Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken with Jack Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 3 –4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 Tbsp olive oil; 2 –3 cloves garlic minced; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; ½ cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded Jack cheese; Salt & pepper to taste; Chopped green onions & paprika for garnish

Succulent chicken breasts get a golden sear, bathe in a garlicky sour cream sauce, and finish under a melty blanket of Jack cheese.

This Creamy Garlic Chicken is weeknight elegance in under 30 minutes—rich, satisfying, and easy to customize.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, velvety sauce—sour cream and chicken broth fuse into a luscious base

Simple prep, big flavor—garlic-scented sauce and melted Jack cheese

One-pan wonder—sear, sauce, and bake with minimal cleanup

Family-friendly—mild yet savory, perfect for all ages

Customizable toppings—green onions and paprika add color and brightness

Ingredient Highlights

Chicken breasts—lean protein, seasoned, and seared for juiciness

Garlic—minced for fragrant, aromatic depth

Chicken broth—low-sodium for a controlled salt level

Sour cream—creates a tangy, creamy sauce

Jack cheese—melts smoothly into a bubbly topping

Olive oil—for searing and flavor

Pro Tips Before You Start

Pat chicken dry—removes moisture for a better sear.

Don’t overcrowd the skillet—give each breast room to brown.

Use medium-high heat—sear quickly without drying out.

Simmer gently—avoid curdling the sour cream by keeping heat moderate.

Rest briefly—let chicken sit 5 minutes after baking for juices to redistribute.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken with Jack Cheese

Step 1: Prep & Sear the Chicken
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.

In a skillet over medium-high heat, sear each breast 5 minutes per side until golden.

Step 2: Build the Sauce
Reduce heat to medium.

Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits.

Stir in sour cream and simmer gently for 5 minutes until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 3: Add Cheese & Bake
Top each breast with a generous handful of shredded Jack cheese.

Transfer the skillet (or move to an oven-safe dish) into the preheated oven.

Bake 15 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

Step 4: Garnish & Serve
Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes.

Sprinkle chopped green onions and a dusting of paprika over the top.

Serve with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

Over garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta

With buttered egg noodles and steamed broccoli

Alongside a crisp Caesar or garden salad

Variations & Substitutions

Herb-infused—stir in fresh thyme or parsley to the sauce

Spicy kick—add ¼ tsp red pepper flakes when cooking garlic

Dairy-free—sub coconut cream and vegan cheese alternative

Cheese swap—use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Gruyère

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerate cooked chicken and sauce separately up to 3 days in airtight containers

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth to loosen the sauce

Freeze portions (without cheese) up to 1 month; thaw overnight before reheating and topping with cheese

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes—bone-in or boneless thighs work; adjust sear and bake times to ensure they’re cooked through.

Why did my sauce curdle?
Sour cream can curdle if the heat is too high—keep the sauce at a gentle simmer and stir constantly.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Prepare and sear the chicken, then store in the fridge. When ready, reheat with sauce and cheese in the oven.

What’s a good substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt thinned with a splash of milk works well—add it off heat to prevent separation.

Do I need to use low-sodium broth?
Low-sodium broth allows you to control salt more precisely; regular broth will work but season cautiously.

How do I get a crisp crust under the cheese?
Place the skillet under the broiler for the last 1–2 minutes—watch closely to avoid burning.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Yes—stir in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes after simmering the sauce.\

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Chicken with Jack Cheese is proof that easy recipes can taste gourmet.

With a simple skillet-sauce-and-bake method, you’ll delight your family with rich, comforting flavors any night of the week.