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Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Delight

by on March 7, 2025

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Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’m excited to share my mouthwatering Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce. This dish combines juicy chicken, rich cream, and fresh basil for a delightful meal that impresses without fuss. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, you’ll find this recipe easy and satisfying. Get ready to elevate your dinner game with flavors that sing! Let’s dive into the delicious details.

- Chicken and dairy components - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup chicken broth - Seasoning and aromatics - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional ingredients for added flavor - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat) - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - Fresh basil sprigs for garnish (optional) Each ingredient plays a key role in making the dish shine. The chicken gives you a juicy base. The heavy cream adds richness and depth. Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully atop the chicken, making it gooey and delicious. Garlic and basil bring fresh, vibrant flavors that elevate the dish. Don't skip the red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little kick! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, season the chicken breasts. Use salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step adds great flavor. Next, heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet. Cook the chicken over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for a nice golden brown color. The chicken should be cooked through. Once done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. This keeps the chicken juicy and tender. Now, let's make the cream sauce. Start by lowering the heat to medium. Add two cloves of minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté the garlic for about one minute. You want it fragrant but not burnt. Next, pour in half a cup of chicken broth. Scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom. This adds extra flavor to the sauce. After that, add one cup of heavy cream and red pepper flakes if you like heat. Stir everything to combine. Bring it to a gentle simmer. It's time for the delicious finishing touches. Stir in a quarter cup of chopped fresh basil. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. This adds freshness and brightness. Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Place slices of fresh mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast. Cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for about 3-4 minutes. The cheese should melt and become bubbly. To serve, carefully take the chicken out of the skillet. Spoon the creamy basil sauce over the chicken. For presentation, use a warm plate. Drizzle extra sauce around the chicken and garnish with fresh basil sprigs. This makes your dish not only tasty but also beautiful. - Recommended cooking temperature: Cook chicken breasts to an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures they are safe to eat and juicy. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. - Signs of doneness for chicken breasts: Look for a golden-brown color on both sides. The juices should run clear when you cut into the chicken. If you see pink, keep cooking. - Alternative herbs or spices to consider: You can try thyme, oregano, or parsley for a different flavor. Each herb brings a unique twist to the sauce. - Adjusting creaminess to taste: If you want a richer sauce, add more heavy cream. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or reduce the amount of cream. - Best side dishes to accompany the dish: Serve your Mozzarella Chicken with garlic bread or a light salad. Steamed vegetables also make a great side. - Wine pairings for a gourmet experience: Pair this dish with a crisp white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. The wine's acidity complements the creamy sauce well. Pro Tips Chicken Tenderness: To ensure juicy chicken, let it rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing. Cheese Melting: Use a lid to trap steam when melting the mozzarella for an evenly gooey texture. Fresh Basil Flavor: Add fresh basil at the end of cooking for maximum flavor, as heat can diminish its taste. Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a bit more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency. {{image_2}} You can change the cheese for different tastes. Provolone adds a sharp kick. Gouda brings a smoky flavor. Both work well in the basil cream sauce. If you want to switch proteins, try pork or turkey. They will soak up the sauce nicely, offering new flavors to enjoy. For a gluten-free dish, double-check your chicken broth. Make sure it is gluten-free. You can also make this dish dairy-free. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for eggplant or tofu. Both absorb flavors well and add substance. You can use a slow cooker for this dish. Just place seasoned chicken in the cooker. Add the sauce ingredients and cook on low for 6 hours. The chicken becomes tender and flavorful. If you need a quicker option, try an Instant Pot. Cook the chicken and sauce for about 10 minutes under high pressure. This method saves time while keeping the dish delicious. To keep your Mozzarella Chicken tasty, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure the chicken is cool before sealing. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. In the freezer, it stays good for about two months. When reheating, make sure to use low heat. You can use a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Heat until warmed through, but don’t overcook. For the microwave, cover the dish to trap steam. This helps keep the chicken juicy and the cheese melted. Enjoy your meal again without losing flavor! Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the chicken and make the cream sauce. Let them cool, then store them in separate containers. Keep them in the fridge for up to two days. When you're ready to eat, just reheat the chicken and sauce together. This method keeps the flavors fresh. If you don’t have fresh basil, try using dried basil. Use about one teaspoon of dried basil for every tablespoon of fresh. You can also use other herbs like parsley or oregano for a different taste. These herbs won’t taste the same, but they’ll still add flavor. To add some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes while making the sauce. You can also add diced jalapeños for a fresh kick. If you want a smoky flavor, try adding a dash of smoked paprika. Adjust the spice level to your liking for the perfect dish. This blog covered how to make a tasty chicken dish with a creamy sauce. I explained the key ingredients and shared step-by-step cooking methods. I also included tips to boost flavor and suggestions for nice pairings. Remember, you can swap ingredients to suit your taste or diet. Proper storage and reheating will keep your leftovers fresh. Enjoy trying this dish and making it your own! Cooking can be fun, and I hope you feel inspired to experiment!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Delicious Flavor Combination: The creamy basil sauce perfectly complements the juicy chicken and melted mozzarella, creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor.
  2. Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner without sacrificing taste.
  3. Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant green basil and gooey cheese create an eye-catching dish that’s sure to impress guests.
  4. Customizable: You can easily adjust the heat level or add vegetables to the sauce, making it adaptable to various tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– Chicken and dairy components

– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1/2 cup chicken broth

– Seasoning and aromatics

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Optional ingredients for added flavor

– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)

– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

– Fresh basil sprigs for garnish (optional)

Each ingredient plays a key role in making the dish shine. The chicken gives you a juicy base. The heavy cream adds richness and depth. Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully atop the chicken, making it gooey and delicious. Garlic and basil bring fresh, vibrant flavors that elevate the dish. Don’t skip the red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little kick!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of Chicken

First, season the chicken breasts. Use salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step adds great flavor. Next, heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet. Cook the chicken over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for a nice golden brown color. The chicken should be cooked through. Once done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. This keeps the chicken juicy and tender.

Cream Sauce Creation

Now, let’s make the cream sauce. Start by lowering the heat to medium. Add two cloves of minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté the garlic for about one minute. You want it fragrant but not burnt. Next, pour in half a cup of chicken broth. Scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom. This adds extra flavor to the sauce. After that, add one cup of heavy cream and red pepper flakes if you like heat. Stir everything to combine. Bring it to a gentle simmer.

Finishing Touches

It’s time for the delicious finishing touches. Stir in a quarter cup of chopped fresh basil. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. This adds freshness and brightness. Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Place slices of fresh mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast. Cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for about 3-4 minutes. The cheese should melt and become bubbly.

To serve, carefully take the chicken out of the skillet. Spoon the creamy basil sauce over the chicken. For presentation, use a warm plate. Drizzle extra sauce around the chicken and garnish with fresh basil sprigs. This makes your dish not only tasty but also beautiful.

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken

– Recommended cooking temperature: Cook chicken breasts to an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures they are safe to eat and juicy. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

– Signs of doneness for chicken breasts: Look for a golden-brown color on both sides. The juices should run clear when you cut into the chicken. If you see pink, keep cooking.

Enhancing the Cream Sauce

– Alternative herbs or spices to consider: You can try thyme, oregano, or parsley for a different flavor. Each herb brings a unique twist to the sauce.

– Adjusting creaminess to taste: If you want a richer sauce, add more heavy cream. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or reduce the amount of cream.

Suggested Pairings

– Best side dishes to accompany the dish: Serve your Mozzarella Chicken with garlic bread or a light salad. Steamed vegetables also make a great side.

– Wine pairings for a gourmet experience: Pair this dish with a crisp white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. The wine’s acidity complements the creamy sauce well.

Pro Tips

  1. Chicken Tenderness: To ensure juicy chicken, let it rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing.
  2. Cheese Melting: Use a lid to trap steam when melting the mozzarella for an evenly gooey texture.
  3. Fresh Basil Flavor: Add fresh basil at the end of cooking for maximum flavor, as heat can diminish its taste.
  4. Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a bit more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.

Variations

Ingredient Swaps

You can change the cheese for different tastes. Provolone adds a sharp kick. Gouda brings a smoky flavor. Both work well in the basil cream sauce. If you want to switch proteins, try pork or turkey. They will soak up the sauce nicely, offering new flavors to enjoy.

Dietary Modifications

For a gluten-free dish, double-check your chicken broth. Make sure it is gluten-free. You can also make this dish dairy-free. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for eggplant or tofu. Both absorb flavors well and add substance.

Different Cooking Methods

You can use a slow cooker for this dish. Just place seasoned chicken in the cooker. Add the sauce ingredients and cook on low for 6 hours. The chicken becomes tender and flavorful. If you need a quicker option, try an Instant Pot. Cook the chicken and sauce for about 10 minutes under high pressure. This method saves time while keeping the dish delicious.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To keep your Mozzarella Chicken tasty, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure the chicken is cool before sealing. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. In the freezer, it stays good for about two months.

Reheating Tips

When reheating, make sure to use low heat. You can use a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Heat until warmed through, but don’t overcook. For the microwave, cover the dish to trap steam. This helps keep the chicken juicy and the cheese melted. Enjoy your meal again without losing flavor!

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the chicken and make the cream sauce. Let them cool, then store them in separate containers. Keep them in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the chicken and sauce together. This method keeps the flavors fresh.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh basil?

If you don’t have fresh basil, try using dried basil. Use about one teaspoon of dried basil for every tablespoon of fresh. You can also use other herbs like parsley or oregano for a different taste. These herbs won’t taste the same, but they’ll still add flavor.

How can I make it spicier?

To add some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes while making the sauce. You can also add diced jalapeños for a fresh kick. If you want a smoky flavor, try adding a dash of smoked paprika. Adjust the spice level to your liking for the perfect dish.

This blog covered how to make a tasty chicken dish with a creamy sauce. I explained the key ingredients and shared step-by-step cooking methods. I also included tips to boost flavor and suggestions for nice pairings. Remember, you can swap ingredients to suit your taste or diet. Proper storage and reheating will keep your leftovers fresh. Enjoy trying this dish and making it your own! Cooking can be fun, and I hope you feel inspired to experimen

- Chicken and dairy components - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup chicken broth - Seasoning and aromatics - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional ingredients for added flavor - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat) - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - Fresh basil sprigs for garnish (optional) Each ingredient plays a key role in making the dish shine. The chicken gives you a juicy base. The heavy cream adds richness and depth. Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully atop the chicken, making it gooey and delicious. Garlic and basil bring fresh, vibrant flavors that elevate the dish. Don't skip the red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little kick! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, season the chicken breasts. Use salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step adds great flavor. Next, heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet. Cook the chicken over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for a nice golden brown color. The chicken should be cooked through. Once done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. This keeps the chicken juicy and tender. Now, let's make the cream sauce. Start by lowering the heat to medium. Add two cloves of minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté the garlic for about one minute. You want it fragrant but not burnt. Next, pour in half a cup of chicken broth. Scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom. This adds extra flavor to the sauce. After that, add one cup of heavy cream and red pepper flakes if you like heat. Stir everything to combine. Bring it to a gentle simmer. It's time for the delicious finishing touches. Stir in a quarter cup of chopped fresh basil. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. This adds freshness and brightness. Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Place slices of fresh mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast. Cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for about 3-4 minutes. The cheese should melt and become bubbly. To serve, carefully take the chicken out of the skillet. Spoon the creamy basil sauce over the chicken. For presentation, use a warm plate. Drizzle extra sauce around the chicken and garnish with fresh basil sprigs. This makes your dish not only tasty but also beautiful. - Recommended cooking temperature: Cook chicken breasts to an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures they are safe to eat and juicy. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. - Signs of doneness for chicken breasts: Look for a golden-brown color on both sides. The juices should run clear when you cut into the chicken. If you see pink, keep cooking. - Alternative herbs or spices to consider: You can try thyme, oregano, or parsley for a different flavor. Each herb brings a unique twist to the sauce. - Adjusting creaminess to taste: If you want a richer sauce, add more heavy cream. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or reduce the amount of cream. - Best side dishes to accompany the dish: Serve your Mozzarella Chicken with garlic bread or a light salad. Steamed vegetables also make a great side. - Wine pairings for a gourmet experience: Pair this dish with a crisp white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. The wine's acidity complements the creamy sauce well. Pro Tips Chicken Tenderness: To ensure juicy chicken, let it rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing. Cheese Melting: Use a lid to trap steam when melting the mozzarella for an evenly gooey texture. Fresh Basil Flavor: Add fresh basil at the end of cooking for maximum flavor, as heat can diminish its taste. Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a bit more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency. {{image_2}} You can change the cheese for different tastes. Provolone adds a sharp kick. Gouda brings a smoky flavor. Both work well in the basil cream sauce. If you want to switch proteins, try pork or turkey. They will soak up the sauce nicely, offering new flavors to enjoy. For a gluten-free dish, double-check your chicken broth. Make sure it is gluten-free. You can also make this dish dairy-free. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for eggplant or tofu. Both absorb flavors well and add substance. You can use a slow cooker for this dish. Just place seasoned chicken in the cooker. Add the sauce ingredients and cook on low for 6 hours. The chicken becomes tender and flavorful. If you need a quicker option, try an Instant Pot. Cook the chicken and sauce for about 10 minutes under high pressure. This method saves time while keeping the dish delicious. To keep your Mozzarella Chicken tasty, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure the chicken is cool before sealing. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. In the freezer, it stays good for about two months. When reheating, make sure to use low heat. You can use a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Heat until warmed through, but don’t overcook. For the microwave, cover the dish to trap steam. This helps keep the chicken juicy and the cheese melted. Enjoy your meal again without losing flavor! Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the chicken and make the cream sauce. Let them cool, then store them in separate containers. Keep them in the fridge for up to two days. When you're ready to eat, just reheat the chicken and sauce together. This method keeps the flavors fresh. If you don’t have fresh basil, try using dried basil. Use about one teaspoon of dried basil for every tablespoon of fresh. You can also use other herbs like parsley or oregano for a different taste. These herbs won’t taste the same, but they’ll still add flavor. To add some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes while making the sauce. You can also add diced jalapeños for a fresh kick. If you want a smoky flavor, try adding a dash of smoked paprika. Adjust the spice level to your liking for the perfect dish. This blog covered how to make a tasty chicken dish with a creamy sauce. I explained the key ingredients and shared step-by-step cooking methods. I also included tips to boost flavor and suggestions for nice pairings. Remember, you can swap ingredients to suit your taste or diet. Proper storage and reheating will keep your leftovers fresh. Enjoy trying this dish and making it your own! Cooking can be fun, and I hope you feel inspired to experiment!

Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce

A delicious chicken dish topped with melted mozzarella cheese and a creamy basil sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • optional Fresh basil sprigs for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the heavy cream and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Stir in the chopped fresh basil and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and place slices of mozzarella cheese on top of each breast. Cover with a lid and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese melts and is bubbly.
  • Carefully remove the chicken from the skillet and spoon the basil cream sauce over the top before serving.

Notes

Serve the chicken on a warm plate with extra sauce drizzled around. Garnish with fresh basil sprigs for a pop of color and an aromatic touch.
Keyword basil, chicken, cream sauce, mozzarella

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