Nothing beats the satisfaction of a skillet dinner that delivers both comfort and serious nutrition. This protein-packed chicken and potato dish has become my family’s weeknight savior when we need something hearty that actually supports our fitness goals.
The magic happens when tender chicken pieces meet perfectly seasoned potatoes in a rich, garlicky cream sauce that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. With nearly 2 pounds of lean chicken breast, this meal packs an impressive protein punch while tasting like pure indulgence. Best part? Everything cooks in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze. In just under an hour, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy dinner that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Protein-Packed Garlic Cream Chicken Skillet
When I make this dish, I always ensure my cream cheese sits at room temperature for at least 30 minutes beforehand. Trust me on this – it’s the secret to avoiding those annoying lumps that can ruin a perfectly smooth sauce.
- 1¾ lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, diced into 1-inch pieces
- 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped – Fresh garlic makes all the difference here
- 1½ tsp granulated onion powder
- 1 tbsp dried Italian herb blend
- 1½ tsp crushed red pepper – I typically go lighter for kids and add more at the table
- 1½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1½ tsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp avocado oil – My preference for high-heat cooking
- 1¾ lbs baby potatoes, quartered
- 1½ tbsp granulated garlic powder
- ½ cup 2% milk
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 oz fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano, finely grated – In my experience, freshly grated melts better
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
I always recommend allowing the seasoned chicken to marinate for the full resting time – those extra minutes really let the flavors penetrate the meat.
Step 1: Dice chicken into consistent 1-inch cubes and quarter the baby potatoes. Combine chicken with onion powder, Italian herbs, crushed red pepper, paprika, and sea salt in a bowl. Allow to rest 10 minutes while preparing other ingredients.
Step 2: Heat avocado oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and sear 7-9 minutes until deeply golden and cooked through to 165°F internal temperature. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Add quartered potatoes to the same skillet, using the flavorful fond left behind. Cook 14-16 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and beautifully caramelized.
Step 4: Add chopped garlic to the potatoes and sauté for 60 seconds until aromatic. Be careful not to let it brown and become bitter.
Step 5: Lower heat to medium-low and pour in milk along with the softened cream cheese and garlic powder. Whisk continuously until the mixture becomes silky smooth, approximately 4-5 minutes.
Step 6: Fold the seared chicken back into the skillet with the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. Gently combine until everything is heated through and the cheese has melted completely. Season to taste before serving.
Perfect Pairings for Garlic Cream Chicken Skillet
This creamy, indulgent main course benefits from bright, fresh accompaniments that provide textural contrast and help balance the richness.
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad: The tangy, fresh Mediterranean flavors and additional plant-based protein create a perfect counterpoint to our rich main dish.
Crisp Green Salad: A simple mix of fresh greens with a light vinaigrette cuts through the creamy sauce beautifully while adding essential nutrients.
High-Protein Cottage Cheese Flatbread: This protein-rich bread is ideal for sopping up every bit of that delicious garlic cream sauce.
Savory Breakfast Waffles: Perfect for those times when you want to serve this as a hearty brunch option with a twist.
Buttered Artisan Rolls: Fresh bakery rolls provide the perfect vehicle for enjoying every drop of that incredible sauce.
Storage & Reheating Guidelines
Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Properly stored, it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For best results when reheating, use gentle heat settings and add a tablespoon of milk to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. Microwave at 60% power in 45-second intervals, stirring between each heating cycle.
This recipe doubles beautifully for meal prep. I often make a large batch and portion it into freezer-safe containers where it keeps for up to 3 months. The flavors actually develop and improve after a day in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
This Protein-Packed Garlic Cream Chicken Skillet proves that nutritious meals can be every bit as satisfying as comfort food classics. With over 40 grams of high-quality protein per serving and flavors that rival any restaurant dish, it’s become a regular rotation recipe in our house. The combination of perfectly seasoned chicken, tender potatoes, and that irresistible garlic cream sauce makes this a winner every single time.
Protein-Packed Garlic Cream Chicken and Potato Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Dice chicken into 1-inch cubes and quarter baby potatoes. Season chicken with onion powder, Italian herbs, crushed red pepper, paprika, and salt. Rest 10 minutes.
- Heat avocado oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear seasoned chicken 7-9 minutes until golden and 165°F internal temperature. Remove to plate.
- Add quartered potatoes to same skillet. Cook 14-16 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fork-tender and caramelized.
- Add chopped garlic to potatoes and sauté 60 seconds until aromatic. Don’t let it brown.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add milk, softened cream cheese, and garlic powder. Whisk continuously until silky smooth, 4-5 minutes.
- Return chicken to skillet with grated cheese. Fold gently until heated through and cheese melted. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Notes
