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