Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 cup chicken broth - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste The main ingredients for Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce are simple yet vital. First, boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide a lean and tender base. Next, fresh mozzarella cheese gives the dish its rich, creamy texture. Heavy cream rounds out the flavor, creating a sauce that is both luscious and satisfying. For seasoning, olive oil is essential. It enhances flavor and helps cook the chicken evenly. Garlic adds a warm aroma and depth. Italian seasoning brings a classic taste that complements the other ingredients. Don't forget the additional components! Chicken broth adds moisture and richness. Fresh basil leaves infuse a bright, herbaceous note, while salt and pepper balance all the flavors. Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish a delightful experience. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This brings out great flavor. - For even cooking, pound the chicken lightly with a meat mallet. This helps all parts cook at the same rate. - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. The oil should shimmer but not smoke. - Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. You want a nice golden brown. - To check for doneness, cut into the thickest part. The juices should run clear and the meat should not be pink. - Lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until you smell the garlic. - Deglazing the pan is key; scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom. This adds flavor to the sauce. Add chicken broth after sautéing the garlic. - Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer. Stir often until the sauce thickens a bit, about 3-4 minutes. - Stir in chopped basil and season with salt and pepper. - Return the chicken to the skillet and place mozzarella slices on top. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes. - For serving, plate the chicken and spoon the sauce over it. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pretty touch. To keep the chicken juicy, avoid overcooking it. You want it golden brown, not dry. Use a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. Let it rest after cooking. This helps seal in the juices. For the sauce, stir the heavy cream gently. You want it thick but not too thick. If it gets too thick, add a bit more chicken broth. This keeps it creamy and smooth. If you want a lighter dish, try using whole milk instead of heavy cream. It will change the taste slightly but still taste great. You can also use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Just mix it in slowly to avoid lumps. For cheese, swap fresh mozzarella with provolone or gouda. Each cheese brings its own flavor. Experiment to find your favorite! To make your dish pop, add fresh basil leaves on top. They add color and enhance flavor. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese for a salty kick. For a touch of color, slice some cherry tomatoes and place them around the plate. They look nice and add a fresh taste. Enjoy making your meal beautiful! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh mozzarella and basil for the best flavor and texture in your dish. Monitor Cooking Time: Ensure not to overcook the chicken; it should be golden brown and juicy, not dry. Thicken Your Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer or add a cornstarch slurry to achieve your desired consistency. Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves not only enhances flavor but also adds a beautiful touch to your plating. {{image_2}} You can boost your Mozzarella Chicken with veggies. Try bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. - Recommended veggies to include: - Bell peppers - Spinach - Zucchini - Mushrooms When you add veggies, cook them before the sauce. Sauté them in the skillet for about 3-5 minutes. This way, they get soft and tasty before you add the cream. For some heat, spice it up! You can add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. - Adding heat with spices: - Red pepper flakes - Cayenne pepper - Hot sauce Pair the spicy chicken with a creamy sauce. It balances the heat. Consider using a spicy marinara or a chipotle sauce for extra flavor. Mix up the herbs. Instead of basil, use parsley, oregano, or thyme for new tastes. - Using different herbs instead of basil: - Parsley - Oregano - Thyme These herbs bring unique flavors. For a fresh twist, try rosemary with garlic. It adds a rich taste to the cream sauce. To store leftovers, let the mozzarella chicken cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and avoids bad odors. In the fridge, it stays good for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you know when to eat it. You can freeze mozzarella chicken for longer storage. First, cool it completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place it in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, move it to the fridge to thaw overnight. This helps keep the flavor and texture intact. For reheating, I suggest using the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat it for about 20-25 minutes. This method warms the chicken evenly. If you want to keep the sauce creamy, add a splash of chicken broth or cream before reheating. This helps maintain the sauce's quality and prevents it from drying out. Yes, you can make Mozzarella Chicken ahead of time. Here are some best practices for pre-prepping the dish: - Cook the Chicken: Sear the chicken breasts as per the recipe. Let them cool completely. - Prepare the Sauce: Make the basil cream sauce and let it cool too. Store the sauce separately from the chicken. - Storage: Place the chicken and sauce in airtight containers. Keep them in the fridge for up to two days. - Reheating: When you're ready to serve, reheat the chicken in a skillet. Add the sauce and warm until heated through. This keeps the chicken juicy and the sauce creamy. Mozzarella Chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some tasty accompaniments: - Pasta: A light pasta tossed in olive oil or garlic complements the dish. - Rice: Serve with fluffy white rice or a flavorful risotto. - Salad: A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken. - Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables add color and nutrition. Yes, you can substitute chicken with other proteins. Here are some recommended alternatives: - Turkey Breasts: Similar cooking time and flavor profile. - Pork Chops: A bit thicker, so cook them slightly longer. - Tofu: For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu. Cook until golden brown. Adjustments for cooking times may be necessary. Always ensure proteins reach safe internal temperatures. In this blog post, we explored a delicious mozzarella chicken recipe. You learned about key ingredients like chicken, mozzarella, and cream. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you prepare and cook the dish perfectly. We also discussed tips for variations and storage options. Making mozzarella chicken is simple and rewarding. With these insights, you can impress your family or friends at your next meal. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and making it your own!$

Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce

A delicious chicken dish topped with melted mozzarella and a creamy basil sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
1 cup heavy cream
0.5 cup chicken broth
0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chicken broth, scraping up any bits stuck to the pan.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir frequently until it thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the chopped basil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, placing mozzarella slices on top of each piece of chicken. Cover the skillet and allow the mozzarella to melt, about 2-3 minutes.
Plate the chicken and spoon the basil cream sauce generously over it. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Serve with pasta or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Keyword basil, chicken, cream sauce, mozzarella