If you are a fan of classic pasta Alfredo but are looking for a satisfying, gluten-free alternative that feels just as indulgent, this recipe is a game-changer. These Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Potatoes take the comforting flavors of a rich garlic-parmesan sauce and pair them with golden, crispy air-fried potato cubes.
This dish is the ultimate comfort food perfectly seasoned chicken and tender broccoli florets smothered in a velvety cheese sauce, served over a bed of potatoes that provide the perfect crunch in every bite.
Recipe Details
- Flavor Profile: Rich, cheesy, and heavy on the garlic and Italian herbs for a classic restaurant-style Alfredo taste.
- Textures: A combination of ultra-crispy potato exteriors and a smooth, creamy sauce with tender bites of chicken and broccoli.
- Total Time: Approximately 30–35 minutes.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; this recipe uses simple boiling, air-frying, and pan-searing techniques.
What You’ll Need
This recipe centers on lean chicken breast and fresh broccoli for a balanced meal. The “Alfredo” element is achieved using a clever combination of light cream cheese, parmesan, and reduced-fat cream to keep the sauce silky without being overly heavy. Crispy potatoes serve as the hearty base for the entire dish.
Ingredient Notes
- Potatoes – Using a medium-sized variety like Russet or Yukon Gold allows for the best contrast between a fluffy inside and a crispy outside.
- Light Cream Cheese – This provides the thick, creamy body of the sauce and adds a slight tang that balances the richness of the butter and parmesan.
- Broccoli – Boiling the florets separately ensures they are perfectly tender before being tossed into the creamy sauce.
- Grated Parmesan – This provides the essential salty, nutty flavor that defines a true Alfredo sauce.
- Italian Seasoning – A blend of dried herbs that gives the chicken a fragrant, savory crust when seared in the pan.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Vegetables – If you want to add more color, you can stir in some roasted red peppers or sautéed mushrooms along with the broccoli.
- Spice – For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red chili flakes can be added when frying the garlic and oregano.
- Seasoning – If you don’t have Italian seasoning, a mix of dried basil and rosemary works well for the chicken marinade.
How to Make Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Potatoes
1. Prepare and Air Fry the Potatoes Start off by cooking your potatoes. Cut them into small, uniform cubes and place them in a pot of boiling water for 4 minutes. Drain the water thoroughly, then toss the cubes with your preferred seasonings and a light coating of spray oil. Transfer them to the air fryer and cook for 20 minutes at 400°F until they are nice and crispy.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken While the potatoes are crisping up, dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Place the chicken in a bowl and toss with the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. You can then cook the chicken however you like, but frying it in a pan over medium-high heat until it is golden and cooked through provides the best flavor.
3. Boil the Broccoli Whilst the chicken is cooking, boil your broccoli florets in a separate pot until tender. Once cooked, drain the broccoli and add it directly into the pan with the chicken.
4. Create the Alfredo Sauce Now it is time for the sauce. Add the light butter to the pan with your chicken and broccoli, then stir in the crushed garlic and dried oregano. Fry these for about a minute until fragrant, then stir in the reduced-fat heavy cream, light cream cheese, and grated parmesan.
5. Simmer and Assemble Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and thickened. Once the broccoli is fully coated and the sauce is bubbling, remove from the heat.
6. Serve Sprinkle in some fresh parsley for a burst of color. Serve in deep bowls by placing the creamy chicken and broccoli mixture directly on top of the crispy air-fried potatoes.
Pro Tip: To ensure your potatoes stay as crispy as possible, do not toss them with the sauce in the pan. Instead, always pour the creamy chicken and broccoli over the potatoes right before serving so they maintain their crunch.
Recipe Tips
- The Potato Boil – Don’t skip the 4-minute par-boil. This step helps release surface starches, which is essential for getting that deep golden crunch in the air fryer.
- Sauce Consistency – If the sauce becomes too thick while simmering, you can add a tablespoon or two of the broccoli boiling water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Garlic Prep – Crushing the garlic rather than mincing it allows for a more mellow, infused garlic flavor throughout the butter base.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets. Simply boil them according to the package instructions before adding them to the chicken pan.
How do I reheat leftovers? Store the chicken and sauce separately from the potatoes if possible. Reheat the chicken and sauce in a pan with a splash of milk, and pop the potatoes back in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes to restore their crispness.
Is this recipe very high in fat? By using light cream cheese, light butter, and reduced-fat cream, this version is much lighter than a traditional Alfredo while still maintaining a rich, satisfying taste.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Salad – A simple side of mixed greens with a light lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the cheese sauce perfectly.
- Vegetable Skewers – Roasted zucchini or bell peppers make a great colorful addition to the meal.
- Fresh Herbs – Extra fresh basil or parsley on top adds a layer of brightness to the finished dish.
Make This Recipe in Advance
You can dice and season the chicken up to a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. The potatoes can also be cubed and kept in cold water for a few hours before you are ready to boil and air fry them. For the best experience, the Alfredo sauce should be made fresh just before serving to ensure it stays creamy and smooth.
Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Potatoes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 Bowls 1x
Description
These Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Potatoes are a gluten-free game-changer. Featuring rich garlic-parmesan sauce, tender chicken, and broccoli served over golden, crispy air-fried potato cubes, this dish offers the ultimate crunch and indulgence in every bite.
Ingredients
The Chicken & Potatoes
- 10.5 oz chicken breast, diced
- 14 oz potatoes, cubed
- 3.5 oz broccoli florets
- Chicken Seasoning: 1 tsp each: garlic powder, Italian seasoning, onion powder; salt and pepper to taste
The Alfredo Sauce
- 3.5 oz light cream cheese
- 1/4 cup reduced-fat heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons light butter
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes: Boil cubed potatoes for 4 mins, then drain. Toss with salt, pepper, and spray oil. Air fry at 400°F for 20 mins until golden.
Cook the Chicken: Toss diced chicken with seasonings. Pan-fry over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through.
Broccoli: Boil florets until tender, drain, and add to the chicken skillet.
Create the Sauce: Add butter, garlic, and oregano to the skillet. Sauté for 1 min. Stir in cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan.
Simmer & Assemble: Simmer until smooth and thick. Place crispy potatoes in a bowl and pour the alfredo mixture over them. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
The Crunch Factor: Pour the sauce over the potatoes at the very last second to keep them from getting soggy.
The Secret Boil: Par-boiling the potatoes for 4 minutes releases surface starches, which is essential for that restaurant-style crunch.
Sauce Consistency: Use a splash of broccoli water to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer / Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Bowl
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: chicken broccoli alfredo potatoes, healthy alfredo recipe, crispy air fryer potatoes, gluten free comfort food, 30 minute meals, lightened up alfredo, creamy chicken potato bowls
