Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce – A Creamy, Flavorful Delight

Mozzarella chicken in basil cream sauce is one of those dishes that looks restaurant-quality but comes together easily at home. Juicy chicken breasts are seared to perfection, then simmered in a luscious sauce made with cream, garlic, and fresh basil, all topped with gooey, melted mozzarella. I first made this recipe for a weeknight dinner, and it instantly became a family favorite—rich, comforting, and full of flavor. The combination of creamy sauce and melted cheese feels indulgent, yet it’s surprisingly quick to make. You can pair it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. I’ve even tried using light cream instead of heavy cream, and it still turned out wonderfully smooth. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to elevate your weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This mozzarella chicken in basil cream sauce is the perfect blend of rich, cheesy, and herbaceous flavors. It’s creamy but not heavy, with a hint of freshness from the basil that keeps it light. The sauce clings beautifully to the chicken, and every bite feels luxurious. Plus, it’s a one-pan recipe, so cleanup is minimal. It’s versatile, too—serve it over pasta for a hearty meal or with steamed vegetables for something lighter.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish. Pound them to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly and stay juicy.

Mozzarella cheese – Fresh or shredded mozzarella adds that irresistible melted topping. It melts beautifully into the sauce for a creamy finish.

Butter – Adds richness to the sauce and helps brown the chicken to golden perfection.

Garlic – Fresh minced garlic gives the sauce its aromatic foundation.

Heavy cream – The base of the sauce, making it thick, velvety, and decadent. For a lighter option, use half-and-half or light cream.

Chicken broth – Adds savory depth and prevents the sauce from becoming too thick.

Parmesan cheese – Enhances the sauce’s flavor and adds a subtle nutty note.

Fresh basil – The star herb of the dish, giving it a bright, fragrant flavor that perfectly balances the richness.

Olive oil – Used for searing the chicken; it helps lock in moisture and adds flavor.

Salt and black pepper – Essential seasonings to bring out the full flavor of the chicken and sauce.

Directions

Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear on both sides until golden brown, about 5–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Remove the chicken and set aside.

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.

Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over each piece. Top each chicken breast with mozzarella cheese, cover the pan, and cook for another 3–5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Stir in the chopped fresh basil and let it warm through. Serve hot, spooning the sauce generously over the chicken.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

• Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
• large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
• Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
• Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
• Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
• 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
• knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
• Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid high heat, as it can cause the sauce to separate.

Variations and Customizations

Tomato-Basil Twist – Add cherry tomatoes to the sauce for extra sweetness and color.

Spinach Addition – Stir in fresh baby spinach before serving for added texture and nutrients.

Sun-Dried Tomato Version – Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a bold, tangy flavor.

Keto-Friendly Option – Serve over sautéed zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.

Grilled Chicken Variation – Grill the chicken for a smoky touch before adding it to the sauce.

Extra Cheesy – Mix mozzarella and provolone for a more complex cheese flavor.

Lemon Basil Cream Sauce – Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, tangy twist.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work perfectly and stay even juicier.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best served fresh. You can prepare the sauce and chicken separately, then combine before serving.

How can I thicken the sauce more?

Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes or add a bit more Parmesan.

What can I serve with this dish?

Pasta, rice, or garlic mashed potatoes are great choices.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

Fresh basil is best, but you can use 1 teaspoon of dried basil if needed.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives for a lactose-free version.

How do I keep the chicken tender?

Avoid overcooking—remove it once the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I bake this instead of cooking on the stove?

Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, then add mozzarella and broil briefly.

What kind of mozzarella should I use?

Fresh mozzarella melts creamily, but low-moisture shredded mozzarella works too.

Can I add wine to the sauce?

Yes, a splash of white wine adds depth and complements the basil beautifully.

Conclusion

Mozzarella chicken in basil cream sauce is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary night into something special. With tender chicken, rich cream, and the freshness of basil, it’s a perfect balance of comfort and elegance. The creamy sauce is full of flavor, coating every bite with a luxurious finish. Simple to make and stunning to serve, it’s ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again—it’s that good.