If you’re in the mood for a mouthwatering, cheesy, and buttery dish that takes less than an hour to prepare, look no further! Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken is everything you crave in a dinner: savory, cheesy, and full of irresistible flavor. With a simple yet flavorful combination of garlic, butter, mozzarella, and Parmesan, this dish will elevate any meal to the next level. Plus, it’s a breeze to make—perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Let’s dive into this easy-to-make recipe that’s guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken
Let’s start with the star of the show—the ingredients. These simple items come together to create a dish that’s packed with flavor and texture:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The base of the dish, juicy and tender.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – The rich, creamy base for the garlic butter sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Adding a burst of aromatic flavor to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – For a subtle smoky flavor and a nice color.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential seasonings that bring the dish together.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – For that gooey, cheesy layer that melts beautifully.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adding a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the mozzarella.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – A fresh, green touch that brightens the dish.
These ingredients are simple but packed with flavor! The combination of garlic butter and melted cheese creates a savory base that will keep everyone coming back for more.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken
Follow these easy steps to prepare this irresistible dish:
1. Preheat the Oven to 375°F (190°C)
Before you start prepping your chicken, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). You want to make sure the oven is hot and ready for your chicken to bake perfectly. While the oven is heating up, lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of butter to prevent sticking. This step ensures your chicken will come out perfectly cooked without any hassle.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. The butter will provide a rich, creamy base, while the garlic and spices add depth and flavor. The Italian seasoning and paprika will bring a nice herby and slightly smoky taste to the dish, making every bite simply irresistible.
3. Season the Chicken Breasts
Now that your garlic butter mixture is ready, it’s time to prep the chicken. Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Make sure the chicken is spread out evenly so that it bakes uniformly. Brush or pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring that each piece gets a good coating of the flavorful butter. This step is crucial for infusing the chicken with the delicious garlic butter taste.
4. Bake the Chicken
Once the chicken is seasoned with the garlic butter mixture, place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The goal is to cook the chicken until it is nearly done, so you can add the cheese without overcooking the chicken. The internal temperature should reach around 160°F (71°C) at this stage. Keep an eye on the chicken to make sure it doesn’t dry out.
5. Add the Cheese
After the initial baking time, remove the baking dish from the oven. This is where the magic happens—sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken. The mozzarella will melt into a gooey, stretchy layer, while the Parmesan will melt and add a sharp, nutty flavor. The combination of both cheeses creates the ultimate cheesy topping for your garlic butter chicken.
6. Finish Baking
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes. You want the cheese to be fully melted and bubbly, creating a delicious, golden crust over the chicken. The final step is essential to getting that perfect cheesy texture that will make everyone eager to dive in.
7. Garnish and Serve
Once the cheese has melted to perfection, remove the chicken from the oven. Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and a fresh, herby flavor. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes—this Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad. Enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness!
Nutritional Information
For those mindful of their nutrition, here’s the breakdown of this delicious dish per serving:
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 27g
- Carbs: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
This recipe is rich in protein, making it a great option for those looking to fuel up after a workout or enjoy a satisfying meal without overloading on carbs. With only 3 grams of carbs per serving, it’s a fantastic choice for anyone following a low-carb diet.
Tips for Making the Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken
To ensure your Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. How to Get Tender Chicken Breasts
To ensure your chicken breasts come out juicy and tender, it’s important not to overcook them. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly, so keep an eye on the internal temperature. Once it hits 160°F (71°C), remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
2. Can I Use Bone-In Chicken?
While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe, you can use bone-in chicken as well. However, bone-in chicken requires a longer cooking time. You’ll need to bake it for 35-40 minutes, and be sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before removing it from the oven.
3. How to Make the Chicken Healthier
If you’re looking to make this recipe a bit lighter, you can swap out the butter for olive oil or a light butter substitute. You can also use part-skim mozzarella cheese to reduce the overall fat content. While the cheese is a key player in this dish, opting for lighter cheese versions will help cut down on calories without compromising too much on flavor.
4. Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make this dish in advance. You can prepare the chicken and garlic butter mixture up to 24 hours ahead of time. Simply coat the chicken with the garlic butter and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, just bake it according to the recipe instructions. For best results, wait to add the cheese until you’re about to finish baking the chicken.
Perfect Pairings for Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken
This dish is hearty and flavorful on its own, but adding the right side dishes can take it to the next level. Here are some great options to serve alongside your Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken:
1. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, and zucchini are a great complement to this rich dish. Their natural sweetness balances out the savory garlic butter, and the crispy texture pairs nicely with the tender chicken.
2. Mashed Potatoes
You can’t go wrong with creamy mashed potatoes to serve with Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken. The creamy potatoes are perfect for soaking up the garlic butter sauce, making every bite even more indulgent.
3. Fresh Salad
A light, crisp salad can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken. Try a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the flavors.
4. Pasta
For a carb-heavy option, serve your chicken with a side of pasta. A simple garlic butter pasta or creamy Alfredo pasta pairs wonderfully with the Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken for a truly indulgent meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make This Dish in a Skillet?
Yes, you can make Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken in a skillet if you prefer stovetop cooking. Simply melt the butter and sauté the garlic in a large skillet. Season the chicken and cook it in the skillet until golden brown on both sides. Then, add the cheese and cover the skillet to allow the cheese to melt. This method will also give you a crispy, flavorful chicken crust.
2. Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan are the classic choices for this dish, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Gouda, cheddar, or even a blend of cheeses can create a delicious twist on the original recipe. Just make sure the cheese you choose melts well and complements the garlic butter flavor.
3. How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese is melted and bubbly again. You can also reheat the chicken in the microwave, but the texture of the cheese may not be as perfect as when freshly baked.
4. Can I Freeze This Recipe?
Yes, you can freeze Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken. To freeze, prepare the chicken and garlic butter as directed, then place the chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and bake it according to the recipe instructions. You can also freeze the leftovers for future meals.
Conclusion
Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken is an irresistible dinner option that’s easy to make and guaranteed to please. With its rich garlic butter sauce, melty mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan, this dish has all the flavors you crave in one mouthwatering meal. Whether you’re serving it to your family or preparing it for guests, it’s a surefire hit. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a complete meal that’s both comforting and delicious.
For more tasty recipes, be sure to check out these related dishes:
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken will soon become a regular in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the flavors, the simplicity, and the smiles it brings to your dinner table!
Print
Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken – Simple & Delicious Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken is a quick, flavorful dinner made with juicy chicken breasts topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. The garlic butter sauce elevates the dish with a rich, savory flavor, making it a family favorite in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Season the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Brush or pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is almost fully cooked.
- Add the Cheese: Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the chicken.
- Finish Baking: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken!
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic or seasoning to your taste.
- For extra crispy chicken, broil for 2-3 minutes after the cheese has melted.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple side salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken, Garlic Butter Chicken, Mozzarella Chicken, Baked Chicken Recipe, Garlic Chicken Recipe, Cheesy Chicken Dinner, Easy Chicken Dinner, Comfort Food Recipe, Quick Chicken Meal, Garlic Butter Chicken Breasts