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To make Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream, you need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup chicken broth - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 garlic clove, minced - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Fresh basil sprigs for garnish (optional) These ingredients work together to create a rich and creamy dish. The mozzarella adds a lovely melt and texture, while the basil brings freshness. You can make this dish even if you lack some ingredients. Here are some easy swaps: - Chicken breasts: Use thighs for more flavor and moisture. - Heavy cream: Substitute with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter option. - Chicken broth: Vegetable broth works great for a vegetarian version. - Fresh basil: Dried basil will do, but use less since it's stronger. - Olive oil: Any cooking oil can work, like canola or avocado oil. These substitutions help keep the dish flexible and accessible. Having the right tools makes cooking easier. Here’s what you need: - A large skillet for sautéing and simmering - A sharp knife for chopping and slicing - A cutting board for prep work - A baking dish or oven-safe skillet for baking - A meat thermometer to check chicken doneness These tools help ensure you get the best results with your Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream. Happy cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, get all your ingredients ready. You need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Slice 1 cup of fresh mozzarella cheese. Measure 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Also, chop 1 cup of fresh basil leaves. Don’t forget to mince 1 garlic clove. Gather your salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Make sure it smells good but do not burn it. Carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown. They do not need to be fully cooked. Once done, take the chicken out and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir them together and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes to thicken the sauce a bit. Stir in the chopped basil leaves and mix well. Next, return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Nestle them into that creamy sauce. Place slices of fresh mozzarella on top of each piece of chicken. Now, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F, and the cheese will be melted and bubbly. When done, remove it from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream! To make your chicken juicy, start with good seasoning. Season both sides well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This adds layers of flavor. Searing the chicken in olive oil is key. Cook it until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes each side. This locks in moisture and adds taste. After searing, don’t skip the simmering step. This will help the chicken soak up the rich cream sauce. If you have leftovers, let them cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Make sure to cover the chicken with sauce to keep it moist. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze it. Use a freezer-safe container and wrap it well. This keeps the flavors fresh for up to three months. To take your dish to the next level, add fresh herbs. Try parsley, thyme, or oregano for a new twist. You can also mix in some grated Parmesan cheese for a salty kick. If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. This adds warmth without overpowering the dish. Lastly, finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil before serving. It adds a bright, fresh touch that makes each bite pop! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh basil and high-quality mozzarella for the best flavor and creaminess. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Ensure your chicken breasts are of even thickness to promote uniform cooking. Cheese Melting Tip: For an extra cheesy goodness, add more mozzarella on top during the last 5 minutes of baking. Let it Rest: After baking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to retain its juices. {{image_2}} To make this dish gluten-free, simply use certified gluten-free chicken broth. All other ingredients, like chicken, cream, and mozzarella, are naturally gluten-free. This small swap keeps the flavor while ensuring everyone can enjoy it. If you want a vegetarian version, use eggplant or portobello mushrooms instead of chicken. Slice them thick and sauté until tender. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, and follow the same cooking steps. You’ll get a rich, creamy dish that still feels indulgent. You can boost the flavor in many ways. Consider adding sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet, tangy kick. You can mix in sautéed spinach or kale for some greens. For a little heat, toss in red pepper flakes. Each addition brings new life to your Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream. After cooking, let the dish cool down a bit. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you remember when you made it. If you want to freeze the dish, it’s easy! Allow it to cool completely first. Then, use a freezer-safe container. You can also use heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to squeeze out the extra air. Label the bags with the date. Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream can last for up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, first, take it out of the fridge or freezer. If frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. You can reheat it in a skillet over low heat. Stir it gently to avoid burning. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm. Enjoy your leftovers just like the first time! Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. If you want to enjoy it later, make sure it cools down first before putting it away. Yes, you can use dried basil. However, fresh basil gives a brighter taste. If you use dried, use about one-third of the amount. So, if the recipe calls for one cup of fresh basil, use about one-third cup of dried basil. Add it to the cream sauce early, so it has time to release its flavor. This dish pairs well with several sides. Here are some tasty options: - Rice: A fluffy white or brown rice works nicely. - Pasta: Serve it over cooked pasta for a hearty meal. - Veggies: Roasted or steamed vegetables add color and nutrients. - Salad: A fresh green salad adds crunch and balance. Choose any of these sides to make your meal complete and satisfying. This blog post covered the key steps for making delicious Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream. We discussed essential ingredients and handy substitutes. I shared tips for cooking juicy chicken and storing your leftovers. You learned about variations, like gluten-free options and vegetarian choices. In conclusion, cooking can be simple and fun. With these tips, you can enjoy tasty meals that suit everyone at your table. So, gather your ingredients, use the tools, and get creative in the kitchen!

Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream

A delicious chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with fresh mozzarella in a creamy basil sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • optional fresh basil sprigs for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown (they don't need to be fully cooked through).
  • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
  • In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 3-4 minutes to slightly thicken.
  • Stir in the chopped basil leaves, mixing well into the cream sauce.
  • Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Place slices of fresh mozzarella on each chicken breast.
  • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with fresh basil sprigs for garnish if desired.
Keyword basil, chicken, cream, Italian, mozzarella