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
Scale
- 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