Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Steak Bake with Creamy Mashed Potatoes is a hearty and satisfying dish that combines juicy chicken, seared steak, and velvety mashed potatoes, all smothered in a rich layer of melted cheese. This all-in-one meal is indulgent, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners or weekend comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a complete, crowd-pleasing meal that’s both rich and comforting. Here’s why it stands out:
Combines tender chicken and juicy steak in one dish
Creamy mashed potatoes serve as the perfect base
Cheddar and Parmesan melt into a golden, flavorful topping
Simple, everyday ingredients with big flavor
Easy to prepare, impressive to serve
Perfect for family dinners or special occasions
Can be prepped ahead and baked when ready
Customizable with different cheeses or seasonings
Comfort food at its finest
Balanced meal in one baking dish
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
steaks (sirloin or ribeye)
medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
shredded cheddar cheese
Parmesan cheese
garlic, minced
olive oil
butter
heavy cream
sour cream
salt and pepper, to taste
Italian seasoning
fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
directions
Preheat oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the mashed potatoes:
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the cubed potatoes. Boil for about 10 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain and return the potatoes to the pot.
Mash and season:
Mash the potatoes with butter, heavy cream, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Cook the meats:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts and steaks with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until fully cooked.
Cook steaks for 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on preference.
Set the cooked meat aside.
Assemble the bake:
In a baking dish, spread the mashed potatoes evenly as the bottom layer. Place the cooked chicken and steaks over the mashed potatoes.
Top with cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese over the meat. Add minced garlic over the top for added flavor.
Bake:
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and serve:
Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Servings and timing
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 600 kcal
Difficulty: Moderate
Variations
Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the mashed potatoes or meat seasoning.
Different cheeses: Use mozzarella, Gruyère, or a cheese blend for a new flavor.
Vegetable boost: Layer steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas between the potatoes and meat.
Herb infusion: Add chopped rosemary, thyme, or chives to the mashed potatoes for added aroma.
Cream cheese mash: Add cream cheese instead of sour cream for extra richness.
Single meat option: Use only chicken or steak for a simplified version.
Steak slices: Slice the steak before baking for easier serving.
BBQ twist: Brush meat with barbecue sauce before topping with cheese.
Panko topping: Sprinkle seasoned panko breadcrumbs over the cheese for a crunchy finish.
Garlic butter drizzle: Drizzle garlic butter over the meat before baking for extra flavor.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, cover and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes until hot.
Freezing is not recommended due to the dairy-rich mashed potatoes, which may separate when thawed.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked mashed potatoes?
Yes, you can use leftover mashed potatoes or store-bought for convenience.
What cut of steak is best?
Sirloin or ribeye are ideal for tenderness and flavor. Adjust cooking time for your preferred doneness.
Can I grill the meat instead?
Yes, grilling adds excellent flavor. Make sure it’s cooked through before assembling the bake.
How do I make this ahead?
Prepare all components ahead of time, assemble the dish, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Can I make this with ground beef?
Yes, cook and season ground beef as a substitute for steak if desired.
What size baking dish should I use?
An 8×8 or 9×13-inch baking dish works well, depending on how thick you want the layers.
Can I substitute sour cream?
Greek yogurt or cream cheese can be used instead of sour cream in the mashed potatoes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all ingredients used (especially cheese and seasonings) are certified gluten-free.
Can I cook the meat in the oven instead of the skillet?
Yes, bake the seasoned meat at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes until cooked through, then assemble.
What side dishes go well with this?
Serve with a green salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted asparagus for a balanced meal.
Conclusion
Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Steak Bake with Creamy Mashed Potatoes is the ultimate comfort dish that combines rich, savory flavors in a single, satisfying pan. With creamy potatoes, juicy meats, and bubbling cheese, it’s a warm and filling meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for company. Simple to prepare, endlessly customizable, and always a hit at the table.
[tasty-recipe id=”18809″]