There’s nothing quite like a creamy, cheesy, and garlicky chicken dish to bring pure comfort to the dinner table. This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken is one of those meals that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make. It’s packed with juicy, seasoned chicken, a luscious garlic butter sauce, and a gooey layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
What makes this dish even better? It’s a one-pan wonder, meaning fewer dishes and more time to enjoy every bite. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce, this dish will become a go-to favorite in your home.
Let’s dive into the details so you can make this tonight!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken
- Incredibly flavorful – The garlic butter sauce paired with melty cheese makes every bite rich and delicious.
- One-pan meal – Less cleanup, more enjoyment.
- Perfectly creamy – Thanks to the heavy cream and Parmesan, the sauce is velvety and satisfying.
- Versatile – Serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or a side of roasted veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 4 | Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins)
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. This helps them cook evenly and stay tender. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
2. Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
Next, pour in the heavy cream and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens.
4. Add the Cheese and Chicken
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, placing it in the sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover the pan and let cook for 5 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and gooey.
5. Garnish & Serve
For a little extra kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm.
Best Ways to Serve Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken
- Over pasta – Toss with fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne for an extra creamy dish.
- With mashed potatoes – The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with buttery mashed potatoes.
- With roasted vegetables – Serve alongside roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
- With crusty bread – Perfect for soaking up all that rich, cheesy garlic sauce.
My Tips for the Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken
- Use thinly sliced chicken breasts – Cutting them in half lengthwise helps them cook evenly and absorb the flavors better.
- Don’t overcook the garlic – Garlic burns quickly, so only sauté it for about 30 seconds before adding the cream.
- For extra richness, add a splash of white wine – Before adding the heavy cream, deglaze the pan with ¼ cup of white wine for an extra layer of flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan – It melts more smoothly into the sauce compared to pre-packaged Parmesan.
Variations & Add-Ins
Want to switch things up? Try these variations:
- Make it spicy – Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Add mushrooms – Sauté mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy flavor.
- Try spinach or sun-dried tomatoes – Toss in a handful of baby spinach or chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a fresh twist.
- Use different cheeses – Swap mozzarella for provolone or Gouda for a unique cheesy flavor.
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through.
Q: Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
A: Yes, but the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy. If using half-and-half, you might need to add a little cornstarch (about ½ teaspoon mixed with water) to help thicken the sauce.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to keep the sauce from drying out. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and will add even more flavor to the dish.
Why You Need to Try This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken is the kind of meal that never fails to impress. It’s creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and just the right amount of indulgent—everything you want in a comfort food dish. Plus, it’s easy to make in just one skillet and pairs well with so many sides.
If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out! And if you put your own spin on it—maybe adding mushrooms, spinach, or even a crispy breadcrumb topping—I’d love to hear about it. Happy cooking!
This Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Will Be Your New Favorite Dinner
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 4 cloves of minced garlic
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
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