Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce – Creamy, Cheesy, and Ready to Impress
This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is the kind of dish that looks and tastes like it came from your favorite Italian bistro—but it’s ready in just 30 minutes in your own kitchen. Juicy seared chicken breasts are bathed in a rich garlic cream sauce, infused with fresh basil, and smothered with gooey mozzarella.
Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or trying to impress without breaking a sweat, this recipe delivers the flavor of comfort and the look of elegance—all in one skillet.
Why I Love This Recipe
The balance in this dish is what makes it sing. You’ve got the savory bite of Parmesan, the creamy decadence of mozzarella, and the sweet, herbaceous brightness of fresh basil—all wrapped around tender, pan-seared chicken. It’s hearty but not heavy, fancy but not fussy.
It’s a go-to crowd pleaser, and it pairs with everything from pasta and rice to fresh green salads or crusty bread.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts, trimmed and pounded to even thickness
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Ingredient Swaps & Add-Ons
- Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs for extra tenderness
- Add a handful of baby spinach to the sauce for color and nutrients
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra depth
Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook for about 5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
- Transfer chicken to a plate and keep warm.
3. Make the Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the onion until translucent.
- Stir in garlic and cook just 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Deglaze and Build Flavor
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up the brown bits.
- Stir in Parmesan, whisking until the sauce is smooth and starting to thicken.
5. Add Mozzarella & Basil
- Mix in shredded mozzarella and fresh basil, stirring until melted and fully combined.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat (optional).
6. Finish the Dish
- Return chicken to the pan, spooning sauce over each piece.
- Cover and simmer for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
7. Serve
- Plate chicken with a generous ladle of basil cream sauce.
- Garnish with extra basil and cracked black pepper.
Tips for Success
- Pound your chicken evenly so it cooks at the same rate.
- Let the sauce simmer gently to thicken without separating.
- Use fresh basil—the flavor difference is huge.
- Don’t skip the browning step—it builds flavor into the sauce base.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This chicken is super versatile. Serve it over:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered noodles or angel hair pasta
- Steamed rice or risotto
- A fresh salad and crusty garlic bread
Pair it with one of these cozy favorites for a complete comfort spread:
- Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Easy Turkey Wings
- Dorito Casserole
- Beer Cheese Dip as a party starter
- Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo for Southern comfort flair
Storage & Leftovers
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of cream or broth.
- Avoid boiling the sauce when reheating to keep it silky.
- Leftover chicken is great sliced over salad or tossed with pasta.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re into creamy, cozy dinners that feel elevated but easy, try:
Final Thoughts
This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is a skillet superstar—rich, comforting, and ready in under an hour. With its velvety sauce, stretchy cheese, and herb-forward flavor, it feels indulgent without being over-the-top. Add it to your weeknight rotation, or save it for special occasions when you want to impress without stress.
🍽️ Tried it? Leave a comment below with your favorite side pairings or twists—and don’t forget to follow for more comfort food made deliciously doable.
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