Chicken With Cheese Sauce (Print)
Juicy chicken breasts topped with a creamy cheddar-Parmesan sauce—easy, comforting weeknight dinner for four.
# What You Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/2 teaspoon 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 freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken breasts for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
03 - Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove chicken from skillet and cover to keep warm.
04 - In a saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Add flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to form a smooth roux.
05 - Gradually pour in whole milk, whisking continuously until mixture is smooth and lightly thickened, about 2 to 3 minutes.
06 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard. Continue whisking until cheese is completely melted and sauce is velvety. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
07 - Place chicken breasts on serving plates. Spoon warm cheese sauce generously over each portion and serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The creamy cheese sauce transforms plain chicken into something that tastes like restaurant magic—no advanced skills needed.
- I never feel like I need to fuss with extra sides, because the sauce makes everything on the plate disappear fast.
02 -
- The first time I rushed the cheese sauce, I ended up with a lumpy mess, so remember—whisk patiently!
- Letting the chicken rest while finishing the sauce really makes it juicier and easier to slice.
03 -
- Shred your own cheese instead of buying pre-shredded for the smoothest sauce—store-bought shreds are coated and don’t melt as well.
- A pinch of smoked paprika or chopped fresh chives turns leftovers into something new.