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This heavenly Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a restaurant-worthy dish that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The combination of melted mozzarella and herb-infused cream sauce creates a meal that's both comforting and elegant enough for special occasions.
I first created this recipe when I needed to impress my in-laws at a last-minute dinner. The kitchen filled with such an irresistible aroma that everyone was hovering nearby before I even called them to the table. Now it's our go-to choice whenever we want to make ordinary weeknights feel special.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: The foundation of our dish. Look for plump breasts of even thickness or pound them slightly for more consistent cooking
- Salt and pepper: The essential seasoning duo that enhances the natural flavors of the chicken
- Garlic powder: Adds depth without the risk of burning that comes with fresh garlic at high heat
- Paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the chicken exterior
- Olive oil and butter: This combination gives you the best of both worlds high heat cooking capability with rich buttery flavor
- Fresh mozzarella: Choose fresh mozzarella for its superior melting quality and mild creamy flavor
- Heavy cream: Creates the luxurious base for our sauce. Full-fat is non-negotiable here for proper thickening
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth while thinning the sauce to the perfect consistency
- Fresh garlic: The aromatic foundation of any good sauce. Look for firm bulbs with tight skin
- Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated for the smoothest sauce texture and most authentic flavor
- Italian seasoning: A time-saving blend that adds herbaceous notes throughout the dish
- Red pepper flakes: Optional but recommended for a gentle heat that balances the richness
- Fresh basil: The star of the sauce. Bright green leaves indicate freshness and most intense flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the Chicken:
- Pat chicken cutlets completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Combine salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over both sides of each cutlet. Press the seasonings gently into the meat to help them adhere during cooking.
- Create the Perfect Sear:
- Heat your skillet until it's hot enough that a drop of water sizzles on contact. Add the olive oil and butter, swirling to coat the entire surface. Place the chicken in the pan without overcrowding, working in batches if necessary. Let it cook undisturbed for the full 4-5 minutes before flipping to develop that golden crust that seals in juices.
- Melt the Mozzarella:
- Once chicken reaches 165°F internally, place a slice of mozzarella on each piece. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid to trap heat and steam, allowing the cheese to melt completely in about 60-90 seconds. The cheese should be fully melted but not completely running off the chicken.
- Build the Sauce Base:
- Without washing the skillet, add the minced garlic directly to the remaining oil and fond the brown bits on the pan bottom. Keep it moving constantly to prevent burning. When you smell the garlic's fragrance intensify after about 30 seconds, you're ready for the next step.
- Deglaze and Create Creaminess:
- Pour in chicken broth while using a wooden spoon to scrape up every bit of flavor from the pan bottom. This technique, called deglazing, incorporates all that caramelized goodness into your sauce. Let it reduce slightly for about 30 seconds before adding the heavy cream in a slow stream while whisking continuously.
- Add Flavor Complexity:
- Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese gradually while whisking to prevent clumping. Add Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently until it coats the back of a spoon. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so stop cooking when it seems slightly thinner than your desired final consistency.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs:
- Turn heat to low and stir in fresh basil just before returning chicken to the pan. Allowing the basil to wilt slightly in the warm sauce releases its essential oils without destroying the bright flavor. Spoon sauce generously over each chicken breast before serving.
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The first time I made this dish, I accidentally added twice the amount of basil called for in the recipe. What started as a mistake became our family's preferred version. The vibrant green flecks throughout the sauce not only look beautiful but intensify the herb flavor that pairs so perfectly with the mild chicken and cheese.
Make-Ahead Options
This chicken dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Store the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or chicken broth to revitalize the sauce if it has thickened too much during storage. The flavors actually develop further overnight, making this a dish that tastes even better the next day.
Perfect Pairings
The rich, creamy sauce begs for something to catch every last drop. Serve over angel hair pasta for an elegant presentation, or with crusty bread for a more casual approach. For a lower-carb option, try zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the main dish.
Common Substitutions
If you don't have fresh mozzarella, regular low-moisture mozzarella will work though it won't have quite the same creamy texture. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream can replace heavy cream, though the flavor profile will change slightly. Fresh basil is strongly recommended, but in a pinch, 1 tablespoon of dried basil can substitute for the fresh, though add it earlier in the cooking process with the other dried herbs.
Flavor Variations
For a Spanish twist, substitute the Italian seasoning with smoked paprika and add a pinch of saffron to the sauce. For a tangier profile, add 1-2 tablespoons of sun-dried tomatoes and a splash of white wine to the sauce base. Mushroom lovers can add 8 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms, sautéed until golden, before building the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do you make the basil cream sauce?
The basil cream sauce is made by sautéing garlic, then adding chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer with Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and fresh basil for a creamy, flavorful sauce.
- → What pairs well with mozzarella chicken?
Mozzarella chicken goes well with pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread for soaking up the sauce.
- → Can I use a different cheese besides mozzarella?
Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a similar melting quality and creamy texture.
- → How do you ensure the chicken stays juicy?
Season the chicken well and cook over medium-high heat until golden on the outside while monitoring the internal temperature to reach 165°F for perfectly juicy chicken.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately. Reheat and combine them just before serving for the best flavor and texture.