Description
Cheesy Garlic Chicken: Juicy chicken breasts smothered in creamy garlic sauce with melted cheese – a deliciously comforting and crowd-pleasing recipe!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
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.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 450 calories
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 grams
- Saturated Fat: 15 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 5 grams
- Fiber: 0.5 grams
- Protein: 35 grams
- Cholesterol: 135 mg