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Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce

Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce

Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is a rich, savory, and herbaceous dish featuring juicy chicken breasts smothered in melted mozzarella and a luxurious garlic-basil cream sauce. Simple enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough for guests, it’s comfort food with an Italian-inspired twist.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 29 minutes
Servings 4

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

If you'd like a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer a few extra minutes or stir in a slurry made from 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water.
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.