Description
Mozzarella chicken in basil cream sauce brings together tender chicken breasts topped with melted cheese in a rich, herby pan sauce that tastes like an Italian restaurant came to your kitchen. You’ll love how the fresh basil brightens every creamy bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Sauce Components:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Oils:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Crank your oven to precisely 375°F and grab a baking dish for later.
- Sprinkle ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper across both chicken breasts, massaging the seasonings into the meat.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers slightly.
- Toss 2 minced garlic cloves into the hot oil, stirring for exactly 45 seconds to release their aromatic essence.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet, cooking for 6 minutes on the first side until a golden-brown crust develops.
- Flip the chicken and cook an additional 5-6 minutes, ensuring the exterior turns a rich golden color.
- Transfer chicken to a clean plate, keeping the delicious pan drippings in the skillet.
- Pour 1 cup heavy cream into the same skillet, allowing it to bubble gently over medium-low heat.
- Stir ½ cup freshly chopped basil into the simmering cream, creating a fragrant sauce.
- Nestle the chicken back into the skillet, coating each piece with the creamy basil sauce.
- Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella evenly across the chicken breasts.
- Slide the entire skillet into the preheated 375°F oven for 17 minutes, watching the cheese melt and bubble beautifully.
Notes
- Use fresh basil for the most vibrant flavor and aroma in the cream sauce.
- Choose chicken breasts of similar size to ensure even cooking throughout the dish.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a beautiful golden-brown sear in the skillet.
- For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, which will reduce the overall calorie content while maintaining a creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 6-8 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-27 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 to 3
- Calories: 634 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 54 g
- Saturated Fat: 28 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg