Description
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with creamy mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 25 minutes, this comforting dish combines herbs, garlic, and a luscious cream sauce for a delicious family meal served best with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh parsley)
- 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 with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, thyme, and parsley. Cook 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. Stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the cheesy garlic butter sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle extra cheese on top if desired. Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the cheese melt and the chicken heat through.
- Serve: Garnish with additional parsley if desired. Serve the cheesy garlic butter chicken over your choice of pasta, rice, or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For added flavor, use fresh herbs instead of dried if available.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level in the sauce.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half but expect a slightly less rich sauce.
