Description
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked in a rich and creamy garlic butter sauce infused with herbs and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a comforting and delicious dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh parsley)
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, thyme, and parsley, cooking for 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Add Cream and Broth: Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the Cheese: Reduce heat to medium-low and gradually stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheeses fully melt and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the creamy garlic butter sauce over each piece. Optionally sprinkle extra cheese on top, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 2-3 more minutes to melt the cheese and heat the chicken through.
- Serve: Garnish with additional parsley if desired. Serve the cheesy garlic butter chicken hot over pasta, rice, or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- You can substitute fresh herbs for dried for a brighter flavor, adjusting quantities accordingly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to preserve sauce quality.
- For a lighter option, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though sauce richness will decrease.
- Serving suggestions include buttery mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up extra sauce.
