Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken: A Rich and Flavourful Comfort Dish
Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken is a decadent, flavourful dish that brings comfort and elegance to your dinner table. Rich in taste and easy to prepare, this creamy chicken recipe is ideal for cosy family meals, date nights at home, or casual weekend gatherings. Whether you are a passionate home cook or simply want to elevate your midweek dinner routine, Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken is a dish worth mastering.
In this UK-based guide, we will explore the origins, ingredients, step-by-step cooking method, nutritional insights, and serving ideas — all while keeping SEO best practices in mind for easy accessibility and searchability online.
Why Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken is So Popular
The appeal of Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken lies in its harmonious balance of rich dairy, aromatic garlic, tender chicken, and melted cheese. This dish is indulgent but not overly heavy, and the simple combination of pantry ingredients makes it a go-to for many British households. In recent years, it has become a trending recipe among UK food bloggers and social media cooks due to its creamy texture and gourmet appeal with minimal effort.
Key Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken
To prepare an authentic and flavourful version of Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken, use the following ingredients, most of which are readily available in UK supermarkets:
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs (skinless and boneless) – 500g
- Unsalted Butter – 3 tbsp
- Garlic Cloves (minced) – 4 cloves
- Double Cream – 200ml
- Grated Cheddar Cheese – 150g
- Parmesan Cheese (optional for depth of flavour) – 50g
- Salt & Black Pepper – to taste
- Paprika or Smoked Paprika – 1 tsp
- Fresh Parsley or Chives (for garnish)
- Olive Oil – 1 tbsp (for searing chicken)
Optional:
- Red Pepper Flakes – for a bit of heat
- Mushrooms or Spinach – for added texture and nutrients
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken: Step-by-Step
1. Prep the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- If the chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half lengthwise for even cooking.
2. Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken pieces on both sides until golden brown (approximately 4–5 minutes per side).
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Prepare the Garlic Butter Base
- In the same pan, reduce the heat and melt the butter.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (1–2 minutes), being careful not to brown it.
4. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
- Pour in the double cream and stir gently.
- Add the grated cheddar and optional parmesan, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes thick and silky.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan, coating it well in the cheesy garlic butter sauce.
- Cover and simmer for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chopped chives.
- Serve hot with your preferred sides.
Serving Suggestions
Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken pairs beautifully with various side dishes. Consider the following ideas to complete your meal:
- Mashed Potatoes – A creamy base that complements the sauce.
- Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans – Adds a pop of colour and balances the richness.
- Garlic Bread or Crusty Baguette – Ideal for mopping up leftover sauce.
- Butter Rice or Wild Rice Blend – A classic pairing for UK households.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
While Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken is indulgent, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The following is an approximate breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 450–500 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 3–6g
- Fibre: 0.5g
To make it lighter, opt for reduced-fat cheese and single cream instead of double cream. You may also use leaner chicken breast and include more vegetables to increase the nutritional content.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage:
Allow the dish to cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Gently reheat on the stove over low heat or in a microwave. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much during refrigeration.
Freezing:
Due to the dairy content, freezing is not recommended as the sauce may split. However, if necessary, freeze only the cooked chicken and prepare fresh sauce when reheating.
Variations of the Dish
To keep the dish exciting and tailor it to your preferences, here are a few UK-friendly variations:
- Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bake: Place the seared chicken in a baking dish, pour the cheese sauce over, sprinkle with extra cheese, and bake for 15 minutes until golden.
- Garlic Butter Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms: Sauté spinach and mushrooms before adding the chicken back into the sauce for a more nutritious version.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower mash or courgette noodles.
Why This Recipe Works for UK Households
- Readily Available Ingredients: All components can be sourced from Tesco, Sainsbury’s, or your local ASDA.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and only one pan needed, it’s ideal for busy UK families.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavours: Combines familiar British staples — cheddar, cream, garlic — in a warming dish that appeals to all ages.
- Perfect for All Seasons: Comforting in winter, yet not too heavy for cooler summer evenings.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken offers the perfect fusion of comfort, indulgence, and simplicity. It’s a dish that resonates well with British culinary sensibilities — rich but not overly complex, quick yet satisfying. Whether you’re serving a Sunday dinner or cooking a midweek meal, this dish will impress with its luxurious flavour and ease of preparation.
