Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is a comforting, creamy one-pan dish that pairs juicy chicken with melty cheese and fragrant basil in a rich, velvety sauce. Elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for weeknights, it’s a versatile recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a satisfying, flavor-packed meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
- 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
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.