Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug at the dinner table. I first stumbled upon this recipe on a busy weeknight when I wanted something comforting yet elegant enough to impress. The creamy basil sauce envelops juicy chicken breasts, all harmonizing beautifully with melted mozzarella and Parmesan. It effortlessly transitions from a hectic weekday meal to a delightful dinner party dish, making it a versatile gem I love to prepare.
Why you’ll love this dish
This recipe really shines because it’s a complete meal packed with flavor and a comforting, creamy sauce that feels indulgent without taking hours to prepare. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want to treat your family or guests to something special but don’t have endless hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s kid-approved, making it an excellent choice for family dinners. The combination of tender chicken and rich basil cream sauce will make even the pickiest eaters ask for seconds.
"This dish was a hit at our family dinner! The sauce is so creamy and flavorful—it felt like dining at a fancy restaurant!" – Review from a satisfied cook.
Step-by-step overview
Making Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is straightforward and satisfying. Here’s how this delightful dish comes together:
- Season and Sear the Chicken – Start by cooking the chicken to golden perfection.
- Sauté Garlic for the Sauce – Infuse your dish with aromatic garlic.
- Build the Basil Cream Sauce – Create a deliciously creamy sauce with cheese and herbs.
- Finish with Chicken and Simmer – Combine the chicken with the sauce to meld the flavors.
- Serve and Enjoy – Plate this masterpiece with a side that soaks up that glorious sauce.
What you’ll need
To create this delicious dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1½ teaspoons dried basil (or ¼ cup chopped fresh basil)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
Feel free to substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, or use low-sodium chicken broth if you’re watching your salt intake.
Directions to follow
-
Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them generously with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. When hot, add the chicken and sear each side until golden brown, about 5–6 minutes per side. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage; it will finish cooking in the sauce. Set aside. -
Sauté Garlic for the Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat slightly and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and stir gently for about a minute until fragrant. Your kitchen will smell heavenly! -
Build the Basil Cream Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer, scraping up any golden bits from the pan for added flavor. Add the heavy cream, stirring until warmed through. Gradually incorporate the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth. Toss in the basil – fresh or dried will work! -
Finish with Chicken and Simmer
Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet. Coat them in the sauce, allowing everything to simmer on low heat for about 10–12 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly. -
Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot with generous amounts of basil cream sauce over the top. This dish pairs wonderfully with angel hair pasta or mashed potatoes—perfect for soaking up that incredible sauce!
Best ways to enjoy it
To elevate your dining experience, try serving Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce on a bed of angel hair pasta for a classic Italian touch. Mashed potatoes also make a great base, holding the creamy sauce beautifully. For a fresh perspective, consider a side of sautéed vegetables or a crisp green salad to contrast the creaminess of the dish. A sprinkle of extra garlic and fresh basil on top can also enhance presentation.
How to store
If you find yourself with leftovers, they can be stored easily. Allow the dish to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to help maintain the sauce’s texture. If you want to save it for longer, this dish freezes well too! Just make sure to store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Helpful cooking tips
For an even better cooking experience, here are some handy tips:
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning. This helps achieve that beautiful golden crust.
- Don’t rush the simmer; allowing the chicken to finish cooking in the sauce ensures it stays juicy and flavorful.
- Customize the cheese according to your preferences. Mix in different kinds of cheese like provolone or gouda for an exciting flavor twist.
Creative twists
Looking to switch things up? Experiment with these variations to keep the dish fresh:
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or spinach to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a delightful twist.
- Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or oregano alongside the basil for complexity.
Your questions answered
Q: How long does it take to make Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce?
A: The overall time for this dish is about 30-40 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Q: Can I use other types of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses, keeping in mind their melting properties.
Q: Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
A: You can use non-dairy cream alternatives and skip the cheese or opt for vegan cheese options to make it dairy-free.
Q: How can I make the dish spicier?
A: For some kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or incorporate spicy Italian sausage along with the chicken.
With its rich flavors and comforting creaminess, Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is sure to become a family favorite. Happy cooking!
Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth Low-sodium optional
- 1 cup heavy cream Can be substituted with half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1½ teaspoons dried basil Or use ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them generously with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken and sear each side until golden brown, approximately 5–6 minutes per side. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage.
- Set the seared chicken aside.
Sauce Preparation
- In the same skillet, reduce heat slightly and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and stir gently for about a minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer, scraping up any golden bits from the pan.
- Add the heavy cream and stir until warmed through, then gradually incorporate the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Toss in the basil, whether fresh or dried.
Combine and Cook
- Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, coating them in the sauce.
- Allow everything to simmer on low heat for about 10–12 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly.
Serving
- Serve hot with generous amounts of basil cream sauce over the top.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with angel hair pasta or mashed potatoes.
