Cheesy Garlic Chicken

The sizzling sound of tender chicken browning in a skillet, enveloped in the intoxicating aroma of roasted garlic and bubbling cheese – that’s the sensory symphony of Cheesy Garlic Chicken. This mouthwatering dish combines juicy chicken breasts with a rich, creamy garlic sauce and a blanket of melted cheese that creates an irresistible golden crust. Perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for entertaining, this one-pan wonder delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. You’ll learn how to create perfectly tender chicken, develop deep garlic flavor without burning, and achieve that Instagram-worthy cheese pull that makes this dish so craveable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Garlic Chicken recipe will quickly become a family favorite for several compelling reasons. First, it creates a delightful texture contrast between the crisp, golden-brown exterior of the chicken and its juicy, tender interior, all complemented by the velvety garlic sauce. The combination of sharp and creamy cheeses melts into a gooey, stretchy topping that makes every bite utterly satisfying.

Beyond its incredible flavor profile, this dish offers impressive versatility. The entire meal comes together in under 30 minutes using just one pan, making it perfect for hectic weeknights when time is precious. You’ll appreciate how the chicken breasts remain moist and flavorful thanks to the simple cooking technique, avoiding the common pitfall of dry, bland chicken.

The garlic-infused sauce strikes the perfect balance – rich and flavorful without overwhelming the palate, allowing the chicken and cheese to shine equally. Plus, it’s an excellent make-ahead option that reheats beautifully, actually developing deeper flavors overnight.

Ingredients

For this irresistible Cheesy Garlic Chicken, gather these essential ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-7 oz/170-200g each)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 8 garlic cloves, minced (about 3 tablespoons)
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth, low-sodium preferred
• ¾ cup (180ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (113g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

The success of this garlicky chicken bake hinges on using fresh garlic rather than pre-minced varieties, as fresh garlic provides a more complex, aromatic flavor. For the cheeses, freshly grated options melt much more smoothly than pre-packaged shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.

Pro Tips

Achieve restaurant-quality Cheesy Garlic Chicken with these game-changing techniques:

Properly Pound the Chicken: For even cooking and maximum tenderness, place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and gently pound to an even thickness of about ½-inch. This ensures the chicken cooks uniformly and absorbs flavors more effectively. Skip this step and you risk having dry edges while the thicker parts remain undercooked.

Perfect Garlic Cooking Technique: The key to deep garlic flavor without bitterness is cooking it “low and slow” after searing the chicken. Add garlic to the pan with a tablespoon of butter and cook on medium-low heat until fragrant but not browned, about 30-45 seconds. This releases the aromatic compounds without burning, which would create bitter notes in your sauce.

Master the Cheese Melt: For that enviable cheese pull and perfect golden crust, broil the dish for the final 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. Position the oven rack 6 inches from the broiler element. This creates that bubbly, slightly browned cheese top that makes this dish utterly irresistible while maintaining the moisture in your chicken.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. If your chicken breasts are thick, place them between sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet or heavy pan. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. This prep work ensures your Cheesy Garlic Chicken cooks evenly and absorbs all those wonderful flavors.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and nearly cooked through (internal temperature of about 155°F/68°C). Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent with foil. Don’t clean the skillet – those browned bits are flavor gold for your garlic sauce!

Step 3: Create the Garlic Base

Reduce heat to medium-low and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The aroma will be intoxicating as the garlic begins to soften and release its essential oils.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce by about a third, approximately 3-4 minutes. Add the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Combine and Bake

Preheat your broiler. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some of the garlic cream sauce over each piece of chicken, then top evenly with the shredded mozzarella. Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden in spots.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove from the broiler and let the Cheesy Garlic Chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat for maximum juiciness. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation, or transfer to a serving platter with plenty of sauce spooned over the top.

Variations

Tuscan Cheesy Garlic Chicken: Transform this dish into a Tuscan-inspired delight by adding ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped) and 2 cups fresh spinach to the sauce before returning the chicken to the pan. The spinach will wilt perfectly in the hot sauce, and the sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet-tangy depth that complements the creamy garlic base of the Cheesy Garlic Chicken.

Lemon Herb Twist: For a brighter, lighter version, add the zest and juice of one lemon to the sauce along with 1 tablespoon each of fresh chopped basil and thyme. This variation cuts through the richness with citrus notes while still maintaining the garlicky goodness that makes this dish special. The herbs add aromatic complexity that pairs beautifully with the lemon.

Mushroom Lover’s Version: Sauté 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms (cremini, button, or a wild mushroom blend) after cooking the garlic and before adding the broth. Cook until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown for an earthy, umami-rich variation that turns this Cheesy Garlic Chicken into an even more substantial, flavorful meal.

Storage and Serving

Store leftover Cheesy Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, place in an oven-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth to refresh the sauce, cover with foil, and warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through. Microwaving is convenient but may make the chicken slightly tough.

This garlic chicken with cheese pairs beautifully with angel hair pasta or buttery mashed potatoes, both of which make excellent vehicles for soaking up the luscious sauce. For a lighter option, serve alongside roasted asparagus or a bright arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

For an impressive dinner party presentation, slice the chicken on the bias before serving and fan it over a bed of creamy polenta, then spoon the garlic sauce over everything and garnish with additional fresh herbs and a light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This elegant plating technique elevates this simple garlic chicken recipe to restaurant-worthy status.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Cheesy Garlic Chicken recipe. They’re naturally more flavorful and forgiving (less likely to dry out) but will need slightly less pounding since they’re typically more uniform in thickness. Adjust cooking time to about 3-4 minutes per side.

How can I make this recipe lighter?
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and reduce the cheese by half. You can also use part-skim mozzarella and light Parmesan. The sauce won’t be quite as rich but will still deliver great garlic flavor.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No problem! Complete all the stovetop steps, then transfer everything to a baking dish before adding the mozzarella cheese. Broil as directed until bubbly and golden.

Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare through Step 4, then cool and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop, add the chicken, top with cheese, and broil as directed. This makes it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this Cheesy Garlic Chicken fits perfectly into a ketogenic diet plan. It’s low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats from the olive oil, cream, and cheeses, making it an excellent keto-friendly meal option.

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