Dreamy Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce Recipe

Sensational Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce Recipe

Weeknight dinners reach new heights with this mozzarella chicken in basil cream sauce that promises pure culinary magic.

Succulent chicken breasts nestle perfectly beneath a blanket of rich, velvety sauce.

Herbs dance through each creamy bite, creating layers of tantalizing flavor.

The combination of melted mozzarella and fragrant basil turns an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Fresh ingredients come together effortlessly, making this dish both elegant and approachable.

Each forkful delivers a harmonious blend of comfort and sophistication.

You’ll want to savor every single delectable moment of this restaurant-worthy meal.

Items You’ll Need For Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce

  • Large Skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and creating the creamy sauce, with a heavy-bottomed pan ensuring even heat distribution.
  • Cutting Board: Used for seasoning chicken and chopping fresh basil.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise chopping and slicing ingredients.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings and spices.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring sauce and scraping pan bits.
  • Tongs: Ideal for flipping and moving chicken during cooking.
  • Plate: Needed for resting cooked chicken and serving.

Steps To Make Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce

  • Sizzle the Chicken

Grab your chicken cutlets and shower them with a flavor blast of seasonings. Fire up a skillet with a splash of olive oil and butter. Cook each piece until they’re beautifully golden and perfectly done, about 4-5 minutes per side. Top each piece with a luxurious slice of melty mozzarella and let it become wonderfully gooey.

  • Craft the Creamy Sauce

In the same sizzling pan, toss in some minced garlic and let it dance around for a quick moment. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up those delicious browned bits. Swirl in heavy cream, sprinkle Parmesan, and add a handful of Italian seasonings. Let the sauce bubble and thicken for a few minutes. Chop up fresh basil and stir it into the silky mixture.

  • Bring It All Together

Nestle the cheesy chicken back into the dreamy sauce. Let everything simmer and get cozy for a couple of minutes so the flavors can mingle. Serve this mouthwatering creation over your favorite pasta, fluffy rice, or alongside some crusty bread for a meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Tips For Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce

  • Quick Sauce Saving Trick: If your cream sauce becomes too thick, whisk in a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out smoothly without losing flavor intensity.
  • Low-Carb Transformation: Replace pasta or rice with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to create a keto-friendly version that keeps the delicious protein and sauce intact.
  • Herb Garden Swap: Experiment with different fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or tarragon instead of basil to create unique flavor profiles while maintaining the creamy sauce's core essence.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the chicken and sauce separately, storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to prevent sauce separation and maintain creamy texture.
  • Vegetarian Twist: Substitute chicken with thick-cut portobello mushrooms or firm tofu, keeping the same seasoning and cooking method for a plant-based alternative that delivers rich, satisfying flavors.

Serving Style For Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce

  • Pasta Perfection: Serve the mozzarella chicken over al dente linguine or fettuccine, letting the creamy basil sauce coat each strand for a restaurant-quality meal.
  • Rustic Bread Companion: Grab a crusty baguette or garlic bread to soak up the rich, herbal sauce, turning every bite into a delightful flavor explosion.
  • Green Side Harmony: Pair with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness and add a fresh, peppery contrast to the creamy chicken.
  • Veggie Boost: Roast some cherry tomatoes or sauté spinach with garlic as a colorful, nutritious side that complements the mozzarella chicken's luxurious flavors.

How To Store Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce

  • Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover mozzarella chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the sauce and chicken together to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Freezing Technique: Carefully wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating Method: Warm gently in microwave at 50% power to prevent sauce separation. Alternatively, use stovetop on low heat with occasional stirring to restore original creamy consistency. Add small splash of chicken broth if sauce seems thick.
  • Meal Prep Hack: Prepare chicken and sauce components separately to extend freshness. Store basil cream sauce in glass jar with tight lid, keeping chicken in separate container. Mix just before serving to maintain optimal texture and flavor profile.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 555 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s In Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce

For Chicken Preparation:
  • Chicken Cutlets: Choose tender, evenly-sized cutlets for consistent cooking and elegant presentation.
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Create golden, crispy exterior while adding rich, deep flavor to the meat.
  • Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: Provide layers of robust seasoning that enhance the chicken's natural taste.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers creamy, melty texture that adds luxurious decadence to the dish.
For Sauce Components:
  • Garlic: Brings aromatic intensity and depth to the cream sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides savory liquid base that intensifies overall flavor profile.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates silky, luxurious texture in the sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Contributes nutty, sharp undertones to complement the creamy sauce.
  • Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes: Add complex herbal notes and subtle heat.
  • Fresh Basil: Introduces bright, fresh herbaceous element that elevates the entire dish.
For Serving Options:
  • Pasta, Rice, Bread: Serve as delicious accompaniments to soak up the rich, flavorful sauce.
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Dreamy Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce Recipe

Dreamy Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce Recipe


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4.6 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Mozzarella chicken in basil cream sauce offers a luxurious Italian-inspired dinner perfect for elegant weeknight meals. Creamy, herbal notes blend seamlessly with tender chicken, creating a memorable dining experience you’ll savor with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (120 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped)
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Seasoning Sensation: Massage chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, ensuring thorough flavor infusion across every surface.
  2. Searing Symphony: Ignite a large skillet with olive oil and butter over medium-high heat, creating a golden-brown canvas for the chicken’s transformation.
  3. Culinary Choreography: Introduce seasoned chicken to the sizzling pan, developing a caramelized exterior for 4-5 minutes per side, confirming doneness at 165°F internal temperature, then crown with a molten mozzarella slice.
  4. Aromatic Alchemy: Without cleansing the skillet, unleash minced garlic’s essence, quickly deglaze with chicken broth, and meticulously scrape flavor-packed remnants from the pan’s surface.
  5. Sauce Elevation: Craft a velvety sauce by blending heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, simmering to develop a rich, complex flavor profile for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Herbal Harmony: Weave freshly chopped basil into the sauce, reunite chicken with the cream mixture, and allow a final 2-3 minute simmer for complete flavor integration.
  7. Elegant Presentation: Serve atop pasta, fluffy rice, or alongside crusty bread, ensuring every droplet of the luxurious sauce is savored.

Notes

  • -Maximize Flavor Absorption: Massage seasonings into chicken cutlets thoroughly, ensuring each crevice receives intense flavor penetration for a more delicious result.
  • -Control Searing Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve perfect golden-brown exterior without burning, creating a caramelized crust that locks in moisture.
  • -Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exactly 165°F, preventing overcooking while ensuring food safety and juicy texture.
  • -Customize Sauce Consistency: Adjust sauce thickness by simmering longer for a richer reduction or adding extra broth if too thick, tailoring to personal preference and desired coating.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 555
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 170 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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