Description
There’s something magical about the combination of tender chicken, melted mozzarella, and a rich basil cream sauce. This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce has become one of my family’s most requested meals, and for good reason—it transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy dinner that’s surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced (or 1 cup shredded mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry and pound to even 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover.
- Reduce skillet to medium. Add butter and garlic; sauté 30 seconds. Add broth and deglaze, scraping up brown bits. Simmer 2 minutes.
- Add heavy cream and stir. Mix in Parmesan and let melt. Stir in basil and simmer 2–3 minutes. Add cornstarch slurry to thicken if needed. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Return chicken to skillet. Spoon sauce over and top with mozzarella slices or shredded cheese.
- Cover and cook 5 minutes or transfer to 375°F oven until cheese melts. Broil 2–3 minutes for a bubbly finish if desired.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve with pasta, rice, or vegetables.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or broth. For freezing, store chicken and sauce separately before adding cream and cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: mozzarella chicken, basil cream sauce, creamy skillet chicken, one-pan dinner