Ooey-Gooey Cheesy Garlic Chicken – A Melty, Flavor-Packed Dinner

If you’re a fan of bold garlic flavor and luscious, melty cheese, this Ooey-Gooey Cheesy Garlic Chicken is about to become your next favorite dinner. It’s rich, comforting, and loaded with savory, stretchy cheese — yet it’s made with simple ingredients and comes together in under 40 minutes.

Picture this: tender chicken breasts smothered in a buttery garlic sauce, topped with a blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan, then baked until bubbling and golden. It’s indulgent without being fussy, and perfect for cozy weeknights, family dinners, or a hearty meal that feels like a hug on a plate.

Ingredients Overview

This recipe uses everyday ingredients that combine for maximum flavor and texture — juicy chicken, rich garlic butter, and melty cheese goodness.

Chicken Breasts

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for a lean yet tender base.

• Pound slightly to even thickness for consistent cooking.

• Alternative: Chicken thighs or cutlets work too; adjust cook time as needed.

Garlic

• Fresh minced garlic is key for a deep, aromatic flavor.

• Use 4–6 cloves for bold garlic lovers — this dish celebrates garlic!

Butter

• Combines with garlic to create a rich, savory sauce.

• Use unsalted butter to better control seasoning.

Olive Oil

• A bit of oil blended with butter prevents burning and helps with searing.

Mozzarella Cheese

• Provides the classic “ooey-gooey” stretch and melts beautifully.

• Use shredded low-moisture mozzarella for the best melt.

Parmesan Cheese

• Adds a salty, nutty bite that complements the mozzarella.

• Grate fresh for maximum flavor.

Heavy Cream (Optional)

• Just a splash in the sauce adds a creamy texture, but can be skipped or replaced with broth.

Seasonings

• Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika round out the flavor profile.

• Optional: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.

• If chicken breasts are very thick, slice in half or pound to ½-inch thickness.

2. Sear the Chicken

• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

• Add chicken and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden (they won’t be fully cooked yet).

• Remove chicken and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

• In the same pan, lower heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons butter and 4–5 minced garlic cloves.

• Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute — don’t let the garlic brown.

• Stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or chicken broth to deglaze the pan and add a creamy base.

• Return chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over each piece.

4. Add the Cheese

• Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella evenly over the chicken.

• Top with ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

5. Bake Until Melty and Bubbling

• Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F internally and cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.

6. Finish and Serve

• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil.

• Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to settle.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Cooking Tips

• Use an oven-safe skillet (like cast iron) to sear and bake in the same dish.

• Don’t overcook the chicken — use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

• Broil the last 2 minutes for extra golden cheese if desired.

Variations

• Cheesy Garlic Spinach Chicken: Add a handful of spinach to the pan before baking.

• Tomato Garlic Chicken: Add sliced tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes under the cheese layer.

• Herb Twist: Mix fresh thyme or rosemary into the garlic butter for depth.

Dietary Swaps

• Low-Carb/Keto: This dish is naturally low in carbs — pair with cauliflower mash or zoodles.

• Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter and dairy-free mozzarella-style shreds.

• Gluten-Free: Completely gluten-free as written — just double-check cheese and seasoning labels.

Serving Ideas & Occasions

This dish is a showstopper whether served for guests or as a weeknight meal. Try pairing with:

• Garlic mashed potatoes

• Steamed broccoli or green beans

• Roasted cauliflower or asparagus

• Buttery pasta or spaghetti squash

• A simple green salad with vinaigrette

Ideal for:

• Weeknight dinners

• Date night at home

• Family comfort food meals

• Meal prep (it reheats well)

Nutritional & Health Notes

This recipe is rich in protein and can easily fit into low-carb or high-fat diets.

Per serving (1 chicken breast with sauce and cheese):

• Calories: 400–450

• Protein: 35–40g

• Fat: 25–30g

• Carbs: 3–5g

• Sugar: <2g

To lighten it up:

• Use part-skim mozzarella

• Skip heavy cream or use low-sodium broth

• Serve with steamed veggies instead of pasta

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes — assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5 extra minutes to baking time from cold.

Q2: Can I use shredded rotisserie chicken?

You can! Skip the searing, mix the shredded chicken with the garlic butter sauce, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly (10–12 minutes).

Q3: Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes — let cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat covered at 350°F until warmed through.

Q4: What’s the best cheese blend for this?

Mozzarella + Parmesan is classic, but provolone, fontina, or Monterey Jack also melt beautifully. Avoid pre-shredded cheese for best melt.

Q5: Can I make it spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter or top with sliced jalapeños before baking.

Q6: Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely — the mild garlic and cheesy top make it a hit with kids.

Q7: Can I cook this entirely on the stovetop?

Yes — cover the skillet and simmer on low after adding cheese. However, oven baking gives a better melt and golden top.

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