Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken: A Rich and Comforting One-Pan Dinner

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken is the ultimate comfort food for anyone who enjoys bold, savory flavors and creamy textures. Juicy chicken is seared until golden, then smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce and finished with melted cheese that brings everything together beautifully. It is indulgent without being complicated and comes together in just one pan, making cleanup refreshingly easy.

What makes this recipe especially appealing is how deeply satisfying it is with minimal effort. The garlic butter infuses the chicken with flavor from the very first bite, while the cheese adds creaminess and depth without overwhelming the dish. When I first tested this recipe, I served it with simple steamed vegetables, and it still felt like a complete, restaurant-quality meal. It is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or anytime you want a hearty dish that feels special but approachable.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breasts
Chicken breasts are lean, tender, and cook quickly, making them ideal for soaking up the garlic butter sauce.

Butter
Butter forms the base of the sauce, adding richness and carrying the garlic flavor throughout the dish.

Garlic
Garlic is the heart of this recipe, delivering bold aroma and savory depth.

Olive oil
Olive oil helps sear the chicken evenly and prevents the butter from burning.

Heavy cream
Heavy cream adds smoothness and creates a luscious sauce that blends seamlessly with the cheese.

Shredded cheese
Cheese provides creaminess and a satisfying melt. A blend of mozzarella and cheddar works particularly well.

Parmesan cheese
Parmesan adds a salty, nutty note that enhances the garlic butter flavor.

Salt
Salt sharpens and balances the richness of the sauce.

Black pepper
Black pepper adds gentle warmth and depth.

Italian seasoning
Italian seasoning contributes subtle herbal notes that complement garlic and cheese.

Fresh parsley
Parsley adds freshness and a pop of color to finish the dish.

Directions

Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil and a portion of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden on both sides and nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and add the minced garlic. Cook briefly until fragrant, taking care not to brown it. Stir in the heavy cream and allow it to simmer gently for a few minutes until slightly thickened.

Reduce the heat and add the shredded cheese and Parmesan, stirring until melted and smooth. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Simmer gently until the chicken is fully cooked and coated in the cheesy garlic butter sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe serves four people. Preparation takes approximately 10 minutes, cooking time is about 25 minutes, and total time is roughly 35 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at reduced power to maintain the creamy texture of the sauce.

Variations and Customizations

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken is highly adaptable. For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of cheese or substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly thinner. I have tested this adjustment with good results for a less rich finish.

For added vegetables, spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli can be stirred into the sauce during the final minutes of cooking. Chicken thighs can replace breasts for a juicier texture and deeper flavor. If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds subtle warmth without overpowering the dish.

You can also experiment with different cheeses. Monterey Jack creates a mild, creamy sauce, while Gruyère adds a more pronounced, savory note. These variations allow you to tailor the dish to your taste while preserving its comforting character.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

This dish is high in protein and low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb diets. It contains dairy and is naturally gluten-free when served without bread or pasta. Enjoy in moderation due to its rich sauce.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Golden Sear
Sear the chicken well for deeper flavor before making the sauce.

Garlic Control
Cook garlic gently to avoid bitterness.

Smooth Cheese Sauce
Lower heat before adding cheese to prevent separation.

Juicy Chicken
Avoid overcooking once the chicken returns to the pan.

Fresh Finish
Add parsley just before serving for brightness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, thighs work very well and remain especially juicy.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Dairy-free alternatives can be used, but flavor and texture will change.

Why is my sauce grainy?

Cheese may have been added over high heat.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms work well.

What cheese melts best?

Mozzarella, cheddar, and Monterey Jack melt smoothly.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It is best fresh but reheats gently.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or vegetables are excellent choices.

Can I bake this instead of using a skillet?

Yes, finish the dish in the oven after searing the chicken.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, it is mild and creamy.

Can I freeze this dish?

Freezing is not recommended due to the cheese sauce.

Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken is a rich, satisfying recipe that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. With tender chicken, a silky garlic butter sauce, and melted cheese, it is a dependable dish that brings comfort and indulgence to the table every time.

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