Creamy Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe

Culinary magic happens when mozzarella chicken meets a silky basil cream sauce that dances across your plate.

Rich flavors blend seamlessly in this elegant dish.

Tender chicken pieces nestle underneath a blanket of creamy, aromatic goodness.

Fresh herbs whisper subtle notes of brightness through each carefully crafted bite.

Weeknight dinners can suddenly feel like sophisticated restaurant experiences with minimal effort.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together without complicated techniques.

This meal promises to become a delectable favorite you’ll want to savor again and again.

One forkful will convince you that comfort food can also be incredibly impressive.

Why Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce Is So Loved

• Quick and Effortless Meal: This mozzarella chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal cooking skills required, perfect for busy home cooks looking for a delicious dinner solution.
• Flavor Explosion in Minutes: The dish combines creamy basil sauce, melted mozzarella, and perfectly seasoned chicken, creating a gourmet meal that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish.
• Versatile Dining Delight: Adaptable to various serving styles, this recipe works wonderfully over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread, making it an ideal choice for family dinners, date nights, or casual entertaining.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimizing kitchen cleanup, this recipe uses a single skillet for cooking chicken and creating a rich, flavorful sauce, saving time and reducing post-meal dish washing.

What’s In Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce

• Chicken Cutlets: Tender and lean protein base for the dish, best when thin and evenly cut.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy topping that melts beautifully over the chicken, fresh or low-moisture varieties work well.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty depth to the cream sauce, preferably freshly grated.

• Fresh Basil: Vibrant green herb providing a fresh, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Garlic: Aromatic base that adds intense, sharp flavor to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: Essential spices for seasoning the chicken, enhancing overall taste.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that brings traditional Mediterranean flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy kick to the sauce.

• Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken and provides a smooth cooking surface.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create golden browning on the chicken.
• Chicken Broth: Provides liquid base and additional savory flavor for the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, silky texture for the cream sauce.

How To Cook Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce

Step 1: Sizzle and Season the Chicken

Sprinkle chicken cutlets with a zesty blend of seasonings. Grab your skillet and create a golden paradise by heating olive oil and butter. Dance the chicken around the pan, cooking each side until it turns a gorgeous bronze color and reaches perfect doneness. Top each piece with a luxurious slice of melty mozzarella and let it transform into a creamy blanket. Gently transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 2: Craft the Dreamy Basil Cream Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Let the sauce bubble and dance for a few minutes. Sprinkle in fresh chopped basil and stir with excitement.

Step 3: Bring Everything Together

• Pasta
• Rice
• Crusty bread
• Roasted vegetables

Helpful Tips For Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce

• Choose the Right Chicken: Select thin, evenly-sized chicken cutlets to ensure uniform cooking and quick preparation. Pounding the chicken to an even thickness helps achieve consistent doneness and prevents dry or undercooked sections.
• Master the Cheese Melt: Cover the skillet when adding mozzarella to create a steamy environment that helps the cheese melt smoothly and evenly without burning. Let the cheese become slightly golden and bubbly for maximum flavor and texture.
• Balance Cream Sauce Seasonings: Adjust red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning to suit your spice tolerance. Start with a small amount and taste, gradually adding more for a personalized heat level that doesn't overpower the delicate basil and cream flavors.
• Elevate Serving Options: Transform this dish into a low-carb meal by serving over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. For a gluten-free version, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use alternative pasta or grain options.
• Preserve Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, gently thin it with a splash of chicken broth or pasta water. Stir continuously to maintain a smooth, silky texture that coats the chicken beautifully.

Storage Help For Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce

• Refrigerate leftover mozzarella chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Ensure the dish cools completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Separate the chicken and sauce when possible to maintain the best texture and flavor.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Avoid freezing this dish, as the cream sauce may separate and lose its creamy consistency when thawed.
• When reheating, stir the sauce occasionally to help it warm evenly and prevent scorching.
• For best quality, consume within 2 days of preparation to enjoy the most vibrant flavors and tender chicken.

What To Pair With Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Reach for a chardonnay or pinot grigio to complement the creamy basil sauce and cut through the richness of the mozzarella chicken. The wine's acidity will balance the dish's creamy texture and enhance the herb's freshness.
• Match with Garlic Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the luscious basil cream sauce. The bread's buttery, garlicky notes will perfectly complement the chicken's seasoned flavors and provide a delightful textural contrast.
• Create a Fresh Salad Companion: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette on the side. The peppery greens and tangy dressing will brighten the dish, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, creamy chicken.
• Select Herb-Infused Sparkling Water: Offer a sparkling water with fresh basil and lemon slices as a non-alcoholic option. This refreshing drink will echo the basil in the sauce and cleanse the palate between bites.

Fun Twists On Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce

• Mediterranean Mozzarella Chicken: Add diced sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives to the cream sauce for a tangy Mediterranean flavor profile. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before serving to enhance the regional taste.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken Version: Replace Italian seasoning with chili powder and cumin. Mix in roasted green chilies and top with pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Herb Garden Chicken Remix: Incorporate fresh thyme, rosemary, and extra oregano into the cream sauce. Use herb-infused olive oil when cooking chicken and add a blend of mixed fresh herbs on top before serving. Swap mozzarella for a soft herbed goat cheese for additional complexity.
• Creamy Mushroom Chicken Spin: Sauté sliced cremini or shiitake mushrooms with garlic before creating the cream sauce. Add a splash of white wine to deglaze the pan and introduce earthy mushroom undertones to the dish.

Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce FAQs Explained

• Why use both olive oil and butter for cooking the chicken?

Olive oil helps prevent butter from burning and adds a rich flavor. The combination creates a perfect golden-brown crust on the chicken while providing delicious taste and preventing sticking.

• Can I substitute fresh basil with dried basil?

Fresh basil offers a brighter, more vibrant flavor compared to dried. If you must use dried basil, use about 1/3 of the amount of fresh basil called for in the recipe, but the taste won’t be as robust.

• What makes the cream sauce creamy and flavorful?

The combination of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning creates a luxurious, rich sauce. The addition of fresh basil and red pepper flakes gives depth and a slight kick to the overall flavor profile.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy and tender without overcooking.

Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mozzarella chicken in basil cream sauce delivers a creamy Italian-inspired delight that whispers comfort and elegance. Succulent chicken nestled in a velvety herb-infused sauce promises a memorable dining experience you’ll savor to the last delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Cheese:

• 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Spices:

• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Herbs:

• ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped)

Liquids and Fats:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth

Additional Aromatics:

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

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Instructions

1. Infuse chicken cutlets with a robust blend of seasonings, massaging salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika into each piece for maximum flavor penetration.
2. Heat a combination of olive oil and butter in a large skillet, creating a golden searing environment over medium-high temperature.
3. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the sizzling pan, allowing each side to develop a rich, caramelized exterior for approximately 4-5 minutes.
4. Verify chicken’s doneness by ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F, then crown each piece with a luxurious slice of mozzarella cheese.
5. Cover the skillet momentarily, letting the cheese transform into a molten blanket before transferring chicken to a waiting plate.
6. Without cleaning the skillet, introduce minced garlic, letting its aromatic essence permeate the cooking surface for roughly 30 seconds.
7. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, meticulously scraping up the concentrated flavor deposits from the bottom.
8. Construct a velvety sauce by incorporating heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and a whisper of red pepper flakes.
9. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken, developing a rich, complex flavor profile for 2-3 minutes.
10. Introduce freshly chopped basil, stirring to integrate its vibrant herbaceous notes throughout the sauce.
11. Reunite the chicken with the sauce, gently spooning the cream mixture over each piece to ensure complete flavor immersion.
12. Finish with a final 2-3 minute simmer, allowing the ingredients to harmonize completely.
13. Present the dish atop a bed of pasta, fluffy rice, or alongside crusty bread to capture every droplet of the luxurious sauce.

Notes

• Ensure chicken cutlets are evenly pounded to guarantee uniform cooking and tender texture.
• Use a meat thermometer to precisely check internal temperature, preventing dry or undercooked chicken.
• Fresh mozzarella works best for a creamy, luxurious melting effect compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Adapt the dish for low-carb diets by serving over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes, making the sauce mild or spicy according to preference.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories without sacrificing richness.
• Maximize basil flavor by adding fresh leaves just before serving to preserve their vibrant aroma and color.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 43 g
• Cholesterol: 175 mg