If you are craving a dish that is bursting with rich, comforting flavors and dripping with melted cheese, then look no further than this Ooey Gooey Cheesy Garlic Chicken. It’s a perfect harmony of tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious garlic-infused creamy sauce, generously topped with a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses that melt into pure indulgence. This recipe delivers that magical combination of savory, cheesy, and garlic goodness in every bite, making it an absolute showstopper for weeknight dinners or special occasions where you want to impress your taste buds and loved ones alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ooey Gooey Cheesy Garlic Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Ooey Gooey Cheesy Garlic Chicken lies in the simplicity of fresh, quality ingredients that each play a vital role in building layers of flavor, creaminess, and that satisfying gooey texture. From the tender chicken breasts to the melty cheese blend and aromatic garlic, every component works in delicious harmony to create a dish that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs): Choose evenly sized breasts for uniform cooking and juicy results.
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds a fragrant, savory backbone to the sauce.
1 cup heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce irresistibly creamy and smooth.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella provides melty stretch and mild flavor that complements the cheddar.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar adds sharpness and richness, enhancing the cheesy depth.
2 tsp Italian seasoning: A delightful blend of herbs that brightens and balances the dish.
3 tbsp butter: Butter is essential for searing the chicken and enriching the sauce.
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Helps deglaze the pan and adds a subtle savory note.
Salt and pepper to taste: Basic seasoning that ensures every bite is perfectly flavorful.

How to Make Ooey Gooey Cheesy Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

First, you’ll want to pat your chicken breasts dry using paper towels. This step is crucial because it helps you get a nice golden-brown sear on the chicken instead of steaming it. Generously season each breast with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. This simple seasoning enhances the natural flavor of the chicken and sets the stage for the rich, cheesy sauce to shine.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat until it’s sizzling and fragrant. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and sear them for about 6 minutes on each side. You want a beautiful golden crust that locks in all the juices. Cook the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure it’s perfectly done. Once seared, remove the chicken and set it aside—don’t worry, the magic is just getting started.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Now add the minced garlic to the same skillet, using the flavorful browned bits left behind from cooking the chicken. Sauté the garlic for about a minute, just until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden. This quick step releases those tempting aromas that will infuse the entire dish.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir continuously to blend the garlic-infused butter and cream into a smooth, luscious sauce. Next, slowly stir in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, watching them melt into the cream for that perfect gooey texture. Add the Italian seasoning for a herbaceous lift, and season with salt and pepper to taste. The sauce should be silky, rich, and bursting with flavor.

Step 5: Simmer the Chicken in the Cheese Sauce

Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them gently into the cheesy garlic sauce. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes. This allows the chicken to soak up the creamy, cheesy flavors while the sauce thickens slightly. By the time you serve it, the chicken will be tender and coated in a delectable blanket of ooey gooey cheesy garlic goodness.

How to Serve Ooey Gooey Cheesy Garlic Chicken

Garnishes

To elevate your presentation and add a pop of freshness, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top right before serving. The vibrant green not only brightens the dish visually but also adds a subtle herbal note that complements the rich and cheesy sauce wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This Ooey Gooey Cheesy Garlic Chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides that soak up every bit of the sauce. Consider serving it over fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or a bed of buttery pasta. Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus also balance the richness and add color and texture to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken in individual cast iron skillets or rustic baking dishes to keep the cheese delightfully melted and warm. You can even stuff the chicken breasts with a bit of extra garlic and cheese before searing for an ooey gooey center surprise. Alternatively, shred the chicken after cooking and use it as a topping for garlic bread or inside a warm wrap for a cheesy garlic chicken melt experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer your leftover Ooey Gooey Cheesy Garlic Chicken and sauce into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining its creamy texture and cheesy goodness.

Freezing

If you want to save this dish for later, it freezes beautifully. Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. To ensure the best quality, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to restore the silky sauce without separating the cheese. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to keep the sauce smooth and the chicken tender.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! While mozzarella and cheddar create the perfect gooey texture and flavor combo, you can experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack for meltiness or Parmesan for an extra sharp kick. Just choose cheeses that melt well.

Is it important to use fresh garlic, or can I use garlic powder?

Fresh garlic really elevates the flavor with its vibrant aroma and taste. Garlic powder is an okay substitute in a pinch, but it won’t provide the same rich garlic punch that makes this dish so memorable.

Can I make this dish dairy-free or lower calorie?

You can swap heavy cream with coconut milk or a creamy non-dairy alternative, and use dairy-free cheese options to make it dairy-free. For a lighter version, try half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce may be less rich and thick.

What’s the best way to get a crispy sear on the chicken without burning?

Patting the chicken dry and using medium-high heat are key. Don’t overcrowd the pan and let each side cook undisturbed for about 6 minutes to develop a golden crust without burning.

Can I prepare parts of the recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can mince the garlic and shred the cheeses ahead to save time. You can also pre-season the chicken and keep it refrigerated for a few hours before cooking, but it’s best to cook fresh for the juiciest results.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend enough that you make this Ooey Gooey Cheesy Garlic Chicken as soon as possible. It hits every comfort food note with its creamy garlic sauce and abundantly melted cheese, turning a simple chicken dinner into a celebration of flavor and texture. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals to share with family and friends. Enjoy every ooey gooey cheesy bite!

Ooey Gooey Cheesy Garlic Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 7 reviews

Author: Hugo
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

This Ooey Gooey Cheesy Garlic Chicken is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and smothered in a luscious garlic-infused cheese sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner, it pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce

4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
3 tbsp butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance the flavor.
Sear the chicken: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
Make the sauce: Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir constantly to combine them into a smooth sauce.
Add cheeses and seasoning: Mix in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, stirring until melted and creamy. Season with Italian seasoning, additional salt, and pepper to taste.
Simmer chicken in sauce: Return the chicken breasts back to the skillet, spooning sauce over them, and let everything simmer gently for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to soak up the delicious sauce. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or your preferred side.

Notes

Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the saltiness of the dish.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil before serving for a fresh herbaceous touch.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Searing and simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (about 6 oz)
Calories: 520 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 38 g
Saturated Fat: 20 g
Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
Trans Fat: 0.3 g
Carbohydrates: 4 g
Fiber: 0.2 g
Protein: 36 g
Cholesterol: 145 mg

Keywords: cheesy garlic chicken, creamy chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, mozzarella chicken, cheddar chicken, garlic butter chicken, skillet chicken