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Looking for a dinner that’s both cozy and impressive? This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce recipe delivers tender chicken breasts topped with gooey mozzarella and draped in a rich, basil-infused cream sauce. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this Mozzarella Chicken dish feels like a restaurant treat but comes together in just 35 minutes. The creamy Basil Cream Sauce adds a fresh, herby touch, making it a versatile Cream Sauce Recipe that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or a crisp salad.

In this post, we’ll walk you through making this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce, share tips for a perfect sauce, and suggest ways to serve this crowd-pleaser. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce

Rich and Flavorful: Creamy sauce and melted mozzarella elevate this Mozzarella Chicken dish.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
Versatile: Pairs with a variety of sides for a complete Cream Sauce Recipe meal.
Impressive: Restaurant-quality flavors that wow guests with minimal effort.
Comforting: A warm, cheesy dish that’s pure comfort in every bite.

Ingredients for Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce

This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce uses simple ingredients to create a decadent Basil Cream Sauce dish. Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings.

For the Chicken

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (4, about 1.5 lbs): Tender and quick-cooking.
Olive Oil (2 tbsp): For searing the chicken.
Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): Adds herby depth.
Salt (½ tsp): Enhances flavors.
Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Adds a mild kick.

Basil Cream Sauce

Butter (2 tbsp): Creates a rich base.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses bold, aromatic flavor.
Chicken Broth (½ cup): Adds savory depth.
Heavy Cream (¾ cup): Makes the sauce velvety.
Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, grated): Adds nutty richness.
Fresh Basil (¼ cup, chopped): Brings vibrant, herby freshness.
Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): For seasoning.

For Topping

Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup, shredded or sliced): For a melty, cheesy finish.
Fresh Parsley (1 tbsp, chopped, optional): For garnish.

Equipment Needed

Large skillet with lid
Tongs
Wooden spoon or whisk
Cutting board and knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Meat thermometer (optional)

Preparation Guide

Making this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is simple, delivering a flavorful Mozzarella Chicken dish in under 40 minutes. Follow these instructions for success.

Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove to a plate and keep warm.

Make the Basil Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low. Melt butter, then add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth, stirring to scrape up browned bits from the pan. Add heavy cream and simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Add Mozzarella and Finish

Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over each piece. Top each breast with mozzarella cheese.
Cover the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with parsley, if using, and serve hot.

Chef’s Tips for Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce

Check Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for juicy Mozzarella Chicken.
Thicken the Sauce: If the Basil Cream Sauce is too thin, simmer longer or add a pinch of cornstarch mixed with water.
Fresh Basil: Add basil at the end to preserve its vibrant flavor in this Cream Sauce Recipe.
Don’t Overcrowd: Cook chicken in batches if needed to ensure a golden sear for Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce.
Quality Cheese: Use fresh or high-quality shredded mozzarella for a creamier melt.

Serving Suggestions

Make this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce the star of your table with these serving ideas:

With Pasta: Serve over spaghetti or fettuccine to soak up the Basil Cream Sauce.
With Rice: Pair with jasmine or wild rice for a hearty Mozzarella Chicken meal.
With Veggies: Add roasted zucchini or steamed broccoli for a balanced plate.
With Salad: A crisp Caesar or arugula salad complements the richness of this Cream Sauce Recipe.
Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with a glass of Chardonnay or sparkling water with a lemon twist to enhance the flavors.

Storing and Make-Ahead

This Mozzarella Chicken in Cream Sauce stores well for future meals:

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken; stir well before reheating.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the Basil Cream Sauce up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Cook chicken fresh and combine before serving for the best Mozzarella Chicken texture.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency. Avoid high heat to prevent separation.
Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently to maintain the Cream Sauce Recipe texture.Serving Tip: Add fresh basil or parsley after reheating to revive the dish’s freshness.

Variations and Substitutions

Customize this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce to suit your preferences:

Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the sauce for a kick in this Mozzarella Chicken dish.
Low-Carb: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly Cream Sauce Recipe.
Tomato Boost: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes or halved cherry tomatoes for extra flavor in the Basil Cream Sauce.
Mushroom Add-In: Sauté mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy Mozzarella Chicken Cream Sauce.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives for a dairy-free version.

FAQs About Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce

How do I know when the chicken is done?
Check for an internal temperature of 165°F using a meat thermometer, or ensure no pink remains in the center for Mozzarella Chicken.

Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless, skinless thighs are juicier and work great in this Cream Sauce Recipe. Adjust cooking time to reach 165°F.

Can I make this ahead?
Prepare the Basil Cream Sauce a day ahead and refrigerate. Cook chicken fresh for the best Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce results.

What type of mozzarella is best?
Fresh mozzarella slices offer a creamier texture, but shredded mozzarella works well too for this Mozzarella Chicken dish.

Can I use dried basil?
Fresh basil is ideal for vibrant flavor, but use 1 tsp dried basil if substituting in this Basil Cream Sauce.

How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer longer or add a slurry of 1 tsp cornstarch and 1 tbsp water for a thicker Cream Sauce Recipe.

Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes, serve with low-carb sides like cauliflower mash or zoodles for a keto Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce.

What sides pair well?
Pasta, rice, roasted veggies, or a green salad complement the creamy Basil Cream Sauce perfectly.

Can I use half-and-half instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be less rich. Simmer longer for thickness in this Cream Sauce Recipe.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the chicken broth is gluten-free, this Mozzarella Chicken dish is naturally gluten-free.

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Conclusion

This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is a dreamy, creamy dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your kitchen with ease. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this Mozzarella Chicken recipe combines tender chicken, melty cheese, and a luscious Basil Cream Sauce that’s sure to impress. Try this Cream Sauce Recipe tonight and enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal that’s bound to become a staple. Share your favorite sides or variations in the comments below!

Happy cooking!