There are some dishes that instantly make the dinner table feel warmer, cozier, and more inviting. Cheesy Garlic Chicken Breast is one of those recipes. Juicy, tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy garlic sauce, topped with gooey melted cheese, and baked until golden brown—what’s not to love? This dish strikes the perfect balance between rich indulgence and hearty comfort food. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough to serve to guests.
In this recipe, we’ll walk through step-by-step instructions, share tips for keeping your chicken juicy, and explore a few fun variations to make it your own. Whether you serve it with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables, this Cheesy Garlic Chicken Breast is destined to become a regular favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For four servings, gather these ingredients:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon garlic powder (for extra depth)
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup chicken broth
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1 tablespoon butter
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures that they cook evenly and stay juicy.
2. Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 4–5 minutes on each side, until golden brown. The chicken does not need to cook all the way through at this point; it will finish cooking in the oven. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute, just until fragrant—be careful not to burn it. Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add Italian seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Add the Cheese
Lower the heat and stir in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Whisk until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
5. Bake the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet (or into a baking dish if your skillet isn’t oven-safe). Spoon some of the sauce over each piece, then top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). The cheese should be bubbly and lightly golden.
6. Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with buttered noodles, mashed potatoes, rice, or even a side of steamed broccoli.
Tips for Success
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Keep it juicy: Don’t overcook the chicken during the searing stage. You just want a golden crust; the oven will do the rest.
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Choose the right cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully for that stretchy, gooey texture, while Parmesan adds a salty, nutty punch. You can also try provolone, cheddar, or fontina for variation.
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Cream balance: If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the cream with milk. For a richer dish, add a little extra butter or even cream cheese.
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Fresh garlic matters: Using freshly minced garlic gives the sauce a depth of flavor that garlic powder alone can’t achieve.
Variations to Try
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Spinach Cheesy Garlic Chicken: Add a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach to the sauce just before baking. It wilts beautifully and adds a healthy twist.
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Mushroom Lovers’ Version: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic before adding the broth and cream. This creates a rich, earthy undertone.
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Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of pasta or potatoes.
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Extra Spicy: Swap the paprika for smoked paprika and add more red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Cheesy Garlic Chicken Breast is the definition of comfort food. The flavors are familiar yet indulgent, making it perfect for picky eaters and adventurous palates alike. It’s a one-pan recipe that minimizes cleanup, and it’s versatile enough to serve with almost any side dish. Best of all, the combination of juicy chicken, creamy garlic sauce, and melty cheese feels like something straight out of a restaurant kitchen.
When you serve this meal, expect empty plates and happy faces. It’s a recipe that proves simple ingredients—when combined thoughtfully—can create something extraordinary.
