Description
Tender chicken breasts topped with melted fresh mozzarella and coated in a luscious basil-infused creamy sauce. This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce recipe is an elegant, quick-to-make dish combining fresh herbs, rich dairy, and juicy chicken, perfect for elevating weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Cheese
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare and Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides to build a flavorful base.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Basil Cream Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned. Pour in heavy cream, then add chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the pan, spoon the basil cream sauce over them, layer fresh mozzarella slices on top, and cover the pan to allow the cheese to melt smoothly into the sauce and chicken.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the mozzarella is melted and bubbly, remove from heat. Garnish with extra chopped basil if desired and serve hot with your favorite sides for an unforgettable meal.
Notes
- Use fresh basil for the brightest flavor, adding it at the last minute rather than using dried herbs.
- Monitor chicken carefully to avoid overcooking; a meat thermometer can help ensure perfect doneness.
- Simmer the cream sauce gently over low heat to prevent curdling and maintain a silky consistency.
- Choose fresh mozzarella over processed for better melting quality and flavor intensity.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain juices and enhance tenderness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
Keywords: mozzarella chicken, basil cream sauce, easy chicken recipe, creamy chicken, quick dinner, gluten-free chicken, weeknight meals, basil chicken