Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken

Are you ready for a dinner that’s so decadent, so comforting, and so full of flavor that it might just become your new weeknight obsession? Say hello to Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken! It’s exactly what it sounds like: juicy, tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce and topped with a layer of melty, gooey cheese. Every bite is an explosion of savory goodness that will make your taste buds sing. Trust me, this one’s a keeper.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken

Here’s why this recipe is an absolute winner:

• Creamy & Decadent: The garlic butter sauce is rich, buttery, and oh-so-flavorful. Add cheese on top, and you have a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that’ll make anyone at the table swoon.
• Quick & Easy: Even though it tastes fancy, this dish is surprisingly simple and quick to make. You can have this on the table in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or when you just need something delicious in a hurry.
• One-Pan Wonder: No need to fuss with multiple dishes. This recipe is cooked all in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze.
• Customizable: You can make this your own by adjusting the seasonings. If you love a bit of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes. Want extra depth of flavor? Try adding a splash of white wine to the garlic butter sauce.
• Comfort Food with Class: It’s comforting enough for a cozy dinner at home, but fancy enough to impress guests. This dish is the perfect combination of indulgence and elegance.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the base of this dish. They cook up juicy and tender, especially with all that delicious butter sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the chicken and bring out its natural flavors.

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• Butter: Use unsalted butter for a rich, creamy sauce that doesn’t get too salty.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds the perfect depth of flavor and fragrance.
• Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce creamy and luxurious.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the sauce a salty, umami punch that takes the flavor up a notch.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil, to give it that Mediterranean flair.
• Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley brightens up the dish with color and fresh flavor.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to dive in and create this cheesy, garlicky masterpiece? Let’s get started!

1. Prep the Chicken

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This simple step brings out the natural flavors of the chicken.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is melted and hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is golden brown on both sides. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! Then, pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.

4. Add the Cheese

Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, and continue to cook the sauce for another minute or so, until it’s smooth and creamy.

5. Return the Chicken

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the garlic butter sauce. Spoon some sauce over the chicken to coat it well. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, so it absorbs all those amazing flavors.

6. Top with Cheese

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over each chicken breast. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it hot and enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 470

• Total Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 19g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 140mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 36g
• Calcium: 25% DV
• Iron: 6% DV
• Potassium: 8% DV

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken

This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but you can elevate the meal with a few simple sides:

• Steamed Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans are great choices to balance out the richness of the chicken.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with this dish. The buttery, cheesy sauce will be perfect for dipping.
• Rice: Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for mopping up all the delicious garlic butter sauce.

Additional Tips

• Use Bone-In Chicken: If you prefer bone-in chicken, you can absolutely use it. Just increase the cooking time by a few minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Add Vegetables to the Sauce: You can toss in some spinach, mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes to the garlic butter sauce for extra flavor and texture.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or drizzle some sriracha over the chicken before serving.
• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the skillet or microwave.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A1: Yes! Chicken thighs will work just as well in this recipe, though they might need a little longer to cook through.

Q2: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A2: You can swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream for the sauce. You can also use vegan cheese if desired.

Q3: Can I freeze this dish?
A3: Yes, you can freeze the chicken and sauce (without the cheese) for up to 3 months. Just reheat it on the stove and add the cheese when you’re ready to serve.

Q4: Can I add more vegetables to the sauce?
A4: Absolutely! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even zucchini would make a great addition to the garlic butter sauce.

Q5: Can I use shredded Parmesan cheese instead of fresh?
A5: Yes, you can use pre-shredded Parmesan, but fresh Parmesan gives the sauce a richer flavor and smoother texture.

Q6: How can I make this more garlicky?
A6: If you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove or two to the sauce for a stronger garlic flavor.

Q7: What can I serve this with if I want to make it a low-carb meal?
A7: Serve the chicken with a side of roasted cauliflower, zucchini noodles, or a simple green salad to keep things low-carb.

Q8: Can I use another type of cheese for the topping?
A8: Yes, gouda, provolone, or even cheddar would work great in this recipe. Choose a cheese that melts well!

Q9: How do I know when the chicken is done?
A9: The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Q10: Can I make this ahead of time?
A10: This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and then cook them together when you’re ready to eat.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken is a showstopper, plain and simple. It’s indulgent, flavorful, and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for something rich and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself to a special meal, this dish will not disappoint. Go ahead, get cooking—you’ll be so glad you did!

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