Alright, fellow food lovers, get ready for a flavor adventure that’s about to rock your world! I’m Nyla from Grill Drip, and I’m beyond excited to share one of my absolute favorite recipes: Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce. This isn’t just another chicken dish; it’s a cozy hug in a bowl, a burst of Italian sunshine, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, all rolled into one.
I’ve always been obsessed with finding ways to make even the simplest meals feel special. And let me tell you, this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce does exactly that! Get ready to ditch the boring weeknight dinners and welcome a flavor explosion that everyone at your table will adore. This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary event!
This recipe started as a quest to make the most comforting Italian chicken dish imaginable. My goal? To create a creamy, dreamy sauce that perfectly complemented juicy chicken and melty mozzarella. After countless late-night kitchen experiments and a whole lot of taste-testing, this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce was born. I am beyond thrilled to share it with you!
INGREDIENTS You Need
This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce ingredient list is all about bold flavors that work together! You can grab everything you need during your normal shopping trip.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: About 6-8 ounces each, because we’re not skimping on protein!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing those chicken breasts to golden perfection.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: To bring out all the flavors in our Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best!
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Adds a punch of flavor that you won’t believe.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: This is what makes our sauce ultra-creamy and dreamy.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped: This is where the magic happens!
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: The star of the show!
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor.
- 1 tablespoon butter: For sautéing the garlic and adding richness.
This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce gets its amazing taste from the fresh basil. Don’t skimp on the basil! If you are in a pinch, you can use 1 tablespoon of dried basil. However, fresh is ALWAYS better!
Here’s my Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce secret that takes it from good to incredible: a pinch of red pepper flakes. It adds just a hint of heat that balances the creaminess perfectly. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Don’t have heavy cream? No worries! I often use half-and-half in my Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce. It works like a charm! Make sure to keep your basil fresh by storing it in a glass of water in the fridge. It’ll last longer that way!
Let’s Make Some!
Alright, let’s dive into making this incredible Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce! Don’t worry if you’re a kitchen newbie – I’ll guide you every step of the way.
- Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. This is key to getting a good sear!
- Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remember, we’re aiming for a beautiful sear and cooked chicken.
- Set aside: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Cover with foil to keep warm while we make the sauce for our Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce.
- Sauté the garlic: Add the butter to the skillet and melt over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant. This is where the magic starts happening! Your kitchen should smell amazing right now!
- Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Add the basil: Stir in the chopped fresh basil. The aroma is so refreshing!
- Add the cheese: Sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Return the chicken: Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet with the sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat. This is my favorite part of making Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce – watch the delicious magic happen!
- Melt the cheese: If you want the cheese to melt even more, you can cover the skillet and cook for a few more minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
In my kitchen, this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. This is while your Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas!
Don’t worry if your Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce sauce looks a little thin at first. It will thicken up as it simmers! I like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes at this stage for a little kick. Trust me, it takes the flavor to another level!
How to Serve Up This!
People literally do happy dances when this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce hits the table with a side of creamy mashed potatoes!
I love to serve this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce over a bed of pasta. Fettuccine or linguine are my go-to choices. The creamy sauce clings to the pasta perfectly! A simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette is also a great addition to complete the meal.
This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special. It’s also a great dish to serve to guests. It looks and tastes impressive, but it’s surprisingly easy to make!
For a fun presentation, I like to garnish the Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce with a few extra sprigs of fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), you can use them to make amazing sandwiches or wraps. Just shred the chicken and mix it with the sauce. Add some fresh veggies and you’ve got a delicious and easy lunch!
For a fusion twist, try adding sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce. They add a burst of sweetness and tanginess that complements the basil and mozzarella perfectly. Want an idea for a quick creamy pasta recipe? Then check out this Easy Chicken Tortellini Pasta Bake. This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is so versatile, you can really get creative with it! This dish brings back memories of another recipe, Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice, comforting and delicious!
FAQs:
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common concerns about making Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce, along with my tried-and-true tips. You’ll be fine even if you’re a newbie in the kitchen!
Q: Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is super straightforward. As long as you follow the steps, you’ll be golden. I promise!
Q: What if I don’t have fresh basil?
A: Dried basil will work in a pinch, but fresh basil really elevates the flavor of this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce. If using dried, use about 1 tablespoon.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Definitely! Chicken thighs are a great option. Just make sure they’re cooked through.
Q: What if I mess up my Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)
A: Don’t sweat it! Even if your sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like, it’ll still be delicious. The flavors are what really matter! Maybe add a little bit of cornstarch to thicken it.
Q: How can I prep this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce for busy weeknights?
A: You can prep the chicken by seasoning it ahead of time. You can also chop the basil and mince the garlic. Store everything in separate containers in the fridge.
Q: Can I freeze this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce?
A: I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the sauce may separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh!
Q: What are some other variations I can try?
A: So many! You can add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a splash of white wine to the sauce. The possibilities are endless! If you are looking for chicken with mozzarella, you might get more ideas from this post about chicken, penne pasta with grape tomatoes and mozzarella.
CONCLUSION:
This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce brings me so much joy because it’s a reminder that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s a dish that always brings people together and makes them feel good!
My Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Flavor Secrets:
- Fresh basil is key. Don’t skimp on it!
- A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a delightful kick.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses.
Here are a few delicious Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce variations I’ve tested:
- Mushroom Mozzarella Chicken: Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy flavor.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Mozzarella Chicken: Add sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of sweetness and tanginess.
- Spicy Mozzarella Chicken: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a fiery kick. If you like spicy, also check out this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta.
For a comforting weeknight dinner, the classic Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is perfect. If you’re hosting a dinner party, the Mushroom Mozzarella Chicken is sure to impress. And for a fun and flavorful twist, the Sun-Dried Tomato Mozzarella Chicken is always a winner! If you need another dinner option to check out, see Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice!
I encourage you to trust your taste buds and get creative with this recipe. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process! And if you really love a rich creamy dinner, this Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe will surely meet the standards too!
I’m so excited for you to try this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce and create your own delicious memories! Happy cooking, and remember to always add a little bit of love to every dish! This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce will become a staple in your house in no time!
Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
Tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich and creamy basil sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This easy recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned.
- Remove skillet from heat. Add garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and basil to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Top each chicken breast with mozzarella slices.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and mozzarella is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve over pasta, rice, or with a side of roasted vegetables.