Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe
Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is a deliciously rich and flavorful skillet dish featuring tender chicken cutlets topped with melted fresh mozzarella and smothered in a creamy basil-infused sauce. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to juicy perfection, this recipe combines classic Italian flavors for an easy yet impressive dinner option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
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
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create four even cutlets. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Place a slice of fresh mozzarella on each cutlet, cover the pan briefly to melt the cheese, then transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Basil Cream Sauce: Using the same skillet without cleaning it, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the browned bits from the pan to incorporate flavor. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Finally, add the chopped fresh basil and stir to combine.
- Bring It All Together: Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet and spoon some of the basil cream sauce over each piece. Simmer the chicken in the sauce for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve immediately with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and juiciness.
- Covering the pan briefly when adding mozzarella helps the cheese melt perfectly.
- Adjust salt and pepper in the sauce to taste, especially if using salty broth or cheese.
- Optional crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle heat but can be omitted for a milder dish.
- This recipe pairs well with pasta, rice, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
Keywords: Mozzarella chicken, basil cream sauce, Italian chicken recipe, creamy chicken skillet, easy chicken dinner
