There’s something magical about a dish that combines savory chicken, creamy cheese, and aromatic herbs. Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is just that—a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want to treat yourself to something special, or for a weekend gathering when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The smooth, rich cream sauce paired with the gooey mozzarella and the fragrant basil creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you coming back for seconds.

Let’s dive into how you can recreate this creamy, flavorful meal at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get cooking, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

For the Chicken:

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved to make 4 cutlets)

½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
4 slices of fresh mozzarella cheese

For the Basil Cream Sauce:

1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
3 cloves garlic (minced)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
¼ cup fresh basil (chopped)

Step-by-Step Instructions

This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for a weekday dinner or a last-minute gathering. Let’s walk through the process:

Prepare the Chicken:

Start by seasoning the chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Make sure to coat them evenly for the best flavor.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken cutlets. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. When the chicken is done, place a slice of mozzarella on top of each cutlet and cover the pan to let the cheese melt. Once melted, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.

Make the Basil Cream Sauce:

In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken that are stuck to the bottom of the pan. These bits are packed with flavor, so make sure to get them all.

Now, stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken and the flavors to meld.

Add in the chopped basil, and for an extra little kick, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes. This is optional but adds a lovely layer of heat to the creamy sauce.

Combine & Serve:

Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet and spoon the basil cream sauce generously over the top. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to infuse the chicken with all its creamy goodness.

Serve the chicken hot, paired with your favorite sides—whether that’s pasta, rice, or some roasted veggies.

Variations to Try

While Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is absolutely delicious as is, there are some fun variations you can try to make this dish your own:

Add a Spicy Kick:

If you like your food with a little heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes to the sauce. The spice will balance out the richness of the cream and mozzarella perfectly.

Low-Carb Alternatives:

For a low-carb version, serve the chicken with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Both options are light but still hearty enough to hold up to the creamy sauce.

Mushroom Lovers’ Dream:

Sautéing mushrooms along with the garlic before making the sauce can add an earthy, savory depth to the dish. Mushrooms pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce and add a nice texture.

Make it Dairy-Free:

If you’re avoiding dairy, you can swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk and use a dairy-free mozzarella and Parmesan substitute. This version still delivers on creaminess and flavor while accommodating dietary preferences.

Dietary Variations

One of the best things about Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is its flexibility. You can easily tweak the ingredients to fit various dietary needs:

Vegan:

To make this dish vegan, simply replace the chicken with plant-based protein (like tofu or tempeh) and use dairy-free alternatives for the cream, cheese, and butter. Coconut cream or almond milk are great substitutes for heavy cream, and there are many plant-based mozzarella cheeses available to give you that creamy, melty texture.

Gluten-Free:

This dish is naturally gluten-free, so there’s no need for modifications. Just be sure to check the labels on your chicken broth and Parmesan to ensure they’re free from gluten.

Low-Calorie:

For a lighter version, use a reduced-fat cream or swap it entirely for a lighter broth-based sauce. You can also skip the cheese or use a smaller amount of mozzarella to reduce the calories.

Halal:

For a halal version, ensure that the chicken you’re using is halal-certified. You can easily find halal chicken in many grocery stores or butcher shops.

This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce recipe is a delightful, creamy dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. It’s rich, comforting, and versatile, with plenty of room for customization. Whether you’re sticking to the original or trying out one of the variations, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy every bite!

FAQ

How do I make the basil cream sauce thicker?

If your basil cream sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken. You can also add a bit more Parmesan cheese, which helps with both flavor and consistency.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well and provide a juicier texture. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may take a few extra minutes to cook through.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you like a bit of heat, you can add extra red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce. Start with a pinch, and adjust to your taste.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, and reheat the sauce gently when you’re ready to serve. Just add the chicken to the sauce to warm it through.

What sides go well with mozzarella chicken in basil cream sauce?

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, such as pasta, roasted vegetables, rice, or even a simple side salad.

Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce

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Author: Amanda Hartwellen
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is a creamy, cheesy dish that combines tender chicken cutlets with a rich basil-infused cream sauce, topped with melted mozzarella. It’s a perfect option for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a comforting and flavorful experience.

Ingredients

Scale

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved to make 4 cutlets)

½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
4 slices of fresh mozzarella cheese
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
3 cloves garlic (minced)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
¼ cup fresh basil (chopped)

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Instructions

Season the chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken cutlets for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Add a slice of mozzarella on top of each cutlet, cover the pan, and let the cheese melt. Set the chicken aside.
In the same skillet, cook the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
Stir in the chopped basil, then return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over it, and let everything simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Notes

For a spicier version, add more crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.

For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

To make it dairy-free, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives.

The recipe is flexible for many substitutions to accommodate dietary preferences, like vegan or gluten-free options.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Pan-frying, Simmering
Cuisine: American

Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce: A Creamy Comfort Food Delight