Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce

Imagine sinking your fork into tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in a velvety basil cream sauce, with melted mozzarella cheese stretching from your plate in irresistible strings. This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish that looks impressive yet comes together with surprising ease. The aromatic combination of fresh basil and garlic creates a heavenly scent that will have everyone gathering in the kitchen before dinner is even served. You’ll learn how to create this luxurious Italian-inspired meal that’s perfect for both special occasions and elevated weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce recipe will quickly become a family favorite for several compelling reasons. First, the contrast between the golden, pan-seared chicken exterior and the juicy interior creates an incredible textural experience. The sauce strikes that perfect balance—rich and creamy without being overly heavy, with fresh basil adding brightness to each bite.

What makes this dish truly special is how the mozzarella melts into the sauce, creating pockets of cheesy goodness that complement the tender chicken. Despite its impressive presentation, this recipe requires minimal preparation and uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. It’s versatile enough for a quick weeknight dinner yet elegant enough to serve to guests. Plus, everything comes together in one pan, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your delicious creation.

Ingredients

For the Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce, you’ll need:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus extra for garnish
• ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 8 pieces
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter

The fresh basil is crucial for the vibrant flavor of this dish—dried basil simply won’t deliver the same aromatic punch. For the mozzarella, fresh is preferred for its superior melting quality, but pre-shredded will work in a pinch. The combination of heavy cream and chicken broth creates the perfect sauce consistency—rich yet not overwhelmingly heavy.

Pro Tips

Proper Chicken Preparation: For evenly cooked chicken in your Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce, pound the breasts to an even thickness of about ¾ inch before cooking. This ensures they cook evenly and remain tender throughout. If your chicken breasts are particularly large, consider slicing them horizontally to create thinner cutlets.

Temperature Control: The secret to perfectly seared chicken is starting with a hot pan. Heat your olive oil until it’s shimmering but not smoking, then add the chicken and resist the urge to move it for at least 4-5 minutes. This creates that golden crust that seals in juices. When making the sauce, reduce the heat to medium-low to prevent the cream from separating or curdling.

Basil Timing: Add most of the fresh basil toward the end of cooking to preserve its vibrant color and flavor. The heat will wilt the basil just enough to release its oils into the sauce without diminishing its brightness. Reserve a small amount of fresh basil for garnishing at the very end to provide both visual appeal and an aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.

Instructions

Step 1

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This ensures a better sear and more flavorful chicken. If your chicken breasts are thick, pound them to an even thickness of about ¾ inch to promote even cooking.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the pan and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 3

Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same pan. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown. The garlic provides an aromatic foundation for your Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce.

Step 4

Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the broth reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes, concentrating its flavor.

Step 5

Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly add the heavy cream while stirring constantly. Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.

Step 6

Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted, then add most of the chopped basil, reserving some for garnish. Return the chicken to the pan and spoon some sauce over each piece. Top each chicken breast with 2 slices of mozzarella cheese.

Step 7

Cover the pan and let it simmer on low heat for 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If your pan doesn’t have a lid, you can use aluminum foil. For an extra golden top, place the pan under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 8

Sprinkle the Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce with the remaining fresh basil right before serving. The contrast between the bright green basil and the creamy sauce creates a visually stunning presentation that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Variations

Sun-Dried Tomato Twist: Transform your Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce by adding ¼ cup of finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce. Their sweet-tart flavor and chewy texture add dimension to the dish while complementing the basil and mozzarella beautifully. For an extra flavor boost, add a tablespoon of the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar when sautéing the garlic.

Spinach and Mushroom Edition: Create a more substantial chicken basil cream dish by adding 2 cups of fresh spinach and 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms. Sauté the mushrooms after cooking the garlic until they’re golden brown, then add the spinach to wilt just before returning the chicken to the pan. This variation adds nutritional value and earthy flavors that pair wonderfully with the creamy basil sauce.

Lighter Version: For a lighter version of this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use part-skim mozzarella. You can also reduce the amount of cheese by half and compensate for flavor by adding an extra tablespoon of fresh herbs like oregano or thyme. This variation maintains the dish’s essential character while reducing its calorie content.

Storage and Serving

This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat or in a microwave at 50% power to prevent the sauce from separating. Add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.

For an elegant presentation, serve this chicken basil cream dish over al dente fettuccine or linguine, allowing the pasta to catch the luxurious sauce. For a lighter option, pair it with roasted asparagus and crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. Another excellent serving suggestion is to place the chicken and sauce over creamy mashed potatoes or cauliflower puree, creating a complete meal with complementary textures.

For a beautiful dinner party presentation, arrange the chicken on a serving platter, pour the sauce over the top, and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan and cracked black pepper.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce recipe. They’re naturally more tender and forgiving if slightly overcooked. Adjust cooking time as needed, as thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce up to a day ahead, but add the mozzarella and final basil garnish just before serving. Reheat gently on the stovetop, then add cheese and cover until melted.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for this recipe?
While the creamy, cheesy elements are central to this dish, you can create a modified version using full-fat coconut milk instead of cream and a dairy-free mozzarella alternative. The flavor profile will change, but it can still be delicious.

What herbs can I substitute if I don’t have fresh basil?
Fresh basil is ideal for authentic flavor, but in a pinch, you can use 2 tablespoons of fresh oregano or thyme. If using dried basil instead of fresh, reduce the amount to 2-3 teaspoons, as dried herbs are more concentrated.

Can I freeze this dish?
Cream-based sauces typically don’t freeze well as they can separate upon thawing. If you must freeze it, do so without the mozzarella topping and recombine the sauce with a whisk while reheating, then add fresh cheese before serving.

Conclusion

This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is comfort food at its finest — a perfect balance of tender chicken, melted cheese, and an herb-infused cream sauce that wraps everything in luxurious flavor. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary evening into a special occasion, yet remains simple enough for weeknight cooking. Whether you’re serving it to impress dinner guests or treating your family to something special, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results from your own kitchen. Make this once, and it will surely become part of your regular cooking repertoire—a reliable showstopper that brings people together around the table.

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