Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe serves 4–6 people.
Chicken Base
- 500–600 g chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Creamy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk (warm)
- 1/2 cup cooking cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional but flavorful)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (optional for extra richness)
- Salt and pepper
Cheese Topping
- 1–2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup cheddar (optional for color)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Simple ingredients → big cheesy reward.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
This dish hits every comfort note:
- Chicken = protein + heartiness
- Cream sauce = smooth and cozy
- Cheese = gooey, stretchy topping
- Baking = golden, bubbly finish
It’s basically the chicken version of mac & cheese or lasagna vibes.
Creamy + cheesy + baked = always a win.
Choosing the Right Chicken
You can use:
Chicken breast
Lean and light
Chicken thighs
Juicier and more flavorful
Both work great.
Just cut into small bite-sized cubes so they cook quickly and evenly.
Small pieces = more sauce coverage = better flavor.
Cooking the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet.
Add:
- Chicken
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Italian seasoning
Cook until lightly golden.
Don’t overcook — it will finish cooking in the oven.
Remove chicken and set aside.
Sautéing the Vegetables
In the same pan add:
- Onion
- Garlic
- Bell pepper
Cook until soft and fragrant.
This step builds flavor at the base of the sauce.
Scrape up brown bits from the pan — that’s pure flavor gold.
Your kitchen will already smell amazing here 😄
Making the Creamy White Sauce
Now for the heart of the dish.
Step 1 – Roux
Add butter to the pan.
Once melted, add flour.
Stir 1–2 minutes.
This forms a roux and thickens the sauce.
Step 2 – Add liquids
Slowly whisk in warm milk and broth.
Keep stirring.
Step 3 – Thicken
Cook until sauce thickens and becomes silky.
Step 4 – Make it creamy
Add:
- Cream
- Cream cheese (optional)
Season with salt and pepper.
Now you have a rich, smooth, creamy sauce.
It should coat the back of a spoon.
Combining Everything
Add chicken back to the pan.
Stir to coat everything in sauce.
At this point it looks creamy and delicious already.
You could eat it now… but wait — cheese is coming 😍
Adding the Cheese Topping
Sprinkle:
- Mozzarella
- Cheddar
Cover the entire surface generously.
Don’t be shy.
More cheese = more happiness.
This is what creates that beautiful melted blanket like in your photo.
Baking to Golden Perfection
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Bake for 15–20 minutes.
Then broil for 2–3 minutes if you want golden spots.
Look for:
- Bubbling edges
- Fully melted cheese
- Slight golden color
That’s the perfect finish.
Super cheesy. Super tempting.
Resting Before Serving
Let rest 5–10 minutes.
This helps sauce thicken and prevents burning your mouth.
Trust me… molten cheese is dangerous 😂
Texture and Taste
Every bite gives you:
Top:
Stretchy, melted cheese
Middle:
Creamy sauce
Inside:
Tender juicy chicken
Flavor:
Rich, savory, buttery, cheesy comfort
It’s warm, cozy, and incredibly satisfying.
Perfect with bread or rice.
Serving Ideas
This dish pairs perfectly with:
- Rice
- Pasta
- Garlic bread
- Toasted baguette
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed vegetables
- Simple salad
Or honestly… just eat it straight from the pan 😄
No judgment here.
Flavor Variations
Want to change it up? Try these.
Mushroom version
Add sautéed mushrooms
Spinach
Add fresh spinach leaves
Mexican style
Add taco seasoning + pepper jack cheese
Broccoli chicken bake
Add cooked broccoli
Spicy
Add jalapeños or hot sauce
Pasta version
Mix with cooked pasta before baking
Same base, endless options.
Storage Tips
This recipe stores very well.
Fridge:
Up to 4 days
Freezer:
Up to 2 months
Reheat:
Microwave or oven
Pro tip:
Add splash of milk when reheating to keep creamy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Thin sauce
Cook longer to thicken
Overcooked chicken
Becomes dry
Too little seasoning
Tastes bland
Too much heat
Sauce can split
Not enough cheese
Less gooey texture
Follow the steps and you’ll get perfect results.
Why This Recipe Is So Good for Busy Days
Because it’s:
- One pan
- Quick prep
- Simple ingredients
- Family friendly
- Filling
- Reheats well
Basically weeknight dinner hero.
Minimal work, maximum comfort.
Final Thoughts
Some meals just feel like home. This creamy cheesy chicken skillet bake is exactly that kind of dish. Warm, rich, comforting, and incredibly satisfying, it’s the type of food everyone loves without question.