and cube 4 oz of cream cheese. If you haven’t already, shred the sharp cheddar and grate the Parmesan cheese.
Sear Chicken
In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken cubes and sear them in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and cover it with foil to keep it warm.
Partially Cook Potatoes
You can choose your cooking method here:
- Skillet Sauté: In the same skillet, sauté the potatoes for 8-10 minutes until they are slightly softened and colored. Remove from the skillet.
- Par-Boil: Bring salted water to a rapid boil. Add potatoes and cook for roughly 5-7 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
Start the Roux
Using that same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add in your minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant — but remember to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
Build the Roux
Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes; you want to create a thick and pale golden paste known as a roux.
Whisk in Liquids
Gradually add the warm milk to your roux, whisking until smooth. It will begin to thicken. Slowly integrate 1 cup of chicken broth, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and begins gently bubbling.
Introduce the Cheeses
Turn the heat down to low. Begin whisking in your softened cream cheese cubes until they’re completely melted and incorporated into the sauce. Next, stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until everything forms a luxurious, gooey sauce.
Season the Sauce
Stir in ½ teaspoon of dried thyme and if you enjoy a bit of heat, add ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
Combine Ingredients
Gently add the seared chicken pieces and the partially cooked potatoes back into the skillet with your creamy sauce. Stir everything together to ensure all ingredients are completely coated in that delicious sauce.
Simmer to Perfection
Bring your mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Cover the skillet and let it cook for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want to ensure the chicken is cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and that the potatoes are fork-tender.
Final Touches & Serve
Once done, remove from heat. Garnish generously with ¼ cup of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor, then finish with an optional sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy every comforting bite.

Best Ways to Serve High Protein Creamy Garlic Cheesy Chicken Potatoes

Now that you have a delicious meal ready to go, let’s explore how to serve it. There’s nothing like a beautifully presented dish to elevate your dining experience.

Serve with a Side Salad: Pair your dish with a fresh green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette. The crunch of the vegetables complements the creamy texture beautifully.
Pair with Garlic Bread: If you’re a bread lover, there’s nothing quite like some crusty garlic bread. It’s perfect for soaking up that rich sauce.
Complementary Sides: Steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts would add a nutritious touch, balancing the richness of the dish.

Storage Tips for High Protein Creamy Garlic Cheesy Chicken Potatoes

If you find yourself with leftovers (which can be hard since this dish is so delicious), here are the best ways to store them:

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days at 40°F.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months.
Reheat: When ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to revive the creamy sauce if necessary.

Tips to Make High Protein Creamy Garlic Cheesy Chicken Potatoes

Here are a few quick tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time:

Key Tip: Always pat your chicken dry before seasoning. This helps achieve that golden-brown sear and enhances flavor.
Use Fresh Herbs: Incorporating fresh herbs can brighten the flavors—consider adding fresh thyme or basil for an aromatic twist.
Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the cooking time for both chicken and potatoes to maintain tenderness.

Variations or Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are a couple of ideas to consider:

Different Proteins: If chicken isn’t your preference, consider swapping it out for turkey or even diced sausage for a different flavor profile.
Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian adaptation, replace the chicken with extra veggies like mushrooms or chickpeas. Just ensure that the cheese used is vegetarian-friendly if that’s a concern.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before serving.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and offer a bit more flavor and moisture.

Q: How do I make it spicier?
A: To heat things up, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some diced jalapeños to the chicken while marinating.

This High Protein Creamy Garlic Cheesy Chicken Potatoes recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavor and comfort. So why not gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a plateful of happiness tonight? You’ll likely find yourself coming back to this recipe time and time again, whether for family dinners, special occasions, or simply to treat yourself to something delicious. Bon appétit!