Introduction
Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken is the kind of dinner that instantly feels indulgent while still being incredibly easy to prepare. Juicy chicken is cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, then finished with melted cheese that brings everything together into one irresistible skillet meal. I often make this recipe when I want something comforting and full of flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. The aroma of garlic and butter alone is enough to make everyone hungry before the dish even hits the table. What makes this recipe especially satisfying is the balance between simplicity and richness. The garlic butter enhances the chicken without overpowering it, while the cheese adds a creamy, cozy finish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or even casual entertaining, Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken is a dependable recipe that delivers bold flavor and pure comfort in every bite.
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Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken – Rich, Savory, and Comfortingly Creamy
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken is a rich, savory dish made with tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy garlic butter sauce and topped with plenty of melted cheese—quick, comforting, and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken on both sides until golden; remove and set aside.
- Add butter to the skillet, then sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Bring sauce to a simmer, then add mozzarella and Parmesan; stir until melted and smooth.
- Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
- Cover and simmer 10–15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier version.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is quick, rich, and packed with flavor. It uses simple ingredients, comes together in one skillet, and delivers a creamy, cheesy dish that pairs well with many sides.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts or thighs
Chicken provides lean protein and stays juicy when cooked gently in butter sauce.
Unsalted butter
Butter creates the rich base of the sauce and carries the garlic flavor.
Garlic
Garlic adds bold aroma and savory depth to the dish.
Olive oil
Olive oil helps sear the chicken evenly without burning the butter.
Salt
Salt enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds mild warmth and balance.
Paprika
Paprika adds gentle color and subtle smoky notes.
Italian seasoning
Italian seasoning ties the flavors together with herbs.
Heavy cream
Heavy cream creates a smooth, creamy sauce.
Mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella melts beautifully and creates a cheesy finish.
Parmesan cheese
Parmesan adds savory depth and richness.
Fresh parsley
Parsley adds freshness and color before serving.
Directions
Begin by seasoning the chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden on both sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently, allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken slightly.
Reduce the heat and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer gently for a few minutes until everything is well coated and heated through. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 4 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, with a cooking time of 25 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
Variations and Customizations
Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken is easy to customize. You can add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra texture. Swap mozzarella for provolone or Monterey Jack for a different cheese profile. For a low-carb version, serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes or chili powder. This recipe also works well baked in the oven after searing the chicken.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish is high in protein and contains dairy. It is naturally gluten-free. Nutritional values vary depending on ingredients and portion size.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Use Low Heat for Garlic
This prevents bitterness.
Do Not Overcook Chicken
Juicy chicken keeps the dish tender.
Add Cheese Gradually
This ensures a smooth sauce.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs work very well and stay juicy.
Is this recipe very rich?
It is creamy but well balanced.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, reheat gently before serving.
What sides pair well with this?
Rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter, cream, and cheese alternatives.
Does it freeze well?
Freezing is not recommended due to the cream sauce.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, spinach and mushrooms are great options.
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes, flavors are mild and comforting.
Can I bake this instead?
Yes, finish it in the oven after searing.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer longer or add extra cheese.
Conclusion
Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken is a rich, comforting recipe that combines juicy chicken, buttery garlic flavor, and creamy melted cheese in one satisfying dish. Easy to prepare and endlessly comforting, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a cozy, flavorful meal that everyone will love.
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