Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is a luxurious, comforting dish that blends the richness of melted cheese with the freshness of basil and the creamy depth of a velvety sauce. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal fuss. The combination of tender chicken breasts, gooey mozzarella, and aromatic basil in a creamy garlic-infused sauce is both decadent and deeply satisfying. It’s a dish that feels gourmet but is simple enough to whip up on a weeknight, with ingredients commonly found in your kitchen.
The History Of
The dish as we know it is a contemporary fusion, taking inspiration from several culinary traditions. Chicken with cream sauces has long been a staple in French and Italian cuisine, where velouté, béchamel, and other creamy reductions serve as the base for countless dishes. The idea of pairing chicken and cheese—especially mozzarella—is deeply rooted in Italian-American cooking. Mozzarella itself originated in Southern Italy and is traditionally made from the milk of water buffalo. The inclusion of fresh basil and tomatoes recalls the classic Caprese salad, while the creamy sauce element likely draws influence from Alfredo or even alla panna-style sauces. This modern interpretation combines these elements into a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and universally appealing, gaining popularity through social media and comfort food blogs in the 2010s.
Ingredients Breakdown
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – the protein base, providing a lean and hearty foundation
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – adds creamy, stretchy richness on top of the chicken
1 cup heavy cream – forms the luxurious, silky body of the basil cream sauce
½ cup chicken broth – lightens the sauce and deepens flavor
2 tablespoons olive oil – used for searing the chicken and adding richness
3 cloves garlic, minced – builds flavor with a warm, aromatic depth
½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped – provides a burst of herbal freshness and classic Italian flavor
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – enhances the sauce with a salty, umami kick
Salt and pepper to taste – essential for seasoning throughout the cooking process
Optional: 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – to add extra depth and complexity
Optional: cherry tomatoes, halved – for a fresh burst of acidity and color contrast
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Prep the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and optional Italian seasoning.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan and lift any browned bits. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Cheese and Basil: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, letting it melt and infuse into the sauce. Simmer for another 2 minutes.
- Combine and Melt Mozzarella: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some of the sauce over each piece, and sprinkle mozzarella on top. Cover the skillet and cook for 2–3 more minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optional Finish: For a slightly browned cheesy top, place the skillet under the broiler for 1–2 minutes if it’s oven-safe.
- Serve: Plate the chicken with extra sauce spooned over the top. Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Tips for the Perfect Mozzarella Chicken
Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness for consistent cooking. Don’t skip the searing step—it locks in flavor and moisture. Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded for smoother melting. For a thicker sauce, reduce longer before adding cheese. Let the mozzarella melt fully before serving, either by covering the pan or briefly broiling. Use fresh basil over dried for the brightest flavor. Deglaze thoroughly to avoid burnt bits affecting the sauce’s flavor.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce.
Veggie Boost: Sauté spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini in the skillet before adding the cream.
Tomato Twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted cherry tomatoes for extra tang and sweetness.
Pesto Version: Stir in a spoonful of basil pesto to intensify the herb flavor.
Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
Bacon Lover’s Upgrade: Add crispy bacon pieces to the sauce for a smoky touch.
Herb Switch: Try swapping basil with thyme or oregano for a different herbal profile.
Cheese Variations: Use provolone or fontina instead of mozzarella for a slightly different melt and flavor.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
This dish is rich in protein and calcium, with chicken and cheese as key ingredients. The basil brings antioxidants and vitamins A and K. However, the cream and cheese make it relatively high in saturated fat and calories. To lighten it up, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or reduce the cheese slightly. Opting for low-sodium chicken broth and seasoning with fresh herbs over salt helps manage sodium intake. For a gluten-free version, ensure all ingredients (especially broth) are certified gluten-free. This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness with fiber and micronutrients. Per serving, expect around 450–550 calories depending on portions and extras.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can cook the chicken and make the sauce a day in advance. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
Can I use chicken thighs instead? Absolutely—boneless, skinless thighs work well and add more flavor.
Is it freezer-friendly? You can freeze it, though the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly upon reheating.
Can I use dried basil? Fresh is best for flavor and texture, but 1–2 teaspoons of dried basil can work in a pinch.
What sides go best with it? It pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, risotto, or roasted vegetables.
Can I skip the mozzarella? Yes, but the dish loses its signature melty topping; you can swap in another cheese or leave it as a creamy chicken dish.
Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced horizontally to create 4 thin cutlets
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon of paprika
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 4 slices of fresh mozzarella cheese
For the Basil Cream Sauce:
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- ½ cup of chicken broth
- 3 cloves of garlic finely minced
- ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon of salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes optional, for a bit of heat
- ¼ cup of freshly chopped basil leaves
Instructions
Cook the Chicken:
- Season both sides of the chicken cutlets with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and butter until melted and shimmering.
- Add the chicken and sear for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Place a slice of mozzarella on each cutlet, cover the pan, and allow the cheese to melt. Once melted, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Prepare the Basil Cream Sauce:
- Using the same pan, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan by adding the chicken broth and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the chopped basil and mix until well incorporated.
Finish and Serve:
- Return the mozzarella-topped chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece.
- Let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors can meld.
- Serve immediately over your choice of pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Notes
To enhance the flavor even more, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms to the sauce.
Fresh basil delivers the best flavor, but if needed, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried basil.