Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken best Recipe : 30 minutes

Posted on February 11, 2026

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Make this easy Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken for a cozy, flavorful dinner. Juicy chicken breasts smothered in creamy garlic butter sauce, perfect for weeknights!

Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both easy and absolutely irresistible? Chef Sadie’s Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken is here to save your dinner plans! Juicy, tender chicken breasts are cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce with melted cheese that your whole family will love.

This dish is perfect for busy parents, beginners in the kitchen, or anyone craving comfort food with a touch of gourmet flair. It’s one of those meals that looks impressive, tastes like a restaurant dish, and requires minimal effort — exactly the kind of recipe Chef Sadie is famous for.

Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or with roasted veggies, this Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken will quickly become a go-to recipe for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even date nights at home.

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Why You’ll Love Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken recipe

There are so many reasons to try this Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken, but here are just a few:

Juicy, flavorful chicken – each bite is perfectly seasoned and tender.
Creamy, cheesy sauce – the garlic butter sauce elevates the dish and makes it irresistible.
Easy & fast – ready in about 35 minutes, with minimal prep.
Family-friendly – even picky eaters love the combination of cheese, butter, and garlic.
Versatile – serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete meal.

Chef Sadie designed this recipe to be foolproof, so even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll get a delicious result every time.

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken : Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this creamy, cheesy, buttery chicken dinner. Chef Sadie also includes tips for substitutions and why each ingredient matters.

Chicken & Seasoning:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – juicy and tender
Salt & black pepper, to taste – basic but essential
1 tsp paprika – adds subtle smokiness
2 tbsp olive oil – for searing and flavor

Garlic Butter Sauce:

4 tbsp butter – rich and creamy
4 cloves garlic, minced – the star flavor
1 cup heavy cream – makes the sauce luxuriously smooth
½ cup chicken broth – adds depth and balances richness
1 cup shredded mozzarella – melty, gooey goodness
½ cup grated Parmesan – nutty, salty flavor
1 tsp Italian seasoning – aromatic herbs

Optional Garnish:

Fresh parsley or chives – for color and freshness

Chef Sadie Tip: You can swap mozzarella for pepper jack for a spicy twist or use half cream and half milk to lighten the sauce.

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow Chef Sadie’s clear steps for perfectly Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken every time.

1. Prepare the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
Remove chicken and set aside — it will finish cooking in the sauce.

2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce heat to medium.
Melt butter in the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from chicken.
Add minced garlic and sauté 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir gently.
Add Italian seasoning, Parmesan, and half the mozzarella. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Pro Tip: Simmer sauce for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.

3. Combine Chicken & Sauce

Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce.
Spoon sauce over chicken to coat evenly.
Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 10–15 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F.

4. Optional Oven Finish

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place skillet (oven-safe) in the oven for 5–7 minutes for extra bubbly, golden cheese.

5. Serve & Garnish

Remove from heat and let chicken rest 2–3 minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a bright finish.
Serve hot over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies.

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Tips & Tricks for Perfect Results

Juicy chicken: Patting the chicken dry ensures a golden crust.
Sauce thickness: Simmer longer for thicker sauce; add more cream for thinner sauce.
Cheese options: Mix mozzarella with Monterey Jack or fontina for a richer flavor.
Garlic intensity: Roast garlic for a sweeter, milder flavor.
One-pan meal: Add mushrooms or spinach directly to the sauce for extra veggies.

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Variations

Feel free to make this cozy dish your own by experimenting with these flavorful and fun twists!

Protein Swap: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer, juicier bite that stays tender and satisfying. Thighs take a bit longer to cook but reward you with deeper flavor.
Cheese Mix: Replace mozzarella with provolone, gouda, or sharp cheddar to change the cheesy experience—from smoky and mellow to tangy and bold.
Low-Carb Sides: Serve over zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or steamed broccoli to keep things light without losing creamy comfort.
Extra Creamy: Add a splash more heavy cream to the sauce for even silkier, richer indulgence that clings perfectly to every bite.
Heat It Up: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give that garlicky sauce a pleasing spicy kick.
Herb Boost: Fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary sprinkled on top add bursts of fresh aroma and color that brighten the creamy richness.
Gluten-Free Touch: Swap Italian seasoning for an all-natural herb mix and ensure all additives are gluten-free—perfect for sensitive bellies.

Mix and match these options to create your signature version of this melty, garlicky comfort favorite!

How to Store and Freeze Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken

Fridge: Store leftover Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep the flavors fresh and the sauce luscious.
Freezer: Cool completely before freezing in a sealed, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; note the creamy sauce may separate slightly upon thawing.
Reheating: Gently reheat on low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of cream to revive the silky, garlicky sauce without drying out the chicken.

What to Serve with Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken?

Create a full, comforting meal by pairing this creamy, garlicky chicken with sides that balance texture and flavor perfectly.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their buttery softness soaks up every drop of the luscious garlic butter sauce, making each bite a dreamy comfort feast.
Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Crisp-tender veggies like broccoli or asparagus add a fresh, earthy contrast that brightens the rich, cheesy chicken beautifully.
Buttery Herb Rice: Fluffy, lightly seasoned rice complements the savory sauce, helping to mellow the intense garlic and cheese flavors.
Zucchini Noodles: A low-carb, light alternative that twirls deliciously alongside the creamy chicken, keeping the meal fresh and veggie-forward.
Crispy Parmesan Breadsticks: Add a satisfying crunch and extra cheesy punch; perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.
Simple Side Salad: A bright green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing crispness to the meal.
Chilled White Wine: A glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio balances the buttery sauce with its light acidity and crisp notes.
Lemon Garlic Dessert: A zesty lemon tart or sorbet cleanses the palate, ending the cozy meal with a bright, refreshing twist.

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken : Storage & Leftovers

Fridge: Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Sauce may separate slightly; whisk before reheating. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Low heat on stovetop or microwave in intervals; add a splash of cream to revive sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs are juicier but take slightly longer to cook. Adjust cooking time to 18–20 minutes.

2. Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese. Flavor will be slightly different but still creamy.

3. Can I prep this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble chicken and sauce, cover, and refrigerate. Cook or reheat when ready.

4. How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild by default, but you can add crushed red pepper or swap mozzarella for pepper jack.

5. Can I make this in the oven only?
Yes, sear chicken briefly, then pour sauce over and bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.

6. Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Yes! Mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers are great options. Add during the sauce simmer stage.

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken : Health & Nutrition Notes

Calories: ~450 per serving (chicken + sauce)
Protein: ~40g
Fat: ~30g (mainly from butter and cheese)
Carbs: ~4–6g (without sides)

Dietary Info:

Gluten-free if served without breadcrumbs or pasta
Can be made lower-fat with half-and-half instead of cream

Conclusion

Chef Sadie’s Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken is the ultimate comfort-food dinner: juicy chicken, creamy garlic butter sauce, and gooey melted cheese in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a cozy dinner, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers flavor and ease.

Try it tonight, and don’t forget to share your creation with us on social media — tag #ChefSadie to show off your delicious dinner!