Moist, cheesy Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce: The Ultimate Weeknight Comfort Food 🍗🌿🧀
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a delicious and easy dinner recipe with fresh mozzarella, look no further than this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this chicken dinner recipe baked combines tender chicken, melty mozzarella, and a fragrant basil cream sauce that elevates your typical poultry dish into a fancier, flavorful experience. This chicken entrees fancy recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike, making it an excellent addition to your repertoire of best chicken dishes dinners. Whether you call it a comfort food or a light gourmet meal, this dish offers a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and herbaceous flavors for your flavored chicken recipes collection.
2. Ingredient List for Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
3. Preparing the Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 6-7 minutes per side. For a more tender result, you can also bake chicken for a tender finish. After cooking, set aside to rest.
Step 2: Make the Basil Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in chopped basil leaves and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Add optional grated Parmesan cheese for added richness. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble and Finish
Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet with the basil cream sauce. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and cover until the cheese melts beautifully, about 3 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
4. Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This mozzarella chicken in basil cream sauce pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, such as chicken and broccoli pasta, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving with crusty garlic bread or a light white wine like Pinot Grigio. For an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top before serving.
5. Storage Tips & Reheating
Leftover mozzarella chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat. To maintain the creamy texture, add a splash of milk or cream when reheating. This dish also freezes well if stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
6. Variations & Additional Tips
- Use slow cooker honey mustard chicken for a different flavor twist.
- Swap basil for spinach or parsley for a different herbaceous profile.
- Make it gluten-free by using certified gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip breadcrumbs altogether for a more delicate texture.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
7. FAQs about Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but ensure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to achieve even browning. Explore more chicken recipes for tips on cooking frozen chicken.
Q2: What are some suitable side dishes for this cheesy chicken
Great options include pasta, garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. These sides complement the rich basil cream sauce and melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella chicken.
Q3: Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, and consider portioning into meal containers for quick weeknight dinners.
8. Final Thoughts on Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
This chicken dinner recipe baked with mozzarella and basil cream sauce is a crowd-pleaser that adds elegance to a simple weeknight meal. Its cheesy, creamy, and herbaceous flavors make it a perfect candidate for your collection of flavored chicken recipes. Try experimenting with different herbs or cheeses to make the dish your own — and don’t forget to share this delightful recipe with friends and family!
9. Conclusion
Enjoy making and savoring this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce for a cozy night in or a special occasion. Whether you’re looking for chicken recipes with cream or a way to elevate your usual chicken dishes, this recipe offers an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Remember, mastering this dish means impressing everyone with minimal effort, making it one of the best chicken dinner ideas for busy nights. Happy cooking!
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Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Comfort Food
Description
Moist, cheesy Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is the ultimate weeknight comfort food, combining tender chicken, melty mozzarella, and a fragrant basil cream sauce. Perfect for quick, flavorful dinners that impress family and friends with its creamy, herbaceous flavor profile.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 6-7 minutes per side. Set aside to rest.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in chopped basil leaves and season with extra salt and pepper as needed. Add grated Parmesan if desired, and let the sauce thicken for 3-4 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, topping with shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover and cook until the cheese melts, approximately 3 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- For a tender finish, you can also bake the chicken instead of pan-frying. [See link for baking instructions]
- Replace basil with spinach or parsley for a different flavor profile.
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or skipping breadcrumbs entirely.
- Dairy-free option: substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed. Freezer-friendly for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 410 Kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
