Chicken With Cheese Sauce (Printable)
Seared chicken breasts topped with silky cheddar-Parmesan sauce—ready in 40 minutes for an easy, comforting dinner.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Cheese Sauce
05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
06 - 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
07 - 1 cup whole milk
08 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
09 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
11 - 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
12 - Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Pat chicken breasts dry and season evenly with salt and ground black pepper.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes until lightly browned.
03 - Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove chicken, place on a plate, and cover to keep warm.
04 - Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute to form a roux.
05 - Slowly add milk, whisking continuously to eliminate lumps. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
06 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in shredded cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard. Whisk until cheese has melted and sauce is smooth. Season with additional salt and black pepper as needed.
07 - Arrange baked chicken breasts on serving plates and pour warm cheese sauce over each portion. Serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The silky cheese sauce feels like a little kitchen magic trick you can pull off even on a weeknight.
- It always wins over picky eaters at my table—nobody can resist the creamy, bubbling top.
02 -
- If you rush the cheese into the hot sauce, it might split—add it off the heat for perfect silkiness.
- Browning the chicken properly makes the biggest flavor difference, so don&apost skip that step even if you&apost pressed for time.
03 -
- Take the pan off heat before stirring in the cheese for a sauce that stays creamy and won&apost clump.
- A sprinkle of smoked paprika at the very end gives a whisper of warmth that guests can&apost quite place.