Delicious Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe

Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce is a dish that effortlessly transports you to a gourmet Italian trattoria, right from the comfort of your own kitchen. Imagine a weeknight meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare, yet comes together with surprising ease, delivering unparalleled flavor and comfort. This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s an experience that promises to impress both family and guests alike.

While not a centuries-old relic from ancient Italian cookbooks, this magnificent dish draws its profound inspiration from the heart of Italian culinary traditions. It beautifully marries the fresh, aromatic essence of basil with the indulgent creaminess of mozzarella, ingredients revered globally for their ability to elevate any meal. It’s a modern classic, reflecting a sophisticated yet accessible approach to home cooking, making it a beloved staple in countless households.

The reasons why this dish garners so much adoration are clear. The chicken breasts, cooked to tender perfection, are sumptuously bathed in a rich, herbaceous basil cream sauce that is both luxurious and incredibly flavorful. Topped with melted, gooey mozzarella cheese that stretches enticingly, every forkful is a symphony of textures and tastes. It’s the ultimate comfort food that feels incredibly indulgent, yet I promise you, it’s surprisingly straightforward to prepare. The vibrant basil offers a refreshing counterpoint to the richness, ensuring a perfectly balanced profile. Prepare to fall in love with our incredible Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce – a true testament to delicious simplicity.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio), optional but highly recommended for flavor depth
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), drained and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle kick)

Preparing Your Ingredients for Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce

1. Prepare the Chicken: Let’s start with our star, the chicken breasts. I like to lay them on a cutting board and place a piece of plastic wrap over them. Using a meat mallet or a heavy rolling pin, gently pound each chicken breast to an even thickness, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch. This step is crucial for even cooking and ensures that every bite of our Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce will be tender and juicy. Pounding also increases the surface area, allowing more of that delicious seasoning to adhere. After pounding, pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels; removing excess moisture helps create a beautiful golden-brown crust when we sear them. This extra attention to detail at the beginning truly pays off in the final texture of the dish.
2. Season the Flour Mixture: In a shallow dish or a wide plate, combine the 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk these dry ingredients together really well until they are thoroughly combined. This seasoned flour will give our chicken a fantastic initial layer of flavor and help create a slight crust and beautiful golden color. Take a moment to really mix it, ensuring every chicken piece gets an even coating of all those wonderful spices, which contribute significantly to the overall taste profile of the “Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce.”
3. Dredge the Chicken: Carefully dredge each pounded chicken breast in the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure to coat both sides evenly, shaking off any excess flour. We want a light, even coating, not a thick paste that would become gummy. Place the dredged chicken on a clean plate or a wire rack set over a baking sheet, ready for cooking. This step can sometimes feel a bit messy, but it’s totally worth it for the texture and flavor it brings, creating a perfect canvas for the creamy sauce we’ll make.
4. Prepare Aromatics and Basil: Finely dice your small yellow onion. Mince the 4-5 cloves of garlic – the finer, the better, so they release maximum flavor into our sauce without any harsh chunks. For the sun-dried tomatoes, if they are oil-packed, drain them well and then slice them thinly. If you’re using dry-packed, you’ll want to rehydrate them in warm water for about 10-15 minutes before draining and slicing, as this softens them beautifully. Finally, wash and pat dry your fresh basil leaves, then roughly chop them. We’ll save a little extra for a fresh garnish at the end. Having everything prepped and ready before you start cooking is what we call “mise en place,” and it makes the entire cooking process smoother, more enjoyable, and less stressful, ensuring you can focus on the flavors of your “Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce.”

Cooking the Chicken to Golden Perfection

5. Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or an oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when the butter is melted and foamy, and the oil shimmers slightly. Carefully place two of the dredged chicken breasts into the hot pan, making sure not to overcrowd it. We want a nice sear, not to steam the chicken, which happens if the pan isn’t hot enough or is too full. Cook for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is beautifully golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) at its thickest part. The initial sear is what gives our “Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce” that incredible outer texture and locks in the juices, contributing significantly to its overall appeal.
6. Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and transfer them to a clean plate or cutting board. Tent them loosely with foil to keep them warm and allow them to rest for at least 5 minutes. Resting is incredibly important because it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful rather than having the juices escape when you cut into it immediately. While they rest, we’ll proceed with making our amazing basil cream sauce in the same pan, taking advantage of all those delicious browned bits left behind. If you have more chicken breasts, repeat step 5, adding the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter if the pan looks dry to ensure proper browning for the next batch.

Building the Rich Basil Cream Sauce

7. Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the finely diced onion to the same skillet, scraping up any delicious browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon – these bits are pure flavor, packed with concentrated savory goodness from the chicken! Sauté the onion for about 3-5 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent, starting to release its natural sugars. This gentle cooking allows the onion’s natural sweetness to develop, forming a wonderful aromatic base for our creamy sauce and enhancing the depth of flavor in our “Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce.”
8. Add Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Now, add the minced garlic and thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and you can really smell its wonderful aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can taste quite bitter and ruin the delicate balance of the sauce. The sun-dried tomatoes will start to warm through and release their concentrated, sweet-tart flavor into the pan at this stage, adding a lovely complexity and beautiful color to our “Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce.”
9. Deglaze with White Wine (or Broth): This is where the magic really starts to happen! Pour in the 1/2 cup of dry white wine (if using). Increase the heat slightly and bring it to a simmer, vigorously using a wooden spoon to scrape all those caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan that the onion and garlic didn’t quite get. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce by about half and for the alcohol to cook off, leaving behind only its bright, complex flavors. The wine adds a bright acidity and depth of flavor that is truly wonderful, cutting through the richness of the cream. If you’re not using wine, simply add an extra 1/2 cup of chicken broth at this stage and proceed.
10. Introduce the Liquids: Pour in the 1/2 cup of chicken broth and the 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Stir everything together well, making sure all ingredients are fully incorporated. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. The cream will begin to coat the back of your spoon beautifully, indicating it’s reaching the perfect consistency. This is the foundation of our luscious basil cream sauce, which will be the heart of our “Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce.” If you want a little warmth and a very subtle kick, now would be a good time to add a pinch of red pepper flakes, which will infuse gently as the sauce simmers.
11. Stir in the Cheeses and Basil: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth, velvety, and creamy. The residual heat from the pan will be enough to melt the cheeses perfectly without them clumping or separating. The fresh basil is a key player here, infusing the sauce with its aromatic, vibrant, and slightly peppery flavor, making it truly a “Basil Cream Sauce.” Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings with salt and black pepper as needed. You might find it needs a little more salt to truly make all those flavors pop and bring everything into balance. This final adjustment is crucial for a perfectly seasoned dish.

Bringing It All Together: Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce

12. Return Chicken to Pan: Carefully place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the glorious basil cream sauce. Spoon some of that beautiful sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. This allows the chicken to warm through gently and absorb even more of that fantastic, rich flavor, ensuring every bite is infused with the essence of the “Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce.”
13. Melt the Mozzarella (Optional Broiling Step): If you want an extra bubbly, golden-brown cheese topping (which I highly recommend for an irresistible finish!), sprinkle a little extra mozzarella or Parmesan cheese over the chicken breasts in the pan. If your skillet is oven-safe, you can place it under a preheated broiler for 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starts to turn lightly golden and slightly crisped at the edges. Keep a close eye on it, as broilers can work very quickly and cheese can go from perfect to burnt in seconds! If your pan is not oven-safe, you can simply cover the skillet with a lid for a minute or two to let the cheese melt from the residual heat, achieving a beautifully gooey top layer. This step truly elevates the “Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce” with an irresistible cheesy crust and adds another layer of texture.
14. Final Garnish and Serve: Once the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish generously with a sprinkle of additional fresh chopped basil. The vibrant green of the fresh basil not only adds a beautiful visual appeal, making the dish pop, but also provides a burst of fresh aroma and flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the cream sauce and the savory chicken. Serve your magnificent Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce immediately with your favorite side dishes. It pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad to balance the richness, creating a complete and satisfying meal.
15. Enjoy Your Culinary Masterpiece: Take a moment to appreciate the incredible aroma filling your kitchen – the fragrant basil, the rich cream, the savory chicken, and the hint of garlic all combining harmoniously. The tender chicken, the rich, aromatic basil cream sauce, and the gooey melted mozzarella come together in a symphony of flavors and textures that is truly delightful. Each forkful of this dish is a testament to the effort you’ve put in, offering a creamy, savory, and herbaceous experience that is both comforting and incredibly satisfying. This recipe for “Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce” is designed to impress and comfort, making it a perfect meal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion when you want to create something truly memorable. I hope you and your loved ones enjoy this dish as much as I do!

Conclusion:

And there you have it, my friends! We’ve reached the culmination of what I truly believe is one of the most delightful and effortlessly impressive dishes you can bring to your table. If there’s one recipe I could urge you to try this week, it would undoubtedly be this one. The sheer simplicity of its preparation belies the sophisticated and utterly addictive flavor profile that awaits you. Imagine perfectly pan-seared chicken, nestled under a blanket of luscious, melted mozzarella, all swimming in a vibrant, fragrant basil cream sauce. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes – the tender, juicy chicken, the gooey, savory cheese, and that irresistibly rich, herbaceous cream that brightens every bite. This isn’t just another meal; it’s a culinary experience designed to bring joy and comfort, making even the busiest weeknight feel like a special occasion.

What truly makes this recipe a must-try is its ability to deliver restaurant-quality deliciousness without demanding hours of your precious time. The aromas that will fill your kitchen as the sauce simmers and the cheese melts are intoxicating, a promise of the deliciousness to come. It’s a dish that looks incredibly fancy, yet it’s forgiving enough for even novice cooks to master with confidence. We’re talking about a harmonious blend where the freshness of basil cuts through the richness of the cream, creating a balance that keeps you coming back for more. Every spoonful is a testament to the magic that happens when simple, high-quality ingredients are treated with a little love and attention. It’s the kind of dish that garners rave reviews from everyone who tastes it, making you feel like a culinary superstar.

Now, let’s talk about enhancing your experience and making this dish truly your own. When it comes to serving, the possibilities are wonderfully varied. For a classic, comforting meal, I highly recommend pairing the Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce with a delicate angel hair pasta or a hearty fettuccine; the sauce clings beautifully to every strand, ensuring no drop of that golden goodness is left behind. If you’re leaning towards something lighter, a bed of fluffy basmati rice, quinoa, or even creamy mashed potatoes would be absolutely divine, soaking up all the exquisite flavors. Don’t forget a side of steamed asparagus, green beans, or a crisp garden salad to add a fresh, vibrant contrast to the richness of the main course. And, of course, a crusty baguette or a slice of focaccia is practically mandatory for sopping up every last bit of that incredible basil cream sauce!

Elevate Your Dining Experience with These Perfect Pairings!

For those looking to get creative, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. Feeling adventurous? Try swapping out the mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a slightly different cheesy nuance. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes during the sauce preparation can add a delightful kick for those who enjoy a bit of spice. You could also stir in some fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes during the last few minutes of cooking for added color, texture, and nutritional value. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a handful of chopped artichoke hearts would also integrate beautifully, adding more layers of flavor and substance. If you’re looking to change up the protein, tender pork loin medallions or even turkey cutlets would work wonderfully with this versatile sauce. For a dairy-free alternative, consider using a good quality full-fat coconut milk (the canned kind, not the beverage) in place of heavy cream, and a dairy-free mozzarella alternative, for a surprisingly delicious twist.

So, my dear readers, the ball is now in your court! I genuinely hope you feel inspired to dive into your kitchen and give this exquisite recipe a try. It’s more than just cooking; it’s about creating moments, sharing food, and savoring the simple pleasures of a homemade meal. I promise you, the aroma alone will be worth the effort, and the taste will leave you utterly satisfied and perhaps even a little bit proud. Once you’ve whipped up your own batch of this magnificent dish, please, please, please come back and share your experience with me! I’d love to hear your thoughts, see your photos, and learn about any creative twists you added. Did you try a different cheese? Did you add extra vegetables? Let’s connect and share our culinary adventures. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear all about your delicious journey!

Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce

A gourmet-tasting weeknight meal that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, herbaceous basil cream sauce and gooey melted mozzarella. Inspired by Italian traditions, this modern classic offers unparalleled flavor and comfort, promising to impress with surprising ease.

Prep Time
25 Minutes

Cook Time
25 Minutes

Total Time
50 Minutes

Servings
4 servings

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (for deglazing)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained & thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Pound chicken breasts to 1/2-3/4 inch thickness and pat dry. In a shallow dish, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Dredge chicken in seasoned flour, shaking off excess.
2. Step 2
   Dice onion, mince garlic, slice drained sun-dried tomatoes, and chop basil (reserve some for garnish).
3. Step 3
   Heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F). Remove chicken, tent with foil, and let rest. If needed, repeat searing for remaining chicken, adding 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter.
4. Step 4
   Reduce heat to medium. Sauté diced onion in the same skillet for 3-5 minutes until translucent, scraping up any browned bits. Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes; cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Step 5
   Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth (for deglazing). Increase heat, simmer 2-3 minutes, scraping pan to deglaze. Stir in remaining 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Simmer 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened. Add red pepper flakes, if desired.
6. Step 6
   Remove from heat. Stir in chopped basil, 1/2 cup mozzarella, and 1/4 cup Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Step 7
   Return cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling into the sauce and spooning sauce over chicken. If desired, sprinkle extra mozzarella over chicken. Broil 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden, or cover skillet to melt cheese from residual heat.
8. Step 8
   Garnish with fresh chopped basil and serve immediately with desired sides.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.