Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe – Easy Comfort Food Dinner Idea
This chicken with cheese sauce recipe is a creamy and savory comfort food dish. Juicy chicken breasts are topped with rich melted cheese sauce, making it the perfect easy dinner idea for family meals or cozy nights in.
Equipment
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Cutting board & knife
- Measuring cups & spoons
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
For the cheese sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 oz cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat oil in skillet and sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and rest briefly.
- Make cheese sauce: In saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour to form a roux. Slowly add milk, whisking until smooth. Simmer until thickened.
- Add cheese: Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese until melted and velvety. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Combine: Pour cheese sauce over chicken or return chicken to skillet and coat with sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley or chives. Pair with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Chicken tip: Pound chicken evenly for consistent cooking.
- Sauce tip: Add cheese off the heat to prevent graininess.
- Cheese options: Mix cheeses for depth of flavor; sharp cheddar adds tang, mozzarella adds stretch.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid sauce separation.
- Variations: Add broccoli for a cheesy chicken casserole twist, or spice it up with jalapeños for a Tex-Mex version.