Introduction
Busy weeknights often leave us scrambling for quick yet satisfying dinner options that don’t compromise on flavor. Enter Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowls, your new go-to recipe for those hectic evenings! This dish combines juicy chicken thighs with a luscious garlic butter sauce, offering a perfect balance of rich flavors that can be whipped up in just about 30 minutes.
With minimal prep and cooking time, this recipe harnesses the power of pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create a comforting meal that the whole family will love. Each bowl is generously topped with melted cheese and served over a bed of rice or your favorite grain, making it not just filling but also incredibly versatile.
Whether you’re a busy parent, a student juggling classes, or anyone who wants to enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal without the fuss, these Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowls are here to save the day! Let’s get started on making your weeknight dinners a whole lot cheesier and delightful.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts, diced
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
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- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
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- Add the diced chicken to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
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- Stir in the cherry tomatoes and broccoli florets, cooking for another 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
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- Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken and vegetables. Cover for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
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- Serve the cheesy garlic butter chicken mixture over a bed of cooked rice and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 25 min | Servings: 4
Key Ingredients
- Chicken Breast: 1.5 pounds, diced into bite-sized pieces
- Garlic: 4-5 cloves, minced (you can adjust based on your taste)
- Butter: 4 tablespoons, unsalted (for a rich, creamy flavor)
- Cheese: 1 cup shredded (such as mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend for extra cheesiness)
- Broccoli: 2 cups, chopped (for color and nutrition)
- Rice or Quinoa: 2 cups, cooked (as a hearty base for the bowls)
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (for cooking the chicken)
- Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Parsley: fresh, chopped for garnish (optional)
- Red Pepper Flakes: for a touch of heat (optional)
Feel free to customize this list based on your preferences or what you have on hand!
Baking Process
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and achieves a delicious golden-brown color.
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Prepare the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. This step is crucial for flavoring the chicken before it hits the oven.
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Sauté Garlic: In a small skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic (about 4-5 cloves) and sauté until fragrant, approximately 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can turn bitter.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed garlic butter with your seasoned chicken. Toss well to ensure the garlic and butter evenly coat each piece of chicken.
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Arrange in a Baking Dish: Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer in a large baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. It’s important not to crowd the chicken to ensure it bakes properly.
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Add Cheese Topping: After arranging the chicken, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese (like mozzarella or cheddar) over each piece. The cheese will melt perfectly during baking, creating a gooey, delicious topping.
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Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The cheese should be melted and bubbly.
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Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional): For an extra crispy cheese topping, switch to the broil setting for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time. Keep a close watch to avoid burning.
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Rest Before Serving: Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy chicken.
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Serve: Serve the cheesy garlic butter chicken with your choice of sides. These bowls pair excellently with rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad. Garnish with chopped parsley for a touch of color and added flavor.
Enjoy your hearty and satisfying Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowls—a perfect solution for busy weeknight dinners!
Serving Suggestions
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Fresh Salad: Pair your Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowls with a crisp side salad. A simple mix of arugula or spinach, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the dish.
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Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of warm, crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up any leftover buttery sauce. A homemade garlic herb butter spread can take it to the next level!
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Vegetable Sides: Consider adding roasted or steamed vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or asparagus to complement the meal with color and nutrition.
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Rice or Quinoa: For a heartier option, serve the chicken bowls over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa. This will absorb the flavors and add a pleasant texture contrast.
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Wine Pairing: A light white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp Pinot Grigio, pairs beautifully with the garlic and cheese notes of the dish, making it feel like a special weeknight dinner.
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Garnish Options: Enhance the presentation by garnishing the bowls with fresh parsley or chives. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a hint of heat for those who enjoy a bit of spice.
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Meal Prep Option: These bowls are perfect for meal prep! Store leftovers in individual containers to enjoy a quick lunch throughout the week. Just reheat and add a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a taste refresh.
By incorporating these serving suggestions, you can elevate your Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowls into a delightful dinner experience that caters to various tastes and preferences! Enjoy!
Conclusion
These Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowls are the perfect solution for busy weeknight dinners. They come together in just 30 minutes, combining simple ingredients that deliver big flavors, making it an easy go-to option for any night of the week. The juicy chicken, infused with the rich taste of garlic and butter, beautifully melds with the creamy cheese, creating a comforting meal that everyone will love. Plus, they are highly customizable—feel free to add your favorite vegetables or switch up the cheese to suit your family’s tastes.
Not only are these bowls quick to prepare, but they also pack well for leftovers, making them ideal for lunch the next day. So next time you find yourself short on time but craving a hearty, delicious meal, remember this Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowls recipe. Dive into the week with ease—your taste buds will thank you! Enjoy!
