Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Steak Bake with Cheesy Loaded Mashed Potatoes

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Steak Bake with Cheesy Loaded Mashed Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food feast. Combining tender cuts of chicken and steak with a cheesy, garlic-packed coating, paired with creamy, loaded mashed potatoes, this recipe makes for a rich and satisfying dinner. Ideal for gatherings or just a night in, it’s full of crowd-pleasing flavors. Read on for detailed instructions, tips, and FAQs that will ensure this dish turns out perfectly every time.

Ingredients

For the Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Steak

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 pound of steak (sirloin or ribeye, cut into thick strips)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Cheesy Loaded Mashed Potatoes

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Cheesy Loaded Mashed Potatoes

1. Boil the Potatoes: In a large pot, cover cubed potatoes with cold, salted water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook until potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Mash and Mix: Drain the potatoes and return to the pot or transfer to a large mixing bowl. Use a masher to create a smooth texture. Add sour cream, milk, and butter, mixing until creamy and well-blended.
3. Fold in the Cheesy Toppings: Add shredded cheddar cheese, bacon crumbles, and green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring until well combined.
4. Keep Warm: Cover the bowl with foil or keep in a warm oven (about 200°F) while you prepare the chicken and steak.

Sear the Steak and Chicken

1. Season the Meat: Generously season chicken breasts and steak strips with salt, pepper, and half of the minced garlic.
2. Sear the Steak: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Place steak strips in the skillet, searing each side for 2-3 minutes until browned. Transfer to a plate (steak does not need to be fully cooked yet).
3. Sear the Chicken: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden. Set aside.

Bake with Garlic Parmesan

1. Assemble in Baking Dish: Arrange the seared chicken breasts and steak strips in a single layer in a baking dish. Sprinkle remaining minced garlic evenly across the chicken and steak. Coat generously with grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Ensure the meat is fully cooked through.
3. Optional Broil: For a golden, crispy top, broil on high for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Serve and Garnish

1. Serve: Plate the chicken and steak alongside a generous scoop of cheesy loaded mashed potatoes.
2. Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the meat for a fresh touch. Serve immediately.

Tips for Success

• Selecting the Right Meat: Use a well-marbled steak such as ribeye for added flavor and tenderness, and opt for boneless chicken breasts to keep cooking times even.
• Enhance Creaminess in Potatoes: For an even smoother texture, try using Yukon Gold potatoes. Adding a splash of heavy cream in place of milk will make the mashed potatoes even creamier.
• Boost Garlic Flavor: If you’re a garlic lover, you can add more minced garlic or use garlic powder in the mashed potatoes as well.
• Timing is Key: To ensure your meal comes together seamlessly, start with the potatoes since they take the longest. While they boil, you can begin searing the chicken and steak.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make parts of this recipe in advance! Prepare the mashed potatoes a day ahead, store in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat on the stovetop or in the oven with a little extra milk to keep them creamy. The chicken and steak can be seasoned a few hours ahead for extra flavor, but they’re best cooked fresh to maintain texture.

2. What can I use if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?

If you’re out of Parmesan, Romano cheese is a good substitute with a similarly sharp flavor. Alternatively, shredded mozzarella or Gruyère will work for a milder taste and gooey texture, although it won’t have the same salty tang as Parmesan.

3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute plant-based sour cream, cheese, and butter in the mashed potatoes, and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for the chicken and steak bake. Plant-based oils like olive oil or coconut oil can replace butter in the searing process.

4. What side dishes go well with this recipe?

This meal is already rich and hearty, so lighter sides work best. A simple green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts are great complements. For an extra punch of freshness, consider adding lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over the steak and chicken.

5. Can I make this with only chicken or only steak?

Absolutely. If you prefer one over the other, feel free to double the chicken or steak and follow the same seasoning and cooking steps.

6. How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.

7. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, but for best results, freeze components separately. Freeze the cooked chicken and steak portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. For mashed potatoes, allow them to cool, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. When reheating, add a splash of milk to help restore creaminess.

Conclusion

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Steak Bake with Cheesy Loaded Mashed Potatoes is a meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. With its tender, garlic-infused meats and ultra-creamy potatoes loaded with cheese, bacon, and green onions, it’s the ultimate indulgence. The flavors of garlic and Parmesan add a savory depth, while the mashed potatoes add richness and comfort. It’s the perfect choice for those evenings when you want something a bit extra special, whether it’s for a family gathering, date night, or weekend dinner.

Easy to customize, dairy-free options, make-ahead tips, and pairing ideas make this recipe versatile and accessible. The steps are simple but yield impressive results, allowing you to enjoy the delicious balance of textures and flavors. With its mix of savory meats and cheesy potatoes, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Steak Bake is sure to become a favorite recipe for any comfort food lover. Enjoy!