Creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken & Potato Skillet

Creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken & Potato Skillet is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 665 calories per serving. Recipe by Zach Coen on YouTube.

Prep: 13 min | Cook: 34 min | Total: 57 min

Cost: $9.02 total, $2.26 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (cut into bite‑size pieces)
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder (for seasoning chicken and potatoes)
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder (for seasoning chicken and potatoes)
  • 2 tbsp Cooking Oil (neutral oil such as canola or vegetable)
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (for sautéing potatoes)
  • 1.5 lb Potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes, cut into quarters then bite‑size pieces)
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt (for seasoning potatoes)
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning (blend of dried herbs)
  • 1 cup Low‑Sodium Chicken Broth (can use bouillon dissolved in water)
  • 1 cup Whole Milk (for the sauce slurry)
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)
  • 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
  • 1 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese (for topping each portion)
  • to taste Freshly Ground Black Pepper (optional seasoning)

Instructions

  1. Quarter the Potatoes

    Wash the potatoes and cut each into quarters.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Microwave to Soften

    Place the potato quarters in a microwave‑safe bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave on high for 3–4 minutes until just tender.

    Time: PT4M

  3. Cool and Dice

    Allow the potatoes to cool briefly, then cut them into bite‑size pieces and toss with 1 tsp salt.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Season the Chicken

    In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 tsp garlic powder and 1 tsp onion powder; mix until evenly coated.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Cook the Chicken

    Heat 1 tbsp cooking oil in the skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink in the center, about 8 minutes.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: medium-high

  6. Set Chicken Aside

    Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

    Time: PT0M

  7. Melt Butter and Add Oil

    Return the skillet to the stove over medium heat, add 2 tbsp butter and the remaining 1 tbsp cooking oil; melt the butter completely.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

  8. Sauté the Potatoes

    Add the diced potatoes to the skillet and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and tender, about 10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: medium

  9. Add Herbs and Spices

    Sprinkle the potatoes with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning; stir to combine.

    Time: PT1M

  10. Simmer with Broth

    Pour in 1 cup low‑sodium chicken broth, reduce heat to a gentle simmer, and cook for 2–3 minutes.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: simmer

  11. Prepare Milk Slurry

    In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup milk and 1 tbsp cornstarch until smooth.

    Time: PT2M

  12. Thicken the Sauce

    Stir the milk‑cornstarch slurry into the skillet; continue to simmer on low heat, stirring, until the sauce thickens and coats the potatoes, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: low

  13. Add Parmesan

    Mix in 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated.

    Time: PT1M

  14. Re‑Combine Chicken

    Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, toss to coat, and heat through for 2 minutes. Season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

    Time: PT2M

  15. Portion and Serve

    Divide the skillet mixture into 4 meal‑prep containers, sprinkle each with a handful of shredded Parmesan, and let cool before sealing.

    Time: PT3M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
665
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
33 g
Fat
10 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: High protein, Low calorie, Gluten‑free, Nut‑free

Allergens: Dairy, Milk

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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Creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken & Potato Skillet

Recipe by Zach Coen

A high‑protein, low‑calorie one‑pan meal perfect for meal‑prep. Tender chicken and bite‑size potatoes are coated in a rich Parmesan‑herb sauce that stays creamy all week long.

EasyAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
21m
Prep
30m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 1m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$9.02
Total cost
$2.26
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Microwaving potatoes until just tender
  • Cooking chicken until no longer pink (internal temp 165°F)
  • Sautéing potatoes to golden brown without burning
  • Thickening the sauce with a milk‑cornstarch slurry
  • Incorporating Parmesan for a smooth, creamy finish

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot skillet with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Steam from the microwaved potatoes can be very hot; lift the paper towel carefully.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of creamy Parmesan herb chicken and potato skillet in American comfort food cuisine?

A

The dish reflects classic American comfort food traditions, combining hearty potatoes with a creamy cheese‑based sauce. Parmesan‑infused sauces became popular in the mid‑20th century as a quick way to add richness without heavy cream.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chicken and potato skillet dishes in the United States?

A

In the Midwest, chicken and potatoes are often baked with a breadcrumb topping, while in the South, they may be seasoned with Cajun spices and cooked in a cast‑iron skillet. The Parmesan version adds an Italian‑American twist common in New York‑style home cooking.

cultural
Q

How is creamy Parmesan herb chicken and potato skillet traditionally served in American households?

A

It is typically served as a family dinner, either on its own or alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. Leftovers are commonly packed for lunch or reheated for a quick weeknight meal.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is creamy Parmesan herb chicken and potato skillet associated with in American culture?

A

While not tied to a specific holiday, the dish is popular for casual gatherings, potlucks, and meal‑prep for busy weekdays because it’s easy, filling, and budget‑friendly.

cultural
Q

How does creamy Parmesan herb chicken and potato skillet fit into the broader American comfort food tradition?

A

It embodies the comfort‑food hallmarks of simplicity, richness, and one‑pan convenience. The use of cheese, potatoes, and chicken mirrors classic dishes like chicken pot pie and cheesy casseroles.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for creamy Parmesan herb chicken and potato skillet versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include boneless chicken breast, Yukon Gold potatoes, butter, Parmesan cheese, and chicken broth. Substitutes can be turkey breast for chicken, sweet potatoes for potatoes, and Pecorino Romano for Parmesan, though flavor will vary slightly.

cultural
Q

What other American side dishes pair well with creamy Parmesan herb chicken and potato skillet?

A

A crisp green salad with vinaigrette, steamed broccoli, or roasted asparagus complement the richness of the skillet. A slice of crusty bread can also be used to soak up extra sauce.

cultural
Q

What makes creamy Parmesan herb chicken and potato skillet special or unique in American cuisine?

A

Its uniqueness lies in the quick microwave‑softening step for potatoes, which speeds up cooking while keeping the dish creamy without heavy cream. The Parmesan slurry creates a velvety sauce that coats each bite.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making creamy Parmesan herb chicken and potato skillet?

A

Common errors include overcooking the chicken, under‑softening the potatoes before sautéing, and adding the cornstarch slurry too quickly, which can cause lumps. Also, neglecting to season at each stage leads to a bland final dish.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a milk‑cornstarch slurry instead of heavy cream to thicken the sauce?

A

The slurry provides a lighter, lower‑fat thickening method while still delivering a creamy texture. It also prevents the sauce from becoming overly rich, keeping the dish suitable for a high‑protein, lower‑calorie meal‑prep plan.

technical
Q

Can I make creamy Parmesan herb chicken and potato skillet ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, portion the cooked skillet into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave, stirring halfway, or on the stovetop over low heat. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months and thaw before reheating.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Zach Coen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Zach Coen focuses on practical, budget‑friendly meal‑prep recipes that are high in protein and low in calories, often featuring simple one‑pan or quick‑cook techniques for busy lifestyles.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Zach Coen's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?

A

Zach Coen emphasizes nutrition‑focused meal prep, using cost‑effective ingredients and time‑saving tricks like microwaving potatoes. While many channels showcase elaborate plating, Zach keeps the process straightforward and geared toward everyday home cooks.

channel

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