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Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe

Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 19 reviews

Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is a flavorful and elegant dish featuring tender chicken cutlets topped with melted fresh mozzarella and smothered in a rich basil-infused cream sauce. This recipe combines simple ingredients with easy cooking steps to create a comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

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 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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create four even cutlets. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to enhance flavor. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Place a slice of mozzarella on each cutlet, cover briefly to melt the cheese, then remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  2. Make the Basil Cream Sauce: Using the same skillet without cleaning, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and scrape the browned bits from the pan for extra flavor. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently until slightly thickened. Add chopped fresh basil and stir to combine.
  3. Bring It All Together: Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet and spoon sauce over each piece. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld flavors. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Notes

  • If fresh mozzarella is unavailable, shredded mozzarella or provolone can be used as substitutes.
  • For a lighter sauce, replace heavy cream with half-and-half, noting it will be less rich.
  • Fresh basil is preferred, but 1 teaspoon dried basil can be used if needed.
  • Add vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or mushrooms to increase nutrition and volume.
  • Adjust heat by increasing red pepper flakes or adding cayenne pepper.
  • Pre-sliced chicken cutlets can save prep time and ensure even cooking.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to preserve sauce texture.
  • This recipe is naturally gluten-free; verify that chicken broth and sides are also gluten-free if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: mozzarella chicken, basil cream sauce, Italian chicken recipe, creamy chicken dish, easy chicken dinner, chicken with cheese sauce

Find it online: https://dishedbydana.com/mozzarella-chicken-in-basil-cream-sauce-recipe/