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Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe

Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe
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Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is a quick and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a luscious basil-infused cream sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This elegant meal combines fresh herbaceous notes with creamy, cheesy richness, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
  • 4 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This simple step ensures a flavorful base and helps to form a delicious crust when cooking.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest. This searing locks in juices and develops a savory crust.
  3. Make the Basil Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor. Add fresh chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes silky.
  4. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the basil cream sauce over each piece. Place slices of mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken and cover the skillet with a lid to allow the cheese to melt and the sauce to infuse the chicken with flavor, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Once the mozzarella is melted and bubbly, your irresistible Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is ready to serve. Plate up, garnish if desired, and enjoy this creamy, flavorful delight.

Notes

  • Chicken thickness matters: Pound chicken breasts evenly for uniform cooking and tenderness.
  • Use fresh basil: Fresh basil leaves provide unbeatable aroma and flavor compared to dried.
  • Don’t rush the sauce: Let the cream sauce simmer gently to develop richness and perfect thickness.
  • Cover to melt cheese perfectly: Using a lid traps steam, helping mozzarella melt evenly without burning.
  • Reserve pan drippings: Deglazing the pan releases flavor-packed bits into your sauce for a tastier dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: mozzarella chicken, basil cream sauce, creamy chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, Italian chicken, comfort food, low carb chicken

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