Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a cozy dinner. Juicy chicken breasts are simmered in a rich basil-infused cream sauce and topped with melted mozzarella for a delightful finish.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 5–7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add the heavy cream and chopped basil. Stir and let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 3: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon some sauce over each piece. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly on top of the chicken breasts.
- Step 4: Cover the skillet and cook on low heat for 3–5 minutes until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly. Serve hot with your favorite side.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh mozzarella slices instead of shredded for a creamier texture.
- Add a pinch of garlic powder or minced garlic to the cream sauce for extra flavor.
- Replace basil with fresh spinach for a different green twist.
- Serve over pasta or rice to make it a complete meal.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and add extra moisture and flavor. Adjust cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative to make it suitable for a dairy-free diet, though the flavor and texture will vary slightly.
PrintMozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe
Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is a rich and creamy dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection, smothered in a fragrant basil-infused cream sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a delightful Italian-inspired meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Basil Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and add chopped fresh basil leaves. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Melt Cheese: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some sauce over each piece. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the chicken. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Carefully transfer the mozzarella chicken with basil cream sauce to plates. Garnish with additional basil if desired and serve immediately for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor, but dried basil can be substituted in a pinch (reduce quantity by half).
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- If you prefer, bake the assembled chicken and sauce under a broiler for 2-3 minutes instead of covering the skillet to melt the mozzarella.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Keywords: Mozzarella Chicken, Basil Cream Sauce, Italian Chicken Recipe, Creamy Chicken, Easy Dinner
