The Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe That Melts Hearts

When culinary magic meets simplicity, this cheesy garlic butter chicken recipe emerges as a weeknight dinner hero.

Comfort flows through every delectable bite of this irresistible dish.

Fragrant garlic whispers promise of incredible flavors waiting to dance across your palate.

Melted cheese creates a luxurious blanket that transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum satisfaction for anyone seeking a quick and delicious meal.

Rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying, this recipe speaks directly to your hunger and heart.

Jump into the kitchen and let your taste buds celebrate this ultimate comfort food experience.

Garlic Butter Chicken (Cheesy) Ingredients

• Chicken: Tender and flavorful meat as the main star of the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Italian Seasoning: Classic spice combination for enhancing chicken flavor.

• Butter, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy and rich ingredients for sauce and topping.

• Garlic: Adds robust and aromatic flavor to the dish.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright and fresh herb for color and light flavor.

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Prep Method

Step 1: Season The Chicken

Select boneless chicken breasts. Thoroughly dry the chicken using paper towels. Evenly coat both sides with salt, black pepper, sweet paprika, and Italian herb blend. Press the seasonings gently into the meat to ensure maximum flavor absorption.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Garlic

Place a large skillet on medium heat. Drop butter into the pan and allow it to melt completely. Add finely chopped garlic and swirl around the pan. Cook until the garlic releases its wonderful fragrant aroma, which takes approximately 30 seconds.

Step 3: Golden Brown Chicken Sear

Carefully place seasoned chicken into the bubbling butter and garlic mixture. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes, creating a beautiful golden-brown exterior. The chicken will develop a delicious caramelized crust that locks in moisture.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Cream Sauce

Lower the skillet’s heat to a gentle setting. Pour rich heavy cream around the chicken. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the surface. Softly stir the sauce, allowing it to thicken and coat the chicken with creamy goodness.

Step 5: Melt Mozzarella Topping

Generously scatter shredded mozzarella cheese across the chicken. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid. Allow the cheese to melt completely, creating a gooey, stretchy topping that takes 3-5 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish And Serve

Chop fresh parsley and sprinkle over the finished dish. Plate the chicken alongside your favorite side like pasta, fluffy rice, or roasted vegetables. The meal is ready to be devoured and enjoyed!

Chicken Tips That Pair Garlic Butter with Cozy Flavor

• Dry-Pat Perfectly: Use paper towels to absorb excess moisture from chicken, ensuring a crispy golden-brown exterior that seals in delicious flavors.
• Seasoning Symphony: Mix dried herbs and spices thoroughly before coating chicken for even distribution and maximum taste in every bite.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Use low heat when adding cheese to prevent burning and create a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
• Low-Carb Swap: Replace pasta or rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb version that's equally satisfying.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Chop parsley just before serving to release maximum flavor and add a vibrant, fresh touch to the rich, cheesy dish.

Reheating Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Safely

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains moist and flavorful.
• Carefully place chicken in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Separate the sauce and chicken to maintain better texture when thawing.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring even heating.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, add a splash of cream to prevent dryness. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed. Check temperature to avoid overcooking.

Delicious Complements for Garlic Butter Chicken

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a buttery, oak-aged Chardonnay that complements the creamy sauce and enhances the garlic's richness, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
• Match with Roasted Asparagus: Create a vibrant side dish that adds green freshness and earthy undertones, balancing the chicken's cheesy, indulgent texture.
• Serve Alongside Garlic Bread: Add a crunchy, garlicky companion that echoes the dish's flavors and provides an extra layer of comfort and satisfaction.
• Complement with Herbed Quinoa: Introduce a light, protein-packed grain that absorbs the creamy sauce while offering a nutritious alternative to traditional pasta or rice.

Garlic Butter Chicken Styles

• Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace pasta or rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use full-fat cream and grass-fed butter to maintain high fat content for ketogenic dieters.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Replace mozzarella with dairy-free cheese alternatives made from nuts or soy.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free. Use cornstarch or arrowroot powder as a potential thickening agent if needed, instead of wheat-based thickeners.
• Lighter Protein Swap: Substitute chicken breasts with turkey breast or lean pork tenderloin for a different protein profile while maintaining similar cooking techniques.

FAQs

• Why is it important to pat the chicken dry before seasoning?

Patting the chicken dry helps the seasoning stick better and promotes a crispy, golden-brown exterior when searing, preventing the meat from steaming instead of browning.

• Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Parmesan and mozzarella work great, you can experiment with cheddar, provolone, or fontina to create your own flavor profile.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

No problem! You can make your own blend using dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary in equal proportions, or simply use the herbs you have on hand.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken, ensuring it’s safe to eat while remaining juicy and tender.

What Makes Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken an Easy Favorite

• Foolproof Kitchen Magic: This recipe transforms basic chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal cooking skills required, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned home cooks alike.
• Speedy Weeknight Wonder: Prepare a delicious, satisfying meal in under 30 minutes, reducing stress and providing a quick solution for busy families craving a gourmet dinner.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Loaded with cheesy, buttery goodness and bold seasonings, this chicken recipe guarantees smiles around the dinner table and satisfies even picky eaters with its irresistible flavors.
• Versatile Serving Options: Easily pair with pasta, rice, or vegetables, allowing flexible meal planning and accommodating different dietary preferences without compromising on taste.

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory “Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken” delivers a mouthwatering melody of rich flavors that dance across your palate. Melted cheese and golden garlic butter create an irresistible harmony you won’t be able to resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 large chicken breasts
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Dairy and Fat Components:

• 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly blot chicken pieces with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp exterior during cooking.
2. Create a flavor-packed seasoning blend by combining salt, black pepper, smoky paprika, and aromatic Italian herbs, evenly coating both sides of the chicken.
3. Warm a generously sized skillet and melt rich butter, then introduce finely chopped garlic, allowing its pungent essence to infuse the fat for approximately 30 seconds.
4. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the skillet, allowing each piece to develop a golden-brown crust by searing for 4-5 minutes on each side.
5. Reduce the flame to a gentle simmer and cascade velvety heavy cream over the chicken, creating a luxurious base for the sauce.
6. Sprinkle aged Parmesan cheese across the chicken, gently stirring to help the sauce thicken and develop a complex, creamy texture.
7. Lavishly cover the chicken with a blanket of shredded mozzarella, creating a molten cheese topping that will melt into a delectable layer.
8. Cover the skillet and allow the cheese to transform into a bubbling, golden masterpiece over 3-5 minutes.
9. Finish the dish with a scattering of freshly chopped parsley for a bright, herbal garnish.
10. Serve immediately over your preferred accompaniment such as pasta, fluffy rice, or roasted vegetables, embracing the comfort of this indulgent meal.

Notes

• Pat chicken completely dry with paper towels to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Adjust heat carefully during cooking to prevent butter from burning and maintain a smooth, rich garlic flavor.
• Use fresh garlic cloves instead of pre-minced for more intense, vibrant flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg