Irresistible Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe

This irresistible Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Juicy chicken breasts bathed in a creamy, garlicky sauce with fresh basil and melted mozzarella make every bite memorable.

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 mincing the garlic and chopping the fresh 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: Using the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the Italian seasoning and chopped basil, then let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly.
5. Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the skillet and cook on low heat for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
6. Step 6: Serve the chicken with the creamy basil sauce alongside pasta or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use part-skim mozzarella.
• Try adding sun-dried tomatoes or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a flavor twist.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful result.
• Fresh basil is key to the bright flavor—avoid dried basil if possible.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to avoid curdling the cream sauce. Adding a splash of chicken broth during reheating can help restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking to ensure even cooking and a golden crust.

What can I serve with Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce?

This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

Irresistible Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 85 reviews

This Irresistible Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce recipe features tender, golden-browned chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy sauce infused with fresh basil, garlic, and mozzarella cheese. Perfectly cooked in a skillet on the stovetop, it’s a comforting and flavorful meal that pairs wonderfully with pasta or roasted vegetables.

• Author: Mia
• 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

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

Instructions

1. Prep ingredients: Chop the garlic cloves finely and chop the fresh basil leaves. This ensures your sauce will have even flavor distribution.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts liberally with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté garlic and prepare sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, taking care not to burn it. Then add the heavy cream and low-sodium chicken broth, stirring everything together to combine.
4. Season and thicken sauce: Stir in the Italian seasoning and chopped fresh basil. Let the sauce simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Finish with chicken and cheese: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken. Cover the skillet and cook on low heat for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and become bubbly.
6. Serve: Serve the mozzarella chicken hot, spooning extra basil cream sauce over the top. This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream.
• You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a slight kick.
• Fresh mozzarella can be used instead of shredded for a gooier texture, but it may require additional melting time.
• Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

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