If you are craving a rich, comforting dish that combines the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and garlicky flavors, look no further than this Ooey Gooey Cheesy Garlic Chicken. Every bite feels like a warm hug, with tender chicken breasts smothered in a luscious blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, kissed by fragrant garlic and silky cream. It’s a dish that brings people together around the table because it’s just so satisfying and packed with heartwarming goodness.

Ooey Gooey Cheesy Garlic Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Ooey Gooey Cheesy Garlic Chicken relies on a handful of simple but mighty ingredients that each play a key role in creating its unforgettable taste and texture. From the tender chicken breasts providing a hearty base, to the blend of cheeses delivering that irresistible gooeyness, every element is essential.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs): Choose evenly sized pieces for uniform cooking and tenderness.
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds that essential aromatic punch that infuses the entire dish.
1 cup heavy cream: This creates the creamy, dreamy sauce that makes the chicken so indulgent.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella offers a stretchy, mild meltiness perfect for the ooey gooey texture.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar brings a sharper, deeper flavor and gives the sauce a beautiful golden color.
2 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that adds complexity without overpowering the cheese and garlic.
3 tbsp butter: For searing the chicken and enriching the sauce with a silky richness.
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth, keeping the dish light yet flavorful.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate every ingredient’s natural flavors.

How to Make Ooey Gooey Cheesy Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry to ensure a beautiful golden sear, then generously season them with salt and pepper. This simple step is crucial because it enhances the chicken’s natural flavor and creates a savory crust during cooking.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and sear them for about six minutes on each side until they’re gorgeously golden and completely cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. This caramelized exterior locks in the juices for a perfectly tender bite. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

To the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for just one minute. This step releases the garlic’s wonderful aroma and flavor without letting it burn, creating a fragrant base for the creamy sauce.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine it with the buttery, garlicky goodness left in the skillet. Slowly add the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until they melt into a smooth, luscious sauce. Then, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste. Watch this sauce come alive as it thickens and turns marvelously gooey.

Step 5: Simmer the Chicken in the Sauce

Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for about five minutes. This step is magic — the chicken soaks up all those cheesy, garlicky flavors while the sauce thickens further, resulting in that perfect Ooey Gooey Cheesy Garlic Chicken you dreamed of.

How to Serve Ooey Gooey Cheesy Garlic Chicken

Garnishes

To complement the rich, cheesy flavors, sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley or basil. The bright green herbs add a wonderful pop of color and a fresh note that cuts through the creaminess, enhancing each bite beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve your Ooey Gooey Cheesy Garlic Chicken over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up every delicious drop of sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttered pasta also make perfect companions, creating an all-around comforting meal that’s sure to impress.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, try plating the chicken on a slice of toasted crusty bread to mop up the cheese sauce, or stuff the sauce and chicken into large baked mushrooms for a fun appetizer-style presentation. You can even bake the entire dish topped with breadcrumbs for a golden crunchy finish that contrasts delightfully with the ooey gooey center.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, transfer your Ooey Gooey Cheesy Garlic Chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The rich sauce holds up well, making for delicious next-day lunches or dinners that just need a quick reheat.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty ziplock bag, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the creamy texture.

Reheating

To reheat leftover Ooey Gooey Cheesy Garlic Chicken, warm it gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce feels too thick or clumpy after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use other cheeses besides mozzarella and cheddar?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack for mild creaminess or Parmesan for a sharper bite. Just keep a balance to maintain that signature ooey gooey experience.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. The flavor will be different but still wonderfully satisfying in a dairy-free way.

What sides pair best with Ooey Gooey Cheesy Garlic Chicken?

This dish is perfect with simple sides like steamed veggies, a crisp garden salad, or buttery mashed potatoes that complement the richness without overwhelming your palate.

Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of a skillet?

You can sear the chicken on the stove first and then finish it in the oven with the cheese sauce on top, baking at 375°F until bubbly and golden, about 10-15 minutes. This method works well if you’re cooking for a crowd.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked properly?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F at the thickest part. If you don’t have one, ensure the juices run clear and the meat feels firm but juicy when pressed.

Final Thoughts

This Ooey Gooey Cheesy Garlic Chicken is truly one of those dishes that elevates simple ingredients into a comforting masterpiece. Whether you’re impressing friends or treating yourself to a cozy night in, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. Once you taste the harmonious blend of creamy garlic sauce and melted cheese coating tender chicken, you’ll understand why it’s a forever favorite in my kitchen!

Ooey Gooey Cheesy Garlic Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 26 reviews

Author: Andria
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 and creamy dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a luscious blend of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, infused with garlic and Italian seasoning. Perfectly seared and simmered in a decadent creamy sauce, this comforting recipe makes a deliciously indulgent dinner served over pasta or rice.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

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

Creamy Garlic Sauce

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

Instructions

Prepare 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 Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
Create Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring continuously to form a smooth sauce.
Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes so the chicken absorbs the rich flavors of the sauce.
Serve: Serve the cheesy garlic chicken hot, ideally over cooked pasta or rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
For a different twist, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.
Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil before serving.
This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Searing and Simmering
Cuisine: American