Name: Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce – Easy Dinner!
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tsp sea salt (for chicken); ½ tsp black pepper (for chicken); 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning; ¼ tsp garlic powder; 2 tbsp olive oil, divided; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 small yellow onion, finely diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); ½ cup chicken broth (for deglazing); 1 ½ cups chicken broth, low sodium; 1 ½ cups heavy cream; 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed, roughly chopped; ½ tsp sea salt (for sauce), or to taste; ¼ tsp black pepper (for sauce), or to taste; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh basil leaves, for garnish; Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce is truly a dish that captures the heart and palate from the very first bite. Imagine succulent, pan-seared chicken breasts, lovingly blanketed with melted, gooey mozzarella cheese, all swimming in a velvety, aromatic cream sauce bursting with the fresh, vibrant essence of basil. This incredible combination creates an unforgettable dining experience, perfect for a cozy weeknight or an impressive dinner party. While not steeped in ancient history, this dish beautifully encapsulates the spirit of modern Italian-American comfort food, taking beloved Mediterranean flavors – the rich mozzarella, fragrant basil, and tender chicken – and transforming them into something profoundly satisfying. People adore this creation not only for its incredible taste and luxurious texture, offering a comforting warmth with every mouthful, but also for the way it brings a touch of culinary sophistication to the table with surprising ease. It’s a perfect harmony of creamy indulgence and fresh herbs that truly delights. I’m absolutely certain that once you taste this Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce, its creamy richness and herbaceous notes will secure a permanent spot in your recipe repertoire.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 – 2 pounds total)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
For the Basil Cream Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- ½ cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) OR chicken broth, if you prefer to omit wine
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth, low sodium
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (full-fat for best results)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed, roughly chopped, plus extra for garnish
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
For Assembling:
- 1 ½ cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese (fresh mozzarella works too, but consider patting it dry)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Phase 1: Preparing and Searing the Chicken

Prepare the Chicken Breasts: First things first, we want to ensure our chicken cooks evenly and quickly, and that it’s wonderfully tender. Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them one at a time between two sheets of plastic wrap or inside a large freezer bag. Using a meat mallet or the flat side of a heavy pan, pound each chicken breast to an even thickness of about ¾ inch. This step is crucial for achieving that consistent texture and preventing some parts from drying out while others are still cooking. You’ll find it makes a significant difference in the final tenderness of your Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce.
Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine your sea salt, black pepper, dried Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix these spices thoroughly. Pat the pounded chicken breasts dry with paper towels – this helps achieve a beautiful sear. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture generously over both sides of each chicken breast, making sure to rub it in gently. Don’t be shy; a well-seasoned chicken breast lays the foundation for a flavorful dish.
Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (a cast-iron skillet works wonders here) over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering. Once the oil is hot, carefully place two chicken breasts into the skillet, ensuring you don’t overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding can lower the pan’s temperature, leading to steaming instead of searing, and we want a gorgeous golden-brown crust! Sear for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is beautifully golden and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you’re unsure, a meat thermometer is your best friend.

Do Not Overcook the Chicken!

It’s important not to overcook the chicken at this stage, as it will continue to cook briefly in the sauce. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a plate. Tent it loosely with foil to keep it warm and allow the juices to redistribute while you prepare the incredibly aromatic basil cream sauce. Repeat this step with the remaining chicken breasts, adding a little more olive oil if needed.

Phase 2: Crafting the Basil Cream Sauce for “Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce”

Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the same skillet where you cooked the chicken. Let it melt, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon – these are called “fond” and they are packed with incredible flavor that will enhance our Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce! Add the finely diced yellow onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until it softens and becomes translucent. The aroma that fills your kitchen at this stage is absolutely heavenly.
Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Stir in the minced garlic and, if you’re using them, the red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can turn bitter and spoil the delicate flavor profile of our sauce. We’re aiming for a gentle, aromatic whisper, not a fiery shout.
Deglaze with Wine (or Broth): Pour in the dry white wine (or ½ cup of chicken broth if you’re omitting alcohol). Increase the heat slightly and bring it to a simmer, using your wooden spoon to scrape up any remaining browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce by about half. This process, known as deglazing, adds a wonderful depth and complexity to the sauce, dissolving all those tasty caramelized bits into the liquid.
Build the Cream Sauce Base: Pour in the remaining 1 ½ cups of low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer. Allow it to reduce for about 5-7 minutes, letting the flavors meld and concentrate. Then, slowly pour in the 1 ½ cups of heavy cream, stirring continuously. Bring the sauce to a very gentle simmer and cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly to your desired consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon. If it seems too thick, you can always add a splash more broth; if too thin, let it simmer a little longer.

The Creaminess Factor

Using full-fat heavy cream is key here for that luxurious, rich texture that truly defines a great cream sauce. Don’t skimp on this ingredient if you want the ultimate indulgent Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce.
Incorporate Fresh Basil and Season: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the roughly chopped fresh basil leaves. The residual heat from the sauce will be enough to wilt the basil and release its vibrant aroma without cooking out its fresh flavor. Taste the sauce and season with ½ teaspoon of sea salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, or adjust to your preference. Remember, you’ve already seasoned the chicken, so ensure the sauce complements it without being overly salty. The basil should be bright and pronounced.

Phase 3: Assembling and Finishing the “Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce”

Return Chicken to Sauce: Carefully return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them gently into the warm, fragrant basil cream sauce. Make sure each piece is partially submerged in the sauce to soak up all that incredible flavor.
Top with Mozzarella: Generously sprinkle the shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese over the chicken breasts. If you’re feeling extra cheesy, a little more never hurt anyone! The cheese will melt beautifully, creating a gooey, irresistible topping for your chicken.
Melt the Cheese (and Broil, if Desired):
- Stovetop Method: Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook on very low heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is completely melted and bubbly. The steam trapped inside will help melt the cheese perfectly.
- Oven/Broiler Method (Recommended for a golden crust): For an extra layer of deliciousness and a beautifully golden-brown, bubbly cheese topping, you can transfer the skillet to a preheated oven or broiler. If your skillet is oven-safe, preheat your broiler to high. Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-4 minutes, keeping a very close eye on it, until the cheese is gloriously melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. This step adds an amazing texture and visual appeal to your Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce, transforming it from delicious to absolutely stunning!
Garnish and Serve: Once the cheese is perfectly melted and perhaps even a little golden, remove the skillet from the heat (or oven/broiler). Garnish generously with additional fresh basil leaves, either whole or roughly chopped. A final sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is also a wonderful addition for those who love that extra savory kick. Serve your magnificent Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce immediately. It pairs wonderfully with a side of pasta, fluffy rice, or a light green salad to soak up all that delectable sauce.

Pro Tips for the Perfect “Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce”

Quality of Ingredients Truly Matters: For a dish like this, where the flavors are relatively simple but incredibly harmonious, the quality of your ingredients makes a huge difference. Opt for fresh, vibrant basil leaves, good quality chicken broth, and full-fat heavy cream. These components are the stars, and their excellence will shine through in every bite of your Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce.
Pounding Chicken for Perfection: Don’t skip the step of pounding your chicken breasts! It’s not just about making them cook faster; it’s about achieving an incredibly tender, uniform texture. Unevenly thick chicken can lead to dry edges and undercooked centers, which is precisely what we want to avoid. Aim for a ¾-inch thickness throughout for optimal results. If you don’t have a mallet, a rolling pin or even a heavy-bottomed pot works perfectly well.
Prevent Overcrowding: This tip applies to searing the chicken and applies to any pan-frying endeavor. Placing too many items in a skillet at once lowers the pan’s temperature, causing the food to steam rather than sear. This means you won’t get that beautiful golden-brown crust and complex flavor development. If you have more than two chicken breasts, sear them in batches. It’s worth the extra few minutes.
Adjusting Spice Levels: The red pepper flakes are entirely optional, but they add a subtle warmth and depth that complements the richness of the cream sauce without making it overly spicy. If you love heat, feel free to add a little more. If you prefer no heat at all, simply omit them. You can always pass extra red pepper flakes at the table for individual preferences.
Don’t Be Afraid to Taste and Adjust: Throughout the sauce-making process, make sure to taste! Seasoning is subjective, and what tastes perfect to one person might need a little more salt or pepper for another. Before adding the basil, taste the cream sauce and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Remember that the mozzarella cheese also contributes some saltiness, so factor that in.
Serving Suggestions: While this Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce is undoubtedly the star of the show, it truly shines when paired with the right accompaniments. Consider serving it over a bed of al dente linguine or fettuccine, which will beautifully absorb the luscious cream sauce. For a lighter option, steamed asparagus, roasted broccoli, or garlic mashed potatoes make excellent choices. Even a simple side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that amazing basil cream sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage: While best enjoyed fresh, leftovers of Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Freezing is not recommended due to the heavy cream, which can separate upon thawing.

Conclusion:

And there you have it, my dear culinary adventurers! We’ve journeyed through the simple yet profoundly satisfying steps to create a dish that I am truly passionate about. This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a symphony of textures and flavors, a dish that consistently earns rave reviews from everyone who tries it. From the moment that first sizzle hits the pan to the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen, you’ll understand why this Mozzarella Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce is an absolute game-changer. It’s the perfect blend of creamy richness, fresh herbaceous notes, and comforting warmth that makes it an instant classic in any home.

What truly makes this recipe a must-try is its remarkable ability to feel both gourmet and incredibly accessible. The chicken breasts are cooked to tender perfection, providing a juicy canvas for the star of the show: that incredibly luscious, velvety basil cream sauce. It’s infused with the bright, aromatic essence of fresh basil, balanced with just the right amount of garlic and a subtle hint of savory goodness. Then, of course, there’s the mozzarella – melting into gooey, irresistible pools over each piece of chicken, adding a layer of indulgence that is simply unparalleled. It’s comfort food elevated, a dish that speaks to the soul, promising a satisfying and memorable dining experience every single time. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special or a dish to impress guests without breaking a sweat, this recipe delivers on all fronts. It’s hearty without being heavy, flavorful without being overwhelming, and elegant without being complicated.

Serving Suggestions & Delightful Variations:

Now, let’s talk about how to truly make this dish shine on your dinner table. While it’s utterly fantastic on its own, here are a few ways to complete the meal or switch things up:

Classic Pairings: My absolute favorite way to serve this is over a bed of al dente pasta – fettuccine, linguine, or even penne work beautifully, allowing the creamy sauce to coat every strand. Creamy mashed potatoes are another glorious option, perfect for soaking up every drop of that incredible sauce. And, of course, some crusty artisan bread is essential for dipping!
Vibrant Vegetables: To add some freshness and color, consider serving alongside steamed green beans, roasted asparagus with a sprinkle of lemon zest, or sautéed spinach with a hint of garlic. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also provides a lovely counterpoint to the richness of the cream sauce.
Grain Alternatives: For a lighter touch, you could serve it with fluffy white rice, wild rice, or even quinoa. The subtle nuttiness of quinoa can be a surprisingly good match.
A Touch of Wine: If you enjoy a glass of wine with your meal, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio would complement the basil and cream beautifully, cutting through the richness with their acidity.

Make It Your Own:

Part of the joy of cooking is personalizing a recipe, and this one is wonderfully versatile. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Cheese Swaps: While mozzarella is fantastic, you could try provolone, fontina, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a slightly different flavor profile. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano at the end adds an extra layer of salty umami.
Vegetable Add-ins: Sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes (rehydrated and chopped), or finely diced bell peppers can be added to the sauce along with the basil for extra depth and nutrition.
Herb Adventures: While basil is key, a tiny pinch of dried oregano or thyme stirred into the sauce can add another dimension. Fresh parsley, stirred in at the very end, also brightens things up.
Spice It Up: For those who love a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added to the garlic in the pan will give the sauce a wonderful kick.
Cream Alternatives: If you’re looking for a slightly lighter option, you could experiment with half-and-half or even a touch of milk combined with a cornstarch slurry, though the richness of heavy cream is truly unparalleled here.
Chicken Variations: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used; just adjust the cooking time slightly.

I truly hope this recipe brings as much joy and deliciousness to your table as it has to mine. It’s a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can transform into something extraordinary with just a little love and attention. Please, do yourself a favor and carve out some time this week to try making this incredible dish. I promise you won’t regret it!

Share Your Culinary Success!

And when you do create your own version, I would absolutely love to hear about it! What did you pair it with? Did you add any unique twists? Did your family go back for seconds (or thirds!)? Sharing your experiences is one of the best parts of our vibrant cooking community. Leave a comment below, tell us your thoughts, and let’s celebrate the joy of delicious homemade food together. Happy cooking, my friends!