Short Description
Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is a rich and flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken breasts topped with melted mozzarella cheese and smothered in a creamy basil-infused sauce. This dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, served alongside pasta, rice, or a fresh salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknights
- Pairs well with a variety of sides
- A restaurant-quality dish made at home
- Perfect for impressing guests without too much effort
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Fresh basil
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Butter
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened.
- Stir in fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, top each breast with mozzarella cheese, and cover until the cheese melts.
- Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the sauce for some heat.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Tomato Addition: Add diced sun-dried tomatoes or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Mushroom Twist: Sauté mushrooms with the garlic for a deeper, earthy taste.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s consistency. Avoid overheating to prevent the sauce from separating.
FAQs
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and provide a juicier texture. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately. Reheat and combine with freshly cooked chicken when ready to serve.
What type of mozzarella should I use?
Fresh mozzarella slices or shredded mozzarella both work. Fresh mozzarella provides a creamier texture.
Can I substitute dried basil for fresh basil?
Yes, but fresh basil gives the best flavor. If using dried basil, use about one-third of the amount.
How do I thicken the sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer longer or add a small slurry of cornstarch and water.
Can I make this dish keto-friendly?
Yes! Use keto-friendly sides like cauliflower mash or zoodles.
What sides go well with this dish?
Pasta, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad pair beautifully.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be slightly less rich and creamy.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the chicken broth and other ingredients are gluten-free.
Conclusion
Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is a delicious, creamy, and satisfying dish that’s easy to make yet impressive enough for special occasions. With its rich sauce and cheesy topping, it’s bound to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal at home!
PrintMozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is a rich and creamy dish made with tender pan-seared chicken, melted mozzarella, and a delicious basil-infused cream sauce. It’s an easy, restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying & Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved to make 4 cutlets)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
For the Basil Cream Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- Place a slice of mozzarella cheese on each chicken piece, cover the pan, and let it melt. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Basil Cream Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the chopped fresh basil and stir to combine.
- Combine & Serve:
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top.
- Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve hot over pasta, rice, or with bread.
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer or add a slurry of 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water.
- For extra flavor, add sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms to the sauce.
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor, but dried basil can work in a pinch (use 1 teaspoon).