Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
A warm, indulgent chicken dish featuring a creamy basil sauce and gooey mozzarella, perfect for weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless The heart of the dish; use for quick cooking.
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded Provides melting goodness.
- 1 cup Fresh basil, chopped Fragrant herb; can be swapped for dried (use less).
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced Fresh garlic adds depth and flavor.
- 1 cup Heavy cream Luxurious base; can use half-and-half for lower fat.
- 1 cup Chicken broth Enhances the sauce; vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil Best oil for sautéing, adds richness.
- Salt and pepper Essential for seasoning.
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
Cooking
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir to combine.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded mozzarella until it's melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Add chopped basil to the sauce and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, pouring sauce over the top. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
Serving
- Plate the chicken with generous spoonfuls of the basil cream sauce. Garnish with additional basil if desired.
Notes
Consider adding vegetables like cherry tomatoes or spinach for an extra nutritional boost. This dish can be served with rice, pasta, or seasonal vegetables.