Name: Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce 1 Pan Bliss
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup basil; 1 cup mozzarella cheese

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I am telling you right now that this dish saved my sanity last week. It was one of those stressful Tuesdays where everything went wrong and I just wanted to order a pizza and cry. Instead I pulled some chicken out of the fridge and decided to get a little fancy. The second that fresh basil hit the warm pan the whole house smelled like an Italian dream. When I sat down with that plate of golden chicken covered in bubbly melted mozzarella I felt like I was at a five star bistro instead of sitting at my messy kitchen table. You deserve this kind of luxury even on a busy weeknight and I promise it is so easy to pull off.

Why You Need Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce: A Decadent Dinner Worth Savoring

You really need this recipe in your life because it hits that perfect spot between comfort food and gourmet cooking. The secret is the way the creamy sauce picks up all those little browned bits from the chicken. Even though it looks like something that took all day it only takes about thirty minutes from start to finish. Using fresh ingredients like real garlic and bright green basil leaves elevates the whole experience. It is a total crowd pleaser that makes you look like a pro chef without the stress of a complicated recipe.

Ingredients for Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce: A Decadent Dinner Worth Savoring

Gather these items before you start cooking. I like to have everything ready on the counter so I do not have to hunt through the fridge while the pan is hot. We are using chicken broth instead of wine to deglaze the pan which keeps the flavors rich and savory.

2 large chicken breasts halved lengthwise
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth instead of wine
3 cloves garlic minced
1/2 cup fresh basil chiffonade
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Step-by-Step Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce: A Decadent Dinner Worth Savoring

This whole process is very straightforward and I promise you can do it. You will spend about 10 minutes on prep and 20 minutes on actual cooking. Just follow these steps and you will have a restaurant quality dinner on the table in no time.

Preparing and Searing the Chicken

First you want to season your chicken pieces well with salt and pepper. Get a large skillet nice and hot with the olive oil. Lay the chicken in and let it sear until it is a beautiful golden brown color on both sides. Do not worry about cooking it all the way through right now because it is going to finish up in that delicious sauce later on.

Creating the Basil Cream Sauce

Take the chicken out of the pan and set it aside on a plate for a moment. Pour in your chicken broth and add the minced garlic. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those tasty brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Now turn the heat down to medium low and slowly pour in the heavy cream. This part is important because if the heat is too high the cream might curdle and we want it to stay smooth and silky.

The Final Melt

Once the sauce is simmering go ahead and nestle the chicken back into the pan. Pile that shredded mozzarella right on top of each piece of chicken. Put a lid on the skillet and let it hang out for about two minutes. The cheese will get all bubbly and the chicken will finish cooking until it is perfectly tender and juicy.

Expert Tips for This Decadent Dinner

If you want to be totally sure your chicken is done you can use a meat thermometer to check that it has reached 165 degrees. If you find that your sauce is a little too thin for your liking just let it simmer for an extra two minutes before you put the chicken back in and add the cheese. That extra time helps it thicken up so it coats the back of a spoon perfectly.

FAQ for Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce: A Decadent Dinner Worth Savoring

If you happen to have leftovers you can keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When you are ready to eat just warm it up gently in a pan so the sauce stays creamy. I love serving this over a big pile of pasta or even zoodles if I want something a bit lighter. Both options are perfect for soaking up every last drop of that amazing basil cream sauce.

Nutritional Info for Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce: A Decadent Dinner Worth Savoring

Here is the estimated nutritional data per serving if you divide this recipe into four servings.

Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 32g
Fat: 34g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 0g