Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken is a rich, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy garlic butter sauce and topped with melted cheese. This easy, one-pan meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and pairs well with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy, flavorful chicken coated in a creamy garlic butter sauce.
• Melted cheese adds extra richness and indulgence.
• Made in one pan for easy cleanup.
• Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
• Pairs well with various sides like pasta, mashed potatoes, or veggies.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Olive oil
• Unsalted butter
• Fresh garlic, minced

For the Sauce:

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Season the chicken: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

3. Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add liquids: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5. Melt the cheese: Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, cooking until smooth.

Step 3: Combine and Bake

6. Return the chicken: Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, coating it in the sauce.
7. Top with mozzarella: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the chicken.
8. Melt the cheese: Cover and cook for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for heat.
• Mushroom Addition: Sauté mushrooms with the garlic for extra depth.
• Bacon Lover’s Version: Crumble cooked bacon on top before serving.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve with steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
• Different Cheeses: Use provolone, Swiss, or Gouda instead of mozzarella.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to prevent drying.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and stay extra juicy.

What sides pair best with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables complement the flavors.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free butter, coconut milk instead of heavy cream, and vegan cheese.

How do I prevent the cheese from becoming too oily?

Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded, which contains anti-caking agents.

Can I bake this instead of cooking on the stovetop?

Yes, sear the chicken first, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes with the sauce and cheese.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Simmer the sauce for a few extra minutes, or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, cook the chicken and sauce separately, then reheat and melt the cheese before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and check your cheese ingredients.

Can I add vegetables to the skillet?

Yes, spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes make great additions.

What’s the best way to keep the chicken juicy?

Avoid overcooking and use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken is a quick, creamy, and flavorful meal that’s easy to make and packed with comforting flavors. With a rich garlic butter sauce, gooey melted cheese, and tender chicken, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home

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• Author: Mariem
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken is loaded with juicy chicken, rich garlic butter sauce, and melty cheese. A perfect weeknight dinner that’s full of flavor!

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large chicken breasts, diced
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Sauté chicken in butter over medium heat. Add garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden brown.
• Add heavy cream and let simmer for 2 minutes.
• Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
• Bake for 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

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Notes

• Use brown sugar for extra chewiness.
• Store in an airtight container for freshness.