Description

There’s something so comforting about a warm, creamy skillet dinner that feels like a hug on a plate—and Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce does just that. This dish brings together tender chicken breasts, gooey mozzarella, and a lush basil cream sauce that’s just the right blend of rich and refreshing. It’s the kind of meal you make when you want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen—or when you just need something indulgent after a long day.

This recipe reminds me of late spring dinners at my grandmother’s, when her little backyard garden would start bursting with basil, and we’d be looking for any excuse to use it. The scent of sweet basil blending into a warm, garlicky cream sauce takes me right back to those golden hour dinners—windows open, laughter spilling into the kitchen, and someone always asking for seconds.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility. It feels special enough for a date night or Sunday dinner but is easy enough to whip up on a weeknight. And if you’ve got fresh basil on hand, you’re halfway there already.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1½ teaspoons dried basil (or ¼ cup chopped fresh basil)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this helps them brown better. Then season both sides generously with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken and sear until golden brown, about 5–6 minutes per side. Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t fully cooked through yet; it’ll finish later in the sauce. Set the chicken aside on a plate.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic for the Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and add the butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic. Stir it gently for about a minute, just until fragrant—this part always makes the kitchen smell amazing.

Step 3: Build the Basil Cream Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer, scraping up any golden bits from the pan (they’re flavor gold!). Stir in the heavy cream and let it warm through. Next, sprinkle in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth. Add the basil—fresh if you’ve got it, but dried works perfectly too.

Step 4: Finish with Chicken and Simmer
Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, turning to coat them in the sauce. Let everything simmer together on low heat for about 10–12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the chicken hot, spooning generous amounts of basil cream sauce over the top. We love this with angel hair pasta or mashed potatoes to soak up every last bit.

Notes

For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce won’t be quite as thick.
Add a handful of baby spinach to the sauce near the end for a little green boost.
Want a touch of heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes gives the sauce a subtle kick.