Easy Cheesy Skillet Chicken: A Simple & Delicious Weeknight Meal

Are you looking for a quick, easy, and satisfying weeknight dinner? Look no further than this Easy Cheesy Skillet Chicken recipe! It’s a one-pan wonder that’s packed with flavor, incredibly simple to make, and sure to be a family favorite. This dish features tender, juicy chicken breasts simmered in a creamy, cheesy sauce, all cooked in a single skillet for minimal cleanup. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is foolproof and will impress everyone at the dinner table.

## Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Skillet Chicken

* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **One-Pan Wonder:** Everything cooks in one skillet, meaning fewer dishes to wash. Hallelujah!
* **Kid-Friendly:** The cheesy sauce is a hit with kids of all ages.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.
* **Delicious:** The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melted cheese is simply irresistible.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:

* **Chicken Breasts:** 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons, for searing the chicken
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste, for seasoning the chicken
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced, for adding flavor to the sauce
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup, the base of the creamy sauce
* **Heavy Cream:** 1/2 cup, for richness and creaminess
* **Italian Seasoning:** 1 teaspoon, for adding herbaceous flavor
* **Shredded Italian Cheese Blend:** 1 cup (or mozzarella, provolone, parmesan), for the cheesy topping
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh parsley, chopped green onions, or red pepper flakes for a pop of color and flavor.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Skillet:** A 12-inch skillet is ideal for cooking the chicken and sauce.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** For prepping the chicken and garlic.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurately measuring the ingredients.
* **Tongs or Spatula:** For flipping the chicken and stirring the sauce.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own Easy Cheesy Skillet Chicken:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

* Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This will help them brown better.
* Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.

**Step 2: Sear the Chicken**

* Heat the olive oil in the large skillet over medium-high heat.
* Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook them in batches.
* Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and slightly cooked through. The internal temperature doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this point as they will continue to cook in the sauce.
* Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

**Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce**

* Reduce the heat to medium.
* Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
* Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds a lot of flavor to the sauce.
* Bring the broth to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it has slightly reduced.
* Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Bring the sauce back to a simmer and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.

**Step 4: Add the Chicken and Cheese**

* Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce.
* Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken breasts to coat them evenly.
* Sprinkle the shredded Italian cheese blend over the chicken and sauce.

**Step 5: Melt the Cheese and Finish Cooking**

* Cover the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* If you want the cheese to be extra melty and slightly browned, you can broil the skillet in the oven for 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.

**Step 6: Garnish and Serve**

* Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh parsley, chopped green onions, or red pepper flakes, if desired.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

* **Use Different Cheese:** Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, cheddar, or a combination of your favorites.
* **Add Vegetables:** Sauté some chopped vegetables like mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or spinach in the skillet before adding the garlic for a more complete meal.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
* **Make it Creamier:** For an even creamier sauce, add a tablespoon of cream cheese or mascarpone cheese.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary instead of Italian seasoning.
* **Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** Stir in some sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free, and this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
* **Pound the Chicken:** For quicker, more even cooking, you can pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before searing.
* **Marinate the Chicken:** Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) for extra flavor. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs works well.
* **Add a splash of white wine:** Add a splash of dry white wine after cooking the garlic and before adding the chicken broth for extra depth of flavor. Let it reduce slightly before proceeding.

## Serving Suggestions

This Easy Cheesy Skillet Chicken is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Pasta:** Serve over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.
* **Rice:** Serve with white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Serve with roasted broccoli, asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad is a refreshing side.
* **Bread:** Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

While this recipe is best served fresh, you can prepare some components ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights.

* **Prep the Chicken:** Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them with salt and pepper ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
* **Chop the Vegetables:** Chop any vegetables you plan to use ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Make the Sauce:** You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the sauce in the skillet before adding the chicken.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover Easy Cheesy Skillet Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the chicken in the skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to the skillet or microwave to prevent the chicken from drying out.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 40-50 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 5-10 grams

## Printable Recipe Card

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?**
A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They may take a little longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

**Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?**
A: Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

**Q: Can I make this recipe in the slow cooker?**
A: While it’s not ideal, you could adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Sear the chicken breasts first, then place them in the slow cooker with the sauce. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through. Add the cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

**Q: Can I freeze this recipe?**
A: Freezing is not recommended, as the sauce may separate upon thawing.

**Q: What kind of skillet should I use?**
A: A cast-iron skillet, stainless steel skillet, or oven-safe non-stick skillet will work well.

**Q: The sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?**
A: You can thicken the sauce by simmering it for a few more minutes, or by adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water).

**Q: The sauce is too thick. How can I thin it?**
A: You can thin the sauce by adding a little more chicken broth or heavy cream.

## Conclusion

This Easy Cheesy Skillet Chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for busy weeknights or any time you’re craving a comforting and delicious meal. With its simple ingredients, easy instructions, and customizable options, it’s a recipe you’ll make again and again. So, gather your ingredients, grab your skillet, and get ready to enjoy a cheesy, chicken-filled delight! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and let us know in the comments how you customized it to make it your own!