
This high-protein creamy garlic cheesy chicken and potatoes is a one-pan dinner that satisfies every craving for cozy comfort food while supporting your fitness goals. The tender, juicy chicken paired with golden crispy potatoes and a lusciously creamy Parmesan sauce has turned even my pickiest family members into fans. It is tempting enough for a treat meal but fits right into a busy weeknight routine or a meal prep plan.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast: Cubed for a lean high-protein base choose firm pink cutlets with no excess moisture
- Fresh garlic cloves: Minced for bold flavor use firm unblemished cloves
- Onion powder: For depth and savoriness
- Mixed herbs: To add layers of flavor Italian blend or your favorite mix
- Chili flakes: For just a hint of heat
- Paprika: For smoky warmth seek out fresh spice for the most vibrant taste
- Salt: To balance and enhance flavors
- Olive oil: To keep the chicken juicy without heavy greasiness opt for extra-virgin
- Uncooked potatoes: Cubed for the perfect bite and crispy edges waxy types like Yukon Gold work well
- Cooking spray or olive oil: To crisp up potatoes without too much fat
- Milk: For the sauce any type works but whole milk gives added richness
- Light cream cheese: For creaminess without heaviness Philadelphia Lightest gives smooth results
- Grated Parmesan: For deep nutty savory flavor choose a block to grate fresh
- Shredded mozzarella: Any low fat cheese to make the topping irresistibly gooey
- Fresh parsley: For brightness and color look for vibrant green leaves
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Cube the potatoes into even pieces and season well with salt garlic powder mixed herbs chili flakes and paprika. Drizzle lightly with olive oil or spray with cooking spray and toss to coat. Spread in a single layer and cook in an air fryer at two hundred degrees Celsius or four hundred degrees Fahrenheit for eighteen to twenty minutes or bake in the oven for twenty to twenty three minutes until golden and crisp.
- Sauté the Chicken:
- While potatoes are cooking season the cubed chicken breast with salt onion powder mixed herbs chili flakes paprika and minced garlic. Heat olive oil in a deep nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sauté for five to six minutes stirring occasionally until just cooked through and lightly golden on the outside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Lower the skillet heat to medium low before adding milk and light cream cheese to the chicken. Stir slowly and constantly until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy with no lumps. Sprinkle in extra salt garlic powder and mixed herbs to suit your taste.
- Combine Everything:
- Add in the crispy cooked potatoes and toss gently to coat with the sauce. Scatter grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella over the top. Cover the pan and let sit for four to five minutes off the heat or until the cheese melts into a gooey layer.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle plenty of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor before serving.

Storage Tips
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce thickens as it sits, making this even better for meal prep. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave in short intervals, adding a splash of milk to revive the creaminess if needed. The potatoes may lose some crispness, but the flavor deepens as the dish rests.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap chicken breast for chicken thighs if you prefer richer flavor or juicier meat. Use any potatoes you love—sweet potatoes add a subtle caramel sweetness. For dairyfree, try coconut cream cheese and plant milk, using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Add spinach or kale for an extra veggie boost before layering on the cheese.
Serving Suggestions
This dish shines as a standalone main, but pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli. Serve it in bowls for cozy weeknight dinners or dress it up with extra herbs and a drizzle of olive oil for guests. Leftovers make excellent wraps for quick lunches.

Cultural Touch
This skillet recipe takes inspiration from classic comfort food fusing creamy sauces found in European kitchens with the efficiency of modern onepan dinners. The savory garlic cheese sauce echoes dishes I have tasted in Italian trattorias, now made easy and light enough for everyday home cooking.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I keep the chicken tender and juicy?
Use chicken breast cubes and sauté over medium heat until just cooked through. Avoid overcooking, and add milk with cream cheese on low heat to keep the chicken moist and tender.
- → What’s the best way to get potatoes crispy?
Toss potato cubes in seasoning and bake or air fry at high heat until golden. Using a little olive oil or cooking spray helps achieve maximum crispiness without drying out.
- → Can I use other cheeses besides Parmesan and mozzarella?
Yes, you can substitute with other low-fat cheeses like cheddar or provolone. However, Parmesan and mozzarella provide the best melt and flavor balance for this dish.
- → Is this dish suitable for meal prepping?
Absolutely! Store portions in airtight containers and reheat gently. The sauce stays creamy and the potatoes hold their texture well for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- → How can I make this dish lighter?
Use light cream cheese, low-fat cheese, and minimal oil or cooking spray. The high protein content still provides a satisfying and filling meal.
- → What herbs complement the garlic flavor?
Mixed herbs such as oregano, thyme, and parsley enhance the creamy garlic sauce and pair beautifully with the chicken and potatoes.