Description
Easy Chicken Dinner with Cheese Sauce makes busy nights delicious! Enjoy this creamy, comforting recipe thats quick to prepare & always a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced thinly)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for searing)
- Creamy Sauce Essentials:
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 1.5 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
- Flavor Boosters:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Finishing Touches:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken:: First things first, let’s get that chicken ready. Slice your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin cutlets, about 1/2 inch thick. This helps them cook quickly and evenly. I sometimes pound them a bit with a meat mallet (or a rolling pin if I’m feeling rustic) to get them super tender. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Honestly, don’t be shy with the seasonings here, it really builds the flavor for this Easy Chicken Dinner with Cheese Sauce!
- Sear the Chicken:: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of butter or a swirl of olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You want a nice golden-brown sear, not a steam bath! Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through. I usually see a lovely golden crust forming, and the kitchen starts to smell absolutely amazing. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate; those delicious browned bits left in the pan? Don’t touch ’em!
- Start the Roux:: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter to the same skillet. Once melted, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour. Whisk, whisk, whisk! You want to cook this mixture, called a roux, for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it forms a pale, golden paste. It’ll smell a little nutty, a bit like toasted flour, which is a good thing! This step is crucial for a smooth sauce; I’ve definitely undercooked it before, and the sauce tasted floury. Oops!
- Whisk in the Milk:: Now, slowly, I mean slowly, pour in the milk while continuously whisking. This is where you prevent lumps, my friend! Keep whisking until the sauce starts to thicken and smooth out. It’ll go from thin to bubbly and creamy, and you’ll see it coating the back of your spoon. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush it! I always get a little excited here and pour too fast, leading to a lumpy mess, but hey, practice makes perfect for this Easy Chicken Dinner with Cheese Sauce.
- Add the Cheese:: Once your sauce is thick and happy, remove the skillet from the heat. This is important! Now, gradually stir in your freshly grated cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, until it’s completely melted and smooth. Stirring off the heat prevents the cheese from getting stringy or separating. The sauce will turn beautifully golden and incredibly luxurious. Taste and adjust seasonings – maybe a little more salt or pepper? This is your moment to make it perfect.
- Combine and Serve:: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into that glorious cheese sauce. Spoon some of that creamy sauce right over the top. Let it warm through for just a minute or two over very low heat. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and there you have it – your Easy Chicken Dinner with Cheese Sauce, ready to bring smiles to the table. The aroma alone is enough to make your stomach rumble, trust me!