Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe
Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts simmered in a luscious basil-infused cream sauce loaded with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This easy-to-make recipe combines savory garlic and herbs for a flavorful, restaurant-quality meal perfect for dinner with family or friends.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 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
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to promote even browning. Season both sides evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown, about 5–6 minutes per side. It’s okay if the chicken isn’t fully cooked yet, as it will finish cooking in the sauce. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic for the Sauce: Lower the heat slightly and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Stir gently for about one minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Build the Basil Cream Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen browned bits for extra flavor. Stir in the heavy cream and warm through. Gradually add Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, stirring continuously until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the basil, using fresh or dried according to availability.
- Finish with Chicken and Simmer: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, turning to coat in the creamy basil sauce. Allow the chicken and sauce to simmer on low heat for 10–12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the chicken hot, spooning generous amounts of the basil cream sauce over the top. This dish pairs wonderfully with angel hair pasta or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Fresh basil adds a brighter flavor, but dried basil works well and is easier to keep on hand.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a microwave to prevent the sauce from separating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (approx. 1 cup sauce)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Keywords: mozzarella chicken, basil cream sauce, creamy chicken recipe, Italian chicken, easy dinner, chicken breast recipes
