Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce

Okay, gather ’round, friends! Let’s talk about comfort food, the kind that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a big, satisfying plate. Today, we’re diving headfirst into a recipe that’s become a staple in my kitchen and, I dare say, will become one in yours too: Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce. This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a warm hug on a plate.

I remember the first time I made this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce. It was a weeknight, the kids were being… well, kids, and I needed something quick, easy, and, most importantly, something everyone would actually eat. I had some chicken breasts in the fridge, a wilting bunch of basil that needed saving, and a can of cream lurking in the pantry. The result? A symphony of flavors that had everyone clamoring for seconds. The aroma alone, that intoxicating blend of garlic, basil, and creamy goodness, is enough to make your mouth water. It truly is an easy chicken in cream sauce.

There have been mishaps along the way, of course. Like the time I accidentally used heavy cream instead of half-and-half, resulting in a sauce so rich it could have single-handedly solved the world’s energy crisis. Or the time I forgot the garlic (a cardinal sin in my kitchen!), leaving the dish, well, a little blah. But these little kitchen adventures are part of the fun, right? They’re what make cooking, especially this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce, so rewarding.

This dish is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It’s also impressive enough to serve to guests. Honestly, this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce has saved me from many last-minute dinner panics. I discovered this incredible italian chicken recipe while searching for a way to use up the copious amounts of basil that grow in my garden each summer. I tweaked and perfected it over time. I wanted a creamy mozzarella chicken dish.

My cooking philosophy is simple: food should be delicious, nourishing, and bring people together. This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce ticks all those boxes. So, roll up your sleeves, put on some music, and let’s get cooking! I promise, this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce will become a family favorite in no time. By the way, if you want another family favorite of mine, be sure to check out my Turmeric Chicken Soup recipe for a healthy kick of flavor.

What You’ll Need for This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce

Alright, let’s gather our ingredients. This is where the magic begins! Don’t worry; you probably have most of these items already in your pantry. If not, a quick trip to the store, and you’ll be ready to create this incredible Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: I always opt for organic chicken breasts when making Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce, but use whatever you prefer.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the chicken to golden perfection.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Don’t skimp on the garlic! It adds so much flavor.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: Low sodium is best so you can control the saltiness.
• 1/2 cup half-and-half: This is what gives our sauce that creamy texture. Remember my heavy cream mishap? Stick to half-and-half for the perfect consistency!
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil: Fresh basil is a MUST for this recipe. It’s what makes this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce truly special. I learned that you can often find big bunches of basil at farmers’ markets, especially in the summer.
• 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded: I always use fresh mozzarella, the kind packed in water, when making Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce. It melts beautifully.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Because every good dish needs a little seasoning.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a lovely salty, nutty flavor.

Shopping Tips for Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce

When making this simple Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce, you can usually find the best deals on chicken breasts at your local butcher shop or grocery store. Keep an eye out for sales, and stock up when you can. Basil can sometimes be expensive, but growing your own is surprisingly easy! Even a small pot on your windowsill can provide you with plenty of fresh basil for this recipe and more. Here’s a Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce trick I learned: To save money, buy a large block of mozzarella cheese and shred it yourself. It’s cheaper than buying pre-shredded cheese.

Storage Tips for Leftover Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Ingredients

Store your chicken breasts in the refrigerator for up to two days or in the freezer for up to six months. Fresh basil should be stored in the refrigerator, wrapped in a damp paper towel. It will last longer this way. As for the finished Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce, that is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 days.

Now that we have all of our ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step guide! If you need some more ideas on how to use up chicken, you should check out my Parmesan Mushroom Chicken Soup.

Let’s Make This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Together

Okay, friend, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking! I’m going to walk you through each step as if we’re right here in my kitchen together, making this delicious Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner; this recipe is super forgiving.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. This is key to getting a nice sear on the chicken.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. I learned the hard way with Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce that searing the chicken properly is crucial for flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Burnt garlic is no fun.
4. Create the Basil Cream Sauce: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This adds so much flavor! Bring the broth to a simmer, then stir in the half-and-half and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
5. Add the Basil and Mozzarella: Stir in the fresh basil and most of the mozzarella cheese. Reserve a little mozzarella for topping. Let the cheese melt into the sauce, creating a creamy, cheesy masterpiece. Your Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce should smell like a little slice of heaven at this point!
6. Return the Chicken: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the basil cream sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to coat it evenly.
7. Melt the Mozzarella: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the chicken breasts. Cover the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve and Enjoy! Remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving.

In my kitchen, this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect weeknight meal. While the Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is cooking, I usually toss together a quick salad or steam some vegetables to serve alongside it. Don’t worry if your Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce doesn’t look perfect the first time. Practice makes perfect, and even if it’s a little messy, it will still taste amazing.

Now that you know the steps, let’s talk about how to serve this delicious dish! If you’re a fan of creamy chicken sauces, then you might like this recipe for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce, from Chef Bae Atlanta. It is another take on creamy italian chicken recipes.

How I Love to Serve This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce

Okay, so you’ve made this amazing Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce, and now you’re wondering what to serve with it, right? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! My family loves this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce when I serve it over a bed of pasta, usually linguine or fettuccine. The creamy sauce clings to the pasta perfectly, creating a truly satisfying meal.

Here are a few of my go-to side dishes that pair perfectly with this creamy chicken dish:

• Garlic bread: Because who can resist a warm slice of garlic bread dipped in that creamy sauce?
• Steamed broccoli: A healthy and simple side dish that adds a pop of color to the plate.
• A simple green salad: A light and refreshing salad with a vinaigrette dressing is the perfect counterpoint to the richness of the chicken.

This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a more formal gathering. It’s also a great dish to bring to potlucks or parties. As for presentation tips, I like to garnish the Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce with a few extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving. It adds a touch of elegance to the dish.

If you have extra Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce, it makes a delicious filling for sandwiches or wraps. You can also add it to a casserole or bake it with some pasta for a comforting baked dish. Friends always ask for this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce recipe whenever I make it for them. They love how easy and delicious it is. One of my favorite seasonal Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce variations is to add sun-dried tomatoes in the fall. The slightly sweet and tangy flavor of the sun-dried tomatoes complements the basil cream sauce beautifully. If you are looking for more creamy chicken pasta, try Creamy garlic parmesan pasta and chicken recipe.

Now, let’s get to some of the questions I often get about making this dish. For a delicious chicken recipe with tomato, check out this Chicken in Tomato Basil Cream Sauce recipe from The Blond Cook.

Your Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Questions Answered

Alright, let’s tackle some of the questions I frequently get asked about making this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce. I’ve been there, made those mistakes, and learned from them, so I’m happy to share my wisdom with you!

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

A: Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry to remove any excess moisture for best results. You know what I do when my Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce calls for chicken, and I forgot to thaw it? I quickly thaw the chicken breasts in a bowl of cold water.

Q: Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

A: While fresh basil is definitely preferred for this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce, you can use dried basil in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil for every tablespoon of fresh basil. But trust me, the fresh basil makes a huge difference!

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can! You can prepare the chicken and the sauce separately and then combine them when you’re ready to serve. However, I find that the sauce tastes best when it’s made fresh. We tried making the Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce ahead of time and the chicken lost some of its flavor.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A: Of course! While mozzarella is the classic choice for this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone or fontina. They both melt beautifully and add a lovely flavor.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?

A: Definitely! Mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers all work well in this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce. Just sauté them with the garlic before adding the broth. I have reader feedback on the Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce that adding veggies to the sauce makes it a well-rounded meal.

Q: The sauce is too thick/thin. What do I do?

A: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or half-and-half to thin it out. If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?

A: Yes, you can! Substitute the half-and-half with coconut milk or almond milk and use a dairy-free mozzarella cheese alternative. Just be aware that the flavor and texture may be slightly different. This is one of the Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce modifications that is requested the most from blog readers.

Q: My chicken is dry. What did I do wrong?

A: Overcooking the chicken is the most common cause of dry chicken. Make sure to sear it properly and then let it finish cooking in the sauce. A meat thermometer can be a helpful tool to ensure that the chicken is cooked through but not overcooked. One of my favorite tips when making this creamy mozzarella chicken recipe is to ensure the chicken rests in the sauce.

One more time, if you want another creamy recipe, you can also try searching for this recipe on Facebook, Creamy garlic parmesan pasta and chicken recipe.

My Final Thoughts on This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce

Okay, friends, we’ve reached the end of our cooking adventure! I truly hope you’re as excited to try this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce as I am to share it with you. This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a dish that my family always enjoys, and it’s something that I can whip up quickly and easily on a busy weeknight.

Here are my Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Pro Tips:

• Don’t overcook the chicken! This is the key to keeping it juicy and tender.
• Use fresh basil! It makes all the difference in the flavor of the sauce.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment! Add your favorite vegetables or cheeses to make this recipe your own.

Here are a few Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce variations that I’ve tried with my family:

• Sun-dried tomato Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce: Add about 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for a sweet and tangy twist.
• Mushroom Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic before adding the broth.
• Spicy Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick. If you like a more spicy take, try this!

My son loves the spicy version, while my daughter prefers the classic Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce with extra mozzarella cheese. I encourage you to make this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create a dish that your family will love.

I truly hope that this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a way to connect with your loved ones, create memories, and nourish your bodies. So, go ahead, give it a try! I promise you won’t regret it. Remember, cooking should be fun and enjoyable. Don’t stress about making everything perfect. Just relax, have fun, and enjoy the process. You’ve got this! I wish you good luck with your Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce.

Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce

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Tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy basil sauce and topped with melted mozzarella. This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s bursting with Italian flavors.

• Author: Liliana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Add onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
5. Stir in heavy cream, basil, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Return chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
7. Top each chicken breast with a slice of mozzarella cheese.
8. Cover the skillet and cook until the mozzarella is melted, about 2-3 minutes.
9. Serve immediately.

Notes

Serve over pasta, rice, or with a side of roasted vegetables.