Craving something ultra-comforting, irresistibly cheesy, and packed with bold garlic flavor? This Ooey-Gooey Cheesy Garlic Chicken is exactly what weeknight dinners dream of being. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a velvety garlic cream sauce, blanketed with bubbling melted cheese, and baked until golden and perfect.
It’s a dish that screams indulgence—but is surprisingly easy to make. Plus, it’s endlessly versatile: serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or with roasted veggies for a balanced, satisfying meal the whole family will devour.
Let’s dig into what makes this cheesy garlic chicken so ooey, gooey, and downright irresistible.
Ingredients Overview
Each ingredient in this recipe builds toward deep, savory flavor and that ultra-creamy texture we all crave in comfort food. Here’s how it all comes together:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
Chicken breasts provide a lean, protein-packed base that soaks up the garlicky sauce. Pound them to even thickness for quicker, more even cooking.
Fresh Garlic
You’ll use plenty of minced garlic to infuse the dish with rich, aromatic flavor. Fresh cloves offer a sharp, authentic bite that powdered garlic just can’t replicate.
Butter & Olive Oil
A combo of butter and olive oil is used to sear the chicken. Butter adds richness and depth; olive oil keeps the butter from burning during the browning stage.
Heavy Cream
The foundation of the sauce—heavy cream gives it body, smoothness, and indulgence. It holds the cheese together and carries the garlic flavor beautifully.
Cream Cheese
Adds creaminess and helps create that signature gooey melt when combined with shredded cheese.
Shredded Mozzarella
For the ultimate cheese pull and melt factor, mozzarella is the star. Use low-moisture, whole milk mozzarella for best results.
Parmesan Cheese
Adds sharpness and saltiness to balance the mellow mozzarella and creaminess of the sauce.
Italian Seasoning
This classic blend of herbs like oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary adds depth without overwhelming the garlic-forward profile.
Salt & Black Pepper
Simple but essential for enhancing all the flavors in the sauce and chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This dish comes together in under an hour, with most of the time spent letting the cheese bubble up and brown in the oven.
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
If needed, pound your chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness to ensure even cooking.
2. Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear for 2–3 minutes per side, just until golden. You’re not cooking it through—just creating a flavor base.
Transfer the seared chicken to the prepared baking dish.
3. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add 6–8 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes (do not burn).
Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir to combine. Add 4 oz of cream cheese and whisk until smooth and fully melted.
Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Stir until creamy and thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
4. Pour and Top with Cheese
Pour the garlic cream sauce evenly over the chicken in the baking dish. Sprinkle 1½ cups shredded mozzarella over the top, followed by ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan.
5. Bake Until Bubbly
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F) and the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling.
Optional: Broil for the last 2–3 minutes to get a browned, bubbly cheese topping.
6. Rest and Serve
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon extra sauce from the pan over each piece of chicken for maximum gooeyness.
Tips, Variations & Substitutions
Chicken Options
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Use boneless, skinless thighs for juicier, richer results.
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Rotisserie chicken can be used in a casserole-style variation—layer and bake with the sauce and cheese.
Cheese Variations
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Swap mozzarella for fontina, provolone, or gruyère for a more complex melt.
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Add extra Parmesan for sharper bite.
Sauce Add-ins
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Stir in baby spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to bulk up the dish with veggies.
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For spice lovers, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Dairy-Free Option
Use plant-based cream, cream cheese, and cheese alternatives (like cashew-based sauces or almond milk cheeses). Opt for unflavored and unsweetened versions.
Serving Ideas & Occasions
This cheesy garlic chicken is the kind of meal you serve when you want comfort with a touch of elegance.
Serve With:
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Pasta: Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti soak up the rich sauce.
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Mashed Potatoes or Cauliflower Mash: Soak up all the creamy goodness.
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Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for contrast.
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Crusty Bread: Scoop up the sauce and melted cheese with a good sourdough.
Occasions:
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Cozy weeknight dinner
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Meal prep for creamy lunches
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Date-night at home
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Family gatherings
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Holiday comfort food alternative
Make it once, and you’ll find reasons to make it again.
Nutritional & Health Notes
While this dish leans indulgent, it can fit within balanced eating goals, especially for high-protein or low-carb lifestyles.
Key Nutritional Highlights:
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High in Protein: Chicken and cheese provide muscle-friendly fuel.
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Low in Carbs: No flour, breadcrumbs, or pasta in the base recipe.
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Good Fats: Cream and cheese offer satiating fats that keep you full longer.
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Calcium-Rich: Thanks to all that cheese.
To lighten the dish:
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Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
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Use reduced-fat cream cheese and mozzarella.
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Serve with steamed or roasted vegetables instead of pasta or bread.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the entire dish (except baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding 5–10 minutes to the time if going straight from the fridge.
2. What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
Mozzarella is classic for gooey melt, but gruyère, fontina, or provolone also work beautifully. Always shred cheese fresh for better melting and flavor.
3. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw completely before searing or baking to ensure even cooking. Do not bake from frozen.
4. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Use room-temperature cream cheese and low heat when adding dairy. Stir continuously to create a smooth, glossy sauce.
5. Can I make this in a skillet only (no oven)?
Yes. After searing the chicken and making the sauce, return the chicken to the pan, spoon sauce over it, top with cheese, and cover with a lid. Simmer on low until cheese melts and chicken is cooked through.
6. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free—just confirm that your cheese, cream, and seasoning blends are certified gluten-free (some may contain additives or thickeners).
7. How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F, or microwave in short intervals, covered, to retain moisture.