Description
This creamy cheesy chicken skillet is packed with flavor and is an easy weeknight dinner option!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- 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.
- 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.
- Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to form a smooth roux.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Whisk in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- 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.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard and crushed red pepper flakes, then taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Return the seared chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet, turning the pieces to coat them in the cheese sauce.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Just before serving, sprinkle the chicken with chopped parsley and diced red bell pepper. Add a squeeze of lime juice for brightness if desired.
- Serve the chicken hot with plenty of cheese sauce spooned over the top and your favorite sides.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with rice or pasta.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables for extra nutrition.
- You can adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 150mg