Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is a rich, indulgent, and flavorful dish that brings together tender, pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a velvety basil-infused cream sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This restaurant-worthy meal is surprisingly easy to make at home and offers the perfect balance of creamy comfort and fresh herbaceous notes. It’s a crowd-pleasing, family-friendly dinner that works just as well for a cozy weeknight meal as it does for entertaining guests. With layers of flavor and texture, this dish is a guaranteed favorite for anyone who loves creamy sauces, melty cheese, and classic Italian-inspired flavors.
The History of Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
While not rooted in traditional Italian culinary history, Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is clearly inspired by classic Italian ingredients and techniques. Creamy sauces have long been part of Italian-American cooking, which often leans into richer, more decadent versions of traditional Italian fare. The use of mozzarella, a quintessential Italian cheese known for its smooth melt and mild flavor, combined with basil—a staple herb in Mediterranean cuisine—creates a fusion of fresh and creamy elements that appeal to modern palates. This dish is believed to have evolved in the era of elevated home cooking, where simple chicken dinners were transformed into restaurant-style meals with the help of a few pantry staples and creative sauce-making. Its popularity has surged thanks to its visual appeal, comforting taste, and the ease with which it can be made in a single skillet.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Chicken:
▢ 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
▢ 1 tbsp olive oil
▢ 1 tsp Italian seasoning
▢ ½ tsp garlic powder
▢ Salt and pepper to taste
For the Basil Cream Sauce:
▢ 2 tbsp butter
▢ 3 cloves garlic, minced
▢ 1 cup heavy cream
▢ ½ cup chicken broth
▢ ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
▢ 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
▢ ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
▢ ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
▢ Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional for Serving:
▢ Cooked pasta (like linguine, fettuccine, or penne)
▢ Steamed vegetables
▢ Crusty bread or garlic toast
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Season and Cook the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear for 5–6 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Basil Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add butter and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Cheese and Basil: Once the cream mixture is hot, whisk in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Stir in shredded mozzarella until the sauce becomes creamy and stretchy. Add chopped basil and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for 3–5 minutes to absorb the flavor and warm through. Optionally, top each piece with more mozzarella and cover the skillet to melt it completely.
- Serve: Garnish with extra fresh basil and serve hot over your favorite pasta, alongside vegetables, or with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Tips for the Perfect Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry spots. Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoothest sauce texture—pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Don’t skip the step of deglazing the pan with chicken broth, as it adds depth and captures all the flavor left from searing the chicken. Add mozzarella slowly and stir constantly to keep the sauce smooth and creamy. Be sure to use fresh basil rather than dried—its aromatic, slightly sweet flavor is essential to the balance of the dish. If you like a kick of heat, red pepper flakes offer just the right contrast to the creamy base. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce at the end so it stays moist and absorbs more flavor before serving.
Variations and Customizations
This dish is versatile and easy to adapt to your preferences. Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat, or try turkey cutlets for something different. Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra texture and flavor. If you’d like a lower-fat version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a blend of milk and Greek yogurt (though the sauce may be slightly less thick). For a keto-friendly meal, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of pasta. Mozzarella pearls or slices can be used in place of shredded cheese for a more dramatic presentation. You can also finish the dish in the oven under the broiler to bubble and brown the cheese topping for an extra cheesy crust.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is a rich and satisfying dish that offers a good source of protein from the chicken and calcium from the cheese. However, it is also high in saturated fat due to the heavy cream, butter, and cheese. To lighten it up, you can reduce the amount of cream used, swap in a lighter dairy option, or increase the ratio of chicken broth to cream in the sauce. Using part-skim mozzarella and fresh vegetables on the side can balance out the richness. Fresh basil not only adds flavor but is also a source of antioxidants. Portion control is key if you’re watching your calorie intake. When paired with vegetables or whole-grain pasta, the meal becomes more balanced, delivering fiber, vitamins, and long-lasting energy. It’s naturally gluten-free as long as served without pasta or with gluten-free alternatives.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, then reheat gently and combine just before serving.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner. Consider adding a thickener like a cornstarch slurry or reducing the sauce longer to reach the desired consistency.
What type of mozzarella works best?
Low-moisture shredded mozzarella melts smoothly into the sauce. Fresh mozzarella works too but can release extra moisture, so adjust accordingly.
Can I bake this dish instead?
Yes! After searing the chicken and making the sauce, assemble everything in a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.
What pasta pairs well with this?
Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti work great. You can also use zucchini noodles or mashed cauliflower for a low-carb option.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil or 1–2 teaspoons dried basil as a substitute
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water optional, for thickening
- Tools You’ll Need:
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Tongs or a spatula for turning the chicken
- Cheese grater if using block cheese
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate portioning
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, allowing the mixture to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the Cheeses: Stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, mixing until the sauce is smooth and the cheese is fully melted. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add the cornstarch slurry at this point and stir well.
- Add the Basil: Incorporate the chopped fresh basil into the sauce and let it simmer for another minute to combine the flavors.
- Finish the Dish: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce generously over each piece. Let everything cook together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the cheese sauce is bubbly and luscious.