Cheesy Skillet Garlic Knot Chicken Bake

The beauty of this Skillet Garlic Knot Chicken lies in its simplicity. Golden biscuit knots soak up garlic butter and melted cheese, while tender chicken in the center brings satisfying protein to every bite. With just one pan and minimal prep, it’s a dream for busy weeknights or indulgent weekends.

You’ll love how the mozzarella melts into the crevices of biscuit dough, creating little cheesy pockets that pair beautifully with the herby, garlicky chicken. A sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley adds a restaurant-style finish that makes this dish feel like a labor of love—even though it only takes 40 minutes from start to finish.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat.

  3. While the chicken cooks, cut each biscuit into quarters. In a bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Toss biscuit pieces in the butter mixture until well coated.

  4. Arrange the biscuit pieces around the edges of the skillet, leaving the chicken in the center.

  5. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the entire skillet, covering both chicken and biscuits.

  6. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20–22 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden and cooked through.

  7. Remove from oven, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Skillet Garlic Knot Chicken – The Ultimate Comfort Dish in One Pan

There’s something magical about meals that combine cozy, familiar flavors in one pan—especially when they’re as rich, aromatic, and crowd-pleasing as this Skillet Garlic Knot Chicken. This dish is a fusion of buttery garlic knots and juicy chicken baked together in a cheesy, bubbling skillet. It’s comforting, filling, and incredibly easy to prepare, making it the kind of go-to dinner that brings smiles to the table and demands seconds.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight, looking for an impressive game-day snack, or just craving something warm and garlicky, this recipe hits all the right notes.

A Marriage of Two Beloved Comfort Foods

Skillet Garlic Knot Chicken is essentially the delicious child of two timeless favorites: garlic knots and cheesy baked chicken. Garlic knots, traditionally made from pizza dough twisted and coated in garlic butter, are a staple at pizzerias and Italian-American restaurants. Their buttery, garlicky exterior and pillowy texture make them irresistible on their own.

Now, imagine those iconic knots nestled around golden pieces of Italian-seasoned chicken, baked until perfectly tender, and smothered in melty mozzarella. It’s comfort food elevated—without requiring hours in the kitchen or tons of dishes to clean up after.

The biscuit dough used in this version makes the recipe more accessible and cuts down on prep time, but still delivers on the texture and flavor we all crave.

The Flavor Profile: Garlic, Butter, Cheese, and Herbs

Each element of this dish brings its own character, yet blends beautifully for a harmonious result:

  • Garlic Butter: The melted butter and fresh garlic infuse everything with rich, savory flavor. A hint of garlic powder adds extra depth.

  • Italian-Seasoned Chicken: Tender chicken thighs or breasts seasoned with herbs and lightly browned before baking bring a savory, juicy contrast to the biscuits.

  • Mozzarella & Parmesan: Mozzarella delivers that iconic stretch and creaminess, while Parmesan provides a salty, umami punch.

  • Parsley: A finishing touch of fresh parsley brings color and a bit of herbal brightness to balance the richness of the dish.

What you get is a dish that’s crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, cheesy, herby, and garlicky in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One Pan, Easy Cleanup: Fewer dishes mean more time enjoying the meal and less time at the sink.

  • Quick & Simple: Using store-bought biscuit dough speeds things up without sacrificing flavor.

  • Versatile: This recipe is forgiving and endlessly customizable.

  • Family-Friendly: The mix of buttery bread, cheesy goodness, and tender chicken is a universal hit—great for picky eaters and foodies alike.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

  • Chicken Thighs: They remain juicy and flavorful even after baking. You can substitute with chicken breasts or even pre-cooked rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time.

  • Biscuit Dough: Any refrigerated biscuit dough will work, including the flaky or buttermilk varieties. You could also use homemade dough or pizza dough if preferred.

  • Garlic: Fresh is always best, but garlic powder or roasted garlic can bring in different flavor notes if desired.

  • Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but don’t be afraid to mix in provolone, fontina, or a sharp white cheddar for an extra cheesy kick.

  • Spice It Up: Crushed red pepper flakes are optional but recommended for a gentle heat. You can also toss in chili flakes or diced jalapeños for more spice.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is incredibly hearty and filling on its own, but if you’d like to round it out, here are some sides that pair well:

  • Green Salad: A crisp Caesar or Italian salad balances the richness with fresh crunch.

  • Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus with a squeeze of lemon is an excellent contrast.

  • Soup: A light tomato basil or chicken vegetable soup makes a great companion.

  • Marinara Dip: Serve a small bowl of warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping the biscuit knots—like deconstructed garlic breadsticks.

Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Knot Chicken

  1. Brown the Chicken Well: Don’t skip the searing step—this builds flavor and ensures the chicken is juicy, not bland.

  2. Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Make sure biscuit pieces have some space to puff up and brown evenly.

  3. Cheese Goes Last: Add cheese before baking to get that perfect gooey top and slightly crispy edges.

  4. Fresh Herbs Finish the Job: A little fresh parsley or even basil at the end adds a pop of freshness that keeps the dish from feeling too heavy.

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

  • Reheat: Warm individual portions in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F until heated through. This helps preserve the biscuit texture better than microwaving.

  • Freezing: Not ideal, as the biscuits can become soggy, but you can freeze the cooked chicken portion separately and bake fresh biscuits when serving.

Variations to Try

  • Veggie Version: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted eggplant for a vegetarian twist.

  • Tex-Mex Style: Season the chicken with cumin and chili powder, use cheddar cheese, and top with cilantro and green onions.

  • Buffalo Chicken: Toss cooked chicken in buffalo sauce before adding to the skillet, then top with blue cheese crumbles post-bake.

  • Pizza-Inspired: Add chopped pepperoni, olives, and marinara to give it a pizza feel.

Who is This Recipe Perfect For?

  • Busy parents looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner

  • College students who want real food fast

  • Beginner home cooks building confidence

  • Anyone craving cheesy, garlicky comfort food

Conclusion

Skillet Garlic Knot Chicken isn’t just a recipe—it’s an experience. It fills your kitchen with the mouthwatering aroma of garlic and butter, and it delivers a dish that’s satisfying, rich, and oh-so-cozy. From the tender chicken to the fluffy biscuits soaked in cheesy goodness, it checks every box for a delicious one-pan dinner.

Best of all, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. It’s easy to adapt, budget-friendly, and consistently loved by everyone who tries it. Whether you’re serving it up for a laid-back family dinner or impressing guests at your next gathering, it promises maximum comfort with minimal effort.

So preheat that oven, grab your favorite skillet, and let the garlic butter magic begin!

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