Description
Basil cream mozzarella chicken delivers pure comfort on your dinner plate, melting together fresh ingredients that make weeknight cooking feel like a delightful culinary adventure. Friends and family will savor each tender, cheesy bite that comes together faster than ordering takeout.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup packed fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Liquids and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Thoroughly dry 4 chicken breasts using paper towels. Mix 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Rub the entire spice blend evenly across both sides of each chicken breast, ensuring complete coverage.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown develops.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium-low, cover, and cook chicken for 5-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F (74C).
- Transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour ½ cup white wine into skillet, scraping bottom to release browned bits. Simmer 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Add 1 cup heavy cream and simmer on low for 5-7 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir ½ cup Parmesan cheese and ¼ cup chopped basil into cream sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
- Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Place chicken in baking dish and pour cream sauce evenly over top.
- Arrange 8 ounces sliced mozzarella cheese across chicken surface.
- Bake 10-15 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let rest 3-4 minutes. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil as garnish before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear that locks in flavor and creates a delicious crust.
- Use fresh mozzarella if possible, as it melts more smoothly and adds a richer, creamier texture to the dish compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- When reducing the wine and cream sauce, watch closely and stir frequently to prevent burning and achieve the ideal silky consistency.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use skinless chicken breasts to reduce overall calories while maintaining the dish’s incredible flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-37 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 589 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 528 mg
- Fat: 44 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 48 g
- Cholesterol: 168 mg