If ever there was a dinnertime hero that brings everyone to the table in a hurry, it’s Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken. Imagine juicy, golden chicken breasts smothered in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, blanketed with melty mozzarella and Parmesan—all with minimal prep and a single skillet. Every bite is intensely savory, cheesy, and loaded with flavor! It’s the kind of dish that creates instant memories, whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, and it fits perfectly into busy weeknights or cozy weekend feasts. The best part? Anyone can pull off this irresistible recipe without breaking a sweat.

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With a handful of accessible ingredients, Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken comes together effortlessly. Each component plays a crucial role, from building the savory base to creating that stretchy, cheesy finish—making every bite unforgettable.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and juicy, these create the perfect canvas for all the flavors.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances every element, drawing out natural flavors in both chicken and sauce.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and depth with every mouthful.
1 teaspoon paprika: Gives a lovely color and subtle smokiness that nicely complements the mozzarella.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps achieve that beautiful golden sear on the chicken breasts right from the start.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter: The magic maker—transforms into a luscious, aromatic garlic butter sauce.
5 garlic cloves (minced): Delivers a bold, mouthwatering aroma and a punch of sweet, roasted garlic flavor.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A classic mix for adding herby brightness to the background of the dish.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts gorgeously for that signature cheesy blanket over the chicken.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings nutty, savory notes that balance beautifully with the mozzarella.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): Finish with freshness and a splash of color if you’d like.
¼ cup chicken broth (or water): Keeps everything juicy and prevents the sauce from becoming too thick.

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Begin by patting your chicken breasts dry—this helps the seasonings stick and ensures a golden sear. Sprinkle both sides with the salt, black pepper, and paprika. You’ll see an immediate pop of color from the paprika that will deepen as the chicken cooks. Don’t be shy about seasoning; this first layer is vital for flavor all the way through!

Step 2: Sear for Flavor

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high. When it’s shimmering hot, gently lay in the chicken breasts. Sear each side for 2–3 minutes, letting them develop a crisp, golden crust—this not only seals in juices, but also builds flavor for the finished Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken. Once both sides are golden, transfer the chicken to a plate temporarily.

Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and drop your butter into the same skillet. As it melts, those little brown bits from the chicken will blend right into the sauce, amping up every bite. Add your minced garlic, stirring for about a minute—just until fragrant and slightly softened. The aroma at this point signals good things ahead! Mix in the Italian seasoning and pour in the chicken broth (or water), gently scraping the bottom to loosen any extra flavor.

Step 4: Assemble and Add the Cheese

Snuggle your chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of that liquid gold garlic butter sauce over each one. Evenly sprinkle both mozzarella and Parmesan over each breast, making sure every inch gets a cheesy cover. This is where the Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken lives up to its name—don’t be afraid to be generous!

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Carefully move the skillet to your preheated 400°F oven. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is gorgeously melted and bubbling. For an extra cheese crust, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end. Let your masterpiece rest a moment before finishing with a scatter of fresh parsley for a bright pop.

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken

Garnishes

The crowning touch for Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken is a hearty sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. Not only does it provide a dash of freshness and vibrant green color, but it also brings a subtle peppery bite that cuts through the richness of the cheese. If you’re feeling extra, a few shreds of extra Parmesan right before serving are never a bad idea!

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy mashed potatoes or buttery rice—perfect for soaking up every drop of that irresistible garlic butter sauce. For a lighter plate, consider a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal veggies. Even some simple steamed broccoli finds new life alongside that luscious, cheesy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice the cooked Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken and arrange it atop toasted garlic bread for a hearty open-faced sandwich. Or, cube leftovers and toss them over pasta or into a roasted veggie bowl for easy lunches. No matter how you plate it, the cheese pull alone is always an eye-catcher!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days, making it a wonderful option for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish! Let the chicken cool completely, then store portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags. It’ll keep its flavor and texture for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The cheese may separate slightly when thawed, but a quick stir usually does the trick.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F until hot and bubbly—about 15 minutes. If you’re in a rush, use the microwave in short bursts, covering loosely to keep the cheese from drying out. To restore moisture, add a splash of broth or water before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a delicious and juicy alternative. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, as thighs often take a few minutes longer in the oven to cook through.

Is there a way to make Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, substitute your favorite plant-based butter, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives that melt well. While the flavor will change slightly, you’ll still get the creamy, garlicky experience.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can! Sear the chicken and assemble everything up to the cheese step. Store in the fridge until ready, then bake just before serving for freshly melted cheese and best texture.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way is to use an instant-read thermometer—aim for an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the breast. The cheese will be golden and the juices should run clear.

Will this work with other types of cheese?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment—provolone, fontina, or Monterey Jack all make great melting cheeses. Just be sure to maintain a balance of melty and sharp flavors for that classic Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken effect.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken isn’t just a recipe—it’s a full-on flavor celebration that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply spicing up your weeknight dinner game, you’ll find yourself coming back to this one again and again. Grab your skillet and get ready to wow everyone at the table!

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is a flavorful and comforting dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. Juicy chicken breasts are seasoned, seared, and baked with a rich garlic butter sauce, topped with a blend of gooey mozzarella and savory Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon olive oil

Garlic Butter Sauce:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ cup chicken broth (or water)

Cheese Topping:

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
Sear the chicken: In an oven-safe skillet, sear the chicken breasts until golden brown, then transfer to a plate.
Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, add garlic, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth. Return chicken to the skillet.
Add cheese: Top each chicken breast with mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes until chicken is cooked and cheese is bubbly.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.