Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken

A comforting, cheesy, garlicky chicken dish — juicy chicken breasts smothered in a creamy garlic-butter sauce with melted cheese, perfect for dinner any day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy chicken in a rich, buttery, garlic-infused sauce
• Gooey melted cheese adds indulgence and comfort
• Simple ingredients you probably already have
• Ready in ~30 minutes — great for weeknights or guest dinners
• Pairs well with pasta, rice, potatoes, or vegetables

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp paprika (optional, for a hint of warmth)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or any cooking oil)

For the Garlic Butter Cheese Sauce

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half / milk for lighter version)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Optional: chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken
   • Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add the chicken and sear for about 5–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature ~165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Cheese Sauce
   • In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and let it melt.
   • Add minced garlic and sauté for ~30–45 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it burn).
   • Pour in the cream and stir gently. Let it warm for 1–2 minutes.
   • Add mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
   • Add garlic powder if using, and season with salt & pepper to taste.
3. Combine Chicken and Sauce
   • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over each piece, and simmer 1–2 more minutes so the chicken absorbs some sauce.
4. Serve
   • Plate the chicken with sauce spooned over the top.
   • Garnish with chopped parsley if you like.
   • Serve immediately, with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or veggies.

You Must Know

• Use freshly shredded cheese — it melts smoother than pre-shredded.
• Keep the heat moderate when melting cheese to avoid a grainy sauce.
• Searing chicken first locks in juices and flavor.
• If sauce gets too thick, thin with a splash of milk or cream.

Pro Tips

• Use chicken thighs if you want more juiciness and flavor.
• Add chopped spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for extra veggies.
• For extra garlic flavor, use roasted garlic instead of fresh.
• If you like a crusty top, transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese, and broil 1–2 minutes until golden.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Heavy cream → half-and-half or milk (lighter sauce)
• Mozzarella → cheddar, provolone, or a cheese blend for different flavor
• Chicken → turkey breast or pork chops
• Butter → olive oil + extra seasoning for a lighter version

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with garlic mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or steamed rice
• Pair with roasted or steamed vegetables (broccoli, green beans, asparagus)
• A green salad and warm bread make a complete, balanced meal

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce.
• Not ideal for freezing — cheese-based sauces can separate when frozen.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes — all ingredients are naturally gluten-free (check cheese if pre-shredded contains anti-caking agents).

→ Can I make it dairy-free?
You could try using dairy-free “cheese,” plant-based cream, and vegan butter — though texture and flavor will be different.

→ Can I make it ahead?
Yes — cook chicken and sauce separately. Reheat sauce gently, then add chicken. Do not store chicken in sauce too long or it may get soggy.

→ Can I make a one-pan dinner with this?
Yes — serve over pasta or rice, sauté veggies in the same pan before or after cooking chicken, then swirl them into the sauce.

Enjoy your Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken — a warm, satisfying, and cheesy treat for dinner!

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