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Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bake

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bake
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The Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bake is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce and topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or weekend family meals, this one-dish bake offers creamy, buttery richness combined with savory garlic and cheesy goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garlic Butter Sauce

  • 4 tbsp butter, divided
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cheese Topping

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Additional Parmesan cheese for sprinkling (about 2 tbsp)

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a hot skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown, creating a crust that locks in the juices. Remove from heat.
  2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the heavy cream (or milk) and Parmesan cheese. Cook the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly and becomes smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Assemble the Bake: Place the seared chicken breasts evenly spaced in a baking dish. Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top, followed by a light sprinkling of additional Parmesan cheese for a golden crust.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the chicken bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the top before serving to add color and fresh herbal flavor.

Notes

  • Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing chicken to get a perfect golden crust without steaming.
  • Use fresh garlic rather than garlic powder for deeper, more aromatic flavor.
  • Combining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese offers both excellent melt and flavor complexity.
  • Allow the bake to rest for a few minutes after baking to help the sauce settle and retain juiciness.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy garlic butter chicken, garlic butter chicken bake, baked chicken with cheese, easy chicken dinner, creamy chicken bake, gluten free chicken recipe, weeknight chicken dinner

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/cheesy-garlic-butter-chicken-bake/