Name: Creamy Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5-2 lbs), ½-inch thick; 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn; ½ cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish); 1 large shallot, minced (or ½ small yellow onion); 4-5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 ½ cups heavy cream; ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or ½ tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp dried thyme); ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste; Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to a gourmet experience right in your own kitchen, effortlessly. Imagine succulent, perfectly pan-seared chicken breasts, lovingly blanketed in melted, gooey mozzarella, all swimming in a velvety, fragrant basil cream sauce that whispers notes of fresh herbs and rich indulgence. I’m truly thrilled to bring you this recipe, a dish that manages to feel both incredibly luxurious and surprisingly approachable for any weeknight or special occasion.

A Culinary Homage to Timeless Flavors

While not a centuries-old heirloom recipe itself, this exquisite dish pays beautiful homage to the timeless flavors of Italian cuisine. It expertly combines the fresh, vibrant zest of basil with the comforting richness of cream and the unmistakable delight of melted mozzarella—ingredients celebrated across generations for their pure deliciousness. People adore this particular Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce for its exquisite balance of flavors and textures: the tender, juicy chicken, the perfectly clinging creamy sauce, and that irresistible cheese pull that makes every bite a true pleasure. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table sigh with contentment, proving that extraordinary flavor doesn’t have to be complicated.

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5-2 lbs total), thinly sliced or pounded to ½-inch thickness
8 oz fresh mozzarella, preferably “fresh” or “ciliegine” balls, sliced or torn into bite-sized pieces
½ cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped, plus extra for garnish
1 large shallot, finely minced (or ½ small yellow onion)
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging chicken)
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle kick)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Preparing the Chicken for Our Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce:

First things first, let’s get our chicken ready. I like to start by patting the chicken breasts thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a beautiful sear, as any excess moisture will steam the chicken instead of browning it. If your chicken breasts are very thick, I highly recommend slicing them horizontally to create two thinner cutlets, or pounding them between two sheets of plastic wrap to about a ½-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and a more tender result.
Once the chicken is prepped, it’s time to season and dredge. On a shallow plate, combine the all-purpose flour with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder here if you like an extra layer of flavor. Take each chicken cutlet and lightly dredge it in the seasoned flour, ensuring it’s evenly coated on both sides. Gently shake off any excess flour. We’re looking for a thin, even coating, not a thick batter. This flour coating helps create a lovely crust and also slightly thickens our eventual sauce.
Now, let’s get that golden sear! In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or an oven-safe pan, melt 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. You want the fats to be shimmering and hot, but not smoking. When the pan is hot enough, carefully place the floured chicken cutlets in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, work in batches to ensure proper browning. Overcrowding can lower the pan’s temperature and lead to steamed chicken.
Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust and is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). I always look for that rich, caramelized color, which tells me the flavor is developing perfectly. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate. You can loosely tent it with foil to keep it warm while we work on our incredible basil cream sauce. There will be some delicious browned bits, or “fond,” left in the pan – these are pure flavor gold and we’ll use them to build our sauce!

Crafting the Basil Cream Sauce for Your Mozzarella Chicken:

Using the same skillet (no need to clean it, those browned bits are our friends!), reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Once the butter is melted, toss in the finely minced shallot (or onion). Sauté the shallot for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes translucent. You’ll notice a lovely aroma filling your kitchen – that’s a sign we’re on the right track! Make sure not to brown the shallots; we want them sweet and tender.
Next up, the garlic! Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for another 60 seconds, stirring constantly. Garlic can burn quickly, so keep a close eye on it and stir to release its fragrant oils without letting it turn dark brown. This quick sauté is just enough to mellow its raw edge and infuse the pan with its incredible aroma. If you’re using red pepper flakes, this is the perfect time to add them along with the garlic for a subtle, warming heat that complements the rich sauce beautifully.
Now, let’s build the base of our cream sauce. Pour in the ½ cup of chicken broth. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, scrape up all those flavorful browned bits (the fond) from the bottom of the pan. This process is called “deglazing,” and it’s where a lot of the depth of flavor for our sauce comes from. Let the broth simmer gently for about 1-2 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and concentrate those delicious flavors. This step is non-negotiable for a truly rich sauce!
It’s time for the star of our sauce: the heavy cream! Pour in the 1 ½ cups of heavy cream. Stir everything together gently to combine. Add the 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning (or the individual oregano and thyme if you’re using those). Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer very gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken slightly. You’ll notice the texture becoming more luxurious and coating the back of your spoon. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember, the chicken was seasoned, so taste the sauce as you go to get the seasoning just right.
Finally, the fresh basil. Turn off the heat or keep it on the lowest setting. Stir in the ½ cup of roughly chopped fresh basil leaves. The residual heat from the sauce will wilt the basil perfectly, releasing its vibrant aroma and distinct flavor without overcooking it and turning it dark. I always find this step transforms the sauce from good to truly extraordinary. The fresh basil is what gives our “Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce” its signature bright and herbaceous note.

Assembling and Finishing Our Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce:

Once your luscious basil cream sauce is ready, it’s time to bring everything together. Carefully return the seared chicken cutlets to the pan, nestling them gently into the sauce. Spoon some of that amazing cream sauce over each piece of chicken, ensuring every part is coated in the fragrant, creamy goodness. This helps the chicken reabsorb some moisture and flavor, making it incredibly tender and juicy.
Now for the mozzarella! Distribute the fresh mozzarella slices or torn pieces evenly over the chicken breasts. I love how the fresh mozzarella adds a milky, slightly tangy counterpoint to the rich sauce. It melts beautifully, creating those irresistible cheese pulls that we all adore. Make sure to get some on each piece of chicken so every bite is a cheesy delight.
If your skillet is oven-safe, you can pop it into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until the mozzarella is beautifully melted and bubbly. Alternatively, if your pan is not oven-safe, simply cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit on the lowest heat for 3-5 minutes. The residual heat from the sauce will be more than enough to melt the mozzarella into a gooey, wonderful topping. I often prefer the oven method for that slightly golden, almost caramelized top, but both methods yield fantastic results for this “Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce.”
Once the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly, carefully remove the pan from the oven or stovetop. Allow the dish to rest for just a minute or two. This brief rest allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to settle. Before serving, I like to sprinkle a little more fresh chopped basil over the top for a final flourish of color and aroma. You can also add a generous dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired, for an extra layer of salty, umami flavor.
Serve your incredible Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce immediately. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even a simple pasta like fettuccine or linguine to soak up all that delightful sauce. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette would also be a perfect accompaniment to cut through the richness. Every bite is an experience of tender chicken, vibrant basil, rich cream, and gooey mozzarella – truly a comfort food masterpiece that I absolutely adore making. Enjoy every single, flavorful mouthful!

Conclusion:

And there you have it, friends! We’ve reached the end of our culinary journey, but truly, it’s just the beginning of a delicious adventure for you in your own kitchen. I genuinely believe that this recipe for

Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce

is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s that perfect dish that feels incredibly gourmet and impressive, yet comes together with surprising ease, making it absolutely perfect for any night of the week. From the moment that rich, aromatic basil cream sauce starts to bubble, filling your home with an irresistible scent, to the first tender bite of chicken enveloped in melted mozzarella, you’ll understand exactly why I’m so passionate about it. It’s comforting, deeply flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, striking that beautiful balance between creamy indulgence and fresh herbaceous notes. The golden-brown chicken, the blanket of bubbly mozzarella, and the vibrant, fragrant basil-infused sauce all combine to create a symphony of textures and tastes that will undoubtedly earn this dish a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. Trust me, this isn’t just another chicken dinner; it’s a meal that promises to delight your senses and leave everyone at your table asking for more.

Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Meal

While the star of the show, the Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce, is undeniably captivating on its own, pairing it with the right sides can truly complete the experience. For a classic and incredibly satisfying pairing, I highly recommend serving it over a bed of al dente pasta – think linguine, fettuccine, or even a shorter cut like penne, which is excellent for catching all that glorious sauce. The pasta absorbs the creamy goodness beautifully, turning every forkful into a delightful experience. If you’re leaning towards a lighter carb, fluffy basmati rice or a wild rice blend would be fantastic, offering a subtle nutty counterpoint. And please, do not forget a crusty loaf of artisanal bread! A warm baguette or ciabatta is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible basil cream sauce – it’s a non-negotiable in my book. To add a fresh, vibrant balance to the richness, a simple side of steamed asparagus, green beans, or tender-crisp broccoli florets would be wonderful. Alternatively, a light, crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette would provide a refreshing contrast. For a truly luxurious touch, consider a crisp, unoaked white wine like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy sauce without overpowering it. Each of these suggestions is designed to enhance the overall enjoyment of this magnificent dish.

Creative Variations to Personalize Your Plate

The beauty of cooking lies in its adaptability, and while this recipe is perfect as written, I always encourage you to experiment and make it your own! If you’re looking to add more vegetables, sautéed mushrooms or a handful of fresh spinach wilted into the sauce at the very end would be absolutely delicious and add an extra layer of nutrition. For a pop of color and a tangy counterpoint, try stirring in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed are best) right before adding the mozzarella. Not a fan of chicken, or simply looking for a change? This basil cream sauce would be equally delightful with pan-seared pork tenderloin medallions or even plump shrimp, which cook quickly and absorb the flavors beautifully. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic will give it a wonderful subtle kick. For those exploring low-carb options, serving the chicken and sauce over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice would be a fantastic way to enjoy all the flavor without the carbs. You could also experiment with different herbs – a touch of fresh oregano or thyme alongside the basil could introduce a lovely complexity. The possibilities are truly endless, so feel free to get creative and tailor this recipe to your family’s preferences and whatever fresh ingredients you have on hand!

Your Culinary Adventure Awaits!

Now, it’s your turn! I have poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I am so excited for you to experience the magic of

Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce

firsthand. It’s a dish that brings people together, elicits compliments, and most importantly, tastes absolutely divine. Don’t be shy; gather your ingredients, set aside some time, and dive into this wonderful cooking project. I promise you, the effort will be richly rewarded with incredible flavor and a sense of accomplishment. Once you’ve made it, I would be absolutely thrilled to hear about your experience! Did you love it? Did you try any of the variations? What did you serve it with? Please share your thoughts, your successes, and even your culinary experiments. Snap a photo of your masterpiece – I always love seeing what you create in your kitchens! Your feedback and stories inspire me and our entire community of food lovers. So go ahead, make this unforgettable meal tonight, and let the delicious memories begin!