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Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet - Comfort Food Made Simple

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5–2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Smoked or sweet paprika (optional but adds nice color)
  • Garlic: 4–6 cloves, minced
  • Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons
  • Olive oil: 1–2 tablespoons
  • Chicken broth: 1/2 cup
  • Heavy cream or half-and-half: 1/2 cup
  • Mozzarella cheese: 1 to 1 1/2 cups, shredded
  • Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup, grated
  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Lemon (optional, a squeeze brightens the sauce)

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken dry. Slice large breasts horizontally into cutlets for even cooking. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a light sprinkle of paprika.
  2. Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil. When it shimmers, add the chicken in a single layer.
  3. Sear until golden: Cook 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until deeply browned and just cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil.
  4. Make the garlic butter: Lower heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted and foamy, stir in minced garlic. Cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant, stirring so it doesn’t brown.
  5. Deglaze and build the sauce: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up the brown bits. Simmer 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in cream. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like heat.
  6. Add the cheese: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in Parmesan until smooth. Sprinkle in half the mozzarella and stir to melt. The sauce should be creamy and glossy.
  7. Return the chicken: Nestle chicken back into the skillet with any juices. Spoon sauce over the top. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella over the chicken.
  8. Melt and finish: Cover the skillet with a lid (or foil) for 2–3 minutes to melt the cheese. If your skillet is oven-safe, you can broil for 1–2 minutes to brown the top—watch closely.
  9. Brighten and garnish: Add a small squeeze of lemon to lift the richness. Top with chopped parsley or chives.
  10. Serve: Spoon extra sauce over everything. Pair with rice, mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or roasted veggies. Don’t forget the bread for swiping the skillet.