Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they are particularly thick, slice them horizontally or gently pound them to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for approximately 4–5 minutes per side until beautifully golden brown.
The chicken does not need to be completely cooked at this stage. Transfer it to a plate.
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Butter
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet.
Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Add the heavy cream, paprika, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt.
Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
Step 6: Add the Parmesan Cheese
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary.
Step 7: Return the Chicken to the Skillet
Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, arranging them in the creamy garlic butter sauce.
Spoon some of the sauce over each piece to coat them generously.
Step 8: Add the Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken breasts.
Make sure each piece gets a generous layer of cheese.
Step 9: Bake Until Perfectly Cooked
Transfer the oven-safe skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).
Bake for approximately 10–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the thickest part of each breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 10: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes.
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top and spoon the creamy garlic butter sauce generously over the chicken.
Serve immediately while the cheese is beautifully melted!
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken
- Choose evenly sized chicken breasts: This helps everything cook at the same rate.
- Don’t skip searing: Browning the chicken creates a delicious golden crust and adds extra flavor.
- Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the sauce a much richer aroma.
- Avoid boiling the cream: Gentle simmering helps maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Use freshly grated cheese: It generally melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Check the temperature: Always cook chicken to 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Chicken
This creamy chicken pairs wonderfully with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes.
- Buttered rice or fluffy white rice.
- Garlic bread or toasted baguettes.
- Roasted broccoli or green beans.
- Creamy pasta or fettuccine.
- Fresh garden salad.
- Roasted carrots and zucchini.
The delicious garlic butter sauce is especially good spooned over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
To reheat, place the chicken in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream. Warm gently until heated through.
Avoid overheating, as this can dry out the chicken and cause the creamy sauce to separate.
Enjoy this incredibly delicious Chicken with Garlic Butter and Cheese – tender, juicy, cheesy, and loaded with irresistible garlic flavor! 🧄🧀🍗
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