If you’re craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for company, the Cheesy Potato Chicken Bake has your name written all over it. Imagine golden potatoes and tender chicken nestled together beneath a bubbling layer of cheddar, all tied together with a creamy, herby sauce. This dish brings together the best of comfort food with a fresh, homemade touch, making it a must-try for anyone who loves the classic combo of cheese, chicken, and potatoes done just right.

Cheesy Potato Chicken Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Cheesy Potato Chicken Bake is there for a reason: to bring out layers of flavor, add a pop of color, or create that irresistibly melty texture everyone loves. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a helpful tip for each one to guarantee your bake turns out perfect every time.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 ½ lbs, cut into bite-sized pieces): Go for fresh, high-quality chicken for the juiciest, most flavorful results.
Baby potatoes (1 ½ lbs, quartered) or russet potatoes (diced): Baby potatoes add natural sweetness and hold their shape, but russets work if that’s what you have.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Tossing the potatoes in oil before roasting helps them get golden and crisp on the edges.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a mellow, savory depth that infuses every bite.
Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Balances the garlic and brings an extra savory note to the dish.
Paprika (1 teaspoon): Lends a touch of color and a gentle warmth—smoked paprika is especially delicious if you have it.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken and potatoes.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): A little spice to wake up all the other flavors.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups): The star of the show—sharp cheddar melts best and gives that signature cheesy pull.
Sour cream (½ cup): Makes the sauce extra creamy; Greek yogurt is a great substitute for a tangy twist.
Milk (½ cup): Loosens up the sauce just enough so it coats everything beautifully.
Dried thyme (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle, earthy aroma that pairs perfectly with chicken and potatoes.
Dried parsley (½ teaspoon): Gives a hint of color and a fresh, herby finish.
Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): For a salty, nutty kick that takes the cheesy factor to the next level.
Chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish, optional): Sprinkle on top just before serving for a burst of freshness and color.

How to Make Cheesy Potato Chicken Bake

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step ensures nothing sticks and you get that lovely golden bottom on your potatoes and chicken. It’s a small effort that pays off big time in the final result!

Step 2: Season and Roast the Potatoes

In a large bowl, toss your quartered potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece is well-coated for maximum flavor. Spread the potatoes out evenly in your prepared dish and pop them in the oven for 20 minutes. This gives them a head start so they come out tender and perfectly roasted.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

While the potatoes are roasting, season your chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and pepper. This simple step makes sure the chicken is flavorful all the way through and not just on the outside.

Step 4: Layer on the Chicken

After 20 minutes, take the baking dish out, give the potatoes a quick stir, and scatter the seasoned chicken pieces right on top. This keeps everything evenly cooked, and the chicken juices will flavor the potatoes as they bake together.

Step 5: Mix the Cheesy Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, milk, shredded cheddar, thyme, parsley, and Parmesan. This mixture is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with herby goodness. Pour it evenly over the chicken and potatoes so every bite gets a little bit of sauce.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Return the whole dish to the oven and bake for another 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the top is beautifully golden and bubbling. The aroma will fill your kitchen and you’ll know it’s ready when it looks irresistibly cheesy and everything is fork-tender.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

As soon as it comes out of the oven, sprinkle with chopped green onions or parsley if you like. The fresh herbs add a pop of color and a little freshness to balance all that melty cheese.

How to Serve Cheesy Potato Chicken Bake

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh parsley takes your Cheesy Potato Chicken Bake from homey to restaurant-worthy. Not only do these garnishes add a lovely burst of color, but they also provide a fresh, bright flavor that balances out the richness of the dish.

Side Dishes

This bake is hearty enough to stand on its own, but a crisp green salad or some steamed broccoli on the side never hurts. The fresh crunch and lightness of the veggies complement the creamy, cheesy main perfectly, turning your meal into a feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Cheesy Potato Chicken Bake in individual ramekins for dinner parties or potlucks, or scoop it onto a toasted piece of sourdough for a comfort-food open-faced sandwich. Don’t be afraid to get creative with how you plate—it’s all about making it special for you and your guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Potato Chicken Bake keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to lock in all that flavor and moisture. It’s even better the next day as the flavors have extra time to mingle.

Freezing

You can freeze this bake for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then wrap portions tightly in foil or use freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture as fresh as possible.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your Cheesy Potato Chicken Bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover and heat in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and add a richer flavor to your Cheesy Potato Chicken Bake. Just make sure to trim any excess fat and cut them into bite-sized pieces.

What kind of potatoes work best?

Baby potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape and add a touch of sweetness, but russet potatoes are a great substitute. Just peel and dice them into even pieces for even cooking.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Broccoli florets, spinach, or even bell peppers mix in seamlessly. Just add them with the chicken so they cook evenly and soak up the creamy, cheesy sauce.

Is there a lighter version of this recipe?

For a lighter Cheesy Potato Chicken Bake, swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt, use reduced-fat cheese, and add extra veggies. It still tastes indulgent but is a bit lighter on the calories.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it’s no longer pink in the center and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The top should be golden and bubbly, and the potatoes should be fork-tender.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Potato Chicken Bake is pure comfort in a pan, and it’s always a hit at my table. Give it a try—you’ll love how easy it is to put together and how satisfying every cheesy, creamy bite tastes. Let this dish become your new go-to for cozy nights and happy gatherings!

Cheesy Potato Chicken Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and satisfying Cheesy Potato Chicken Bake featuring tender chicken, seasoned baby potatoes, and a creamy blend of cheddar, sour cream, and fragrant herbs baked to golden perfection. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Potatoes

1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 ½ lbs baby potatoes, quartered (or russet potatoes, diced)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Cheese Sauce

1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup sour cream
½ cup milk
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried parsley
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

Chopped green onions or parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Season Potatoes: In a large bowl, combine the quartered baby potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated with the seasoning.
Bake Potatoes: Spread the seasoned potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes to begin cooking and softening the potatoes.
Season Chicken: While the potatoes bake, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and black pepper to enhance their flavor.
Add Chicken to Potatoes: After 20 minutes, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Stir the potatoes gently to mix them up, then spread the seasoned chicken pieces evenly over the top of the potatoes.
Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, dried thyme, dried parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined and creamy.
Pour Cheese Mixture: Pour the cheese and herb mixture evenly over the chicken and potatoes in the baking dish, making sure the ingredients are well covered.
Bake Until Done: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25–30 minutes. Bake until the chicken is cooked through and the top is golden and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangier flavor.
Add broccoli or spinach to the dish for a nutritious vegetable boost.
This recipe is great for meal prep and works well as leftovers, easily reheated.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American