Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, creamy sauce infused with fresh basil and garlic. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prep your ingredients by chopping the garlic and basil leaves.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them until golden brown, about 5–7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the heavy cream and chicken broth, then stir to combine.
4. Step 4: Stir in the Italian seasoning and chopped basil. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly.
5. Step 5: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and evenly top them with shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover and cook on low heat for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
6. Step 6: Serve the mozzarella chicken with the basil cream sauce alongside pasta or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded for a creamier, meltier texture.
• Swap chicken broth for white wine to add depth to the sauce.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Storage

Store leftover mozzarella chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, being careful not to overcook the chicken and dry it out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and tend to stay juicier. Adjust cooking time as needed until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 97 reviews

Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender, golden-brown chicken breasts simmered in a creamy basil-infused sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Ideal for an elegant yet easy-to-make dinner, this recipe combines fresh herbs, garlic, and Italian seasoning for a flavorful meal that pairs well with pasta or roasted vegetables.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Prep Ingredients: Chop the garlic cloves finely and chop the fresh basil leaves. This ensures they release maximum flavor during cooking.
2. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Place them in the hot skillet and cook until golden brown on each side, about 5-7 minutes per side, ensuring they are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic and Prepare Sauce: Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Then add the heavy cream and low-sodium chicken broth, stirring well to combine.
4. Add Herbs and Simmer: Stir in the Italian seasoning and chopped basil leaves. Reduce the heat and simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly, which should take a few minutes.
5. Combine Chicken and Cheese: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the chicken. Cover the skillet and cook on low heat for approximately 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the flavors have melded together.
6. Serve: Serve the mozzarella chicken in basil cream sauce immediately, pairing it with pasta or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
• You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick of heat.
• Fresh basil can be substituted with dried basil if fresh is not available; use about 1 tablespoon dried basil.
• Ensure the chicken breasts are pounded to even thickness for even cooking.
• Chicken broth should be low-sodium to better control the saltiness of the dish.

Keywords: mozzarella chicken, basil cream sauce, creamy chicken recipe, Italian chicken dish, stovetop chicken recipe