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Creamy Mozzarella Chicken

Creamy Mozzarella Chicken

Creamy Mozzarella Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with melted mozzarella cheese and a rich, velvety cream sauce infused with garlic, Parmesan, and fresh herbs. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering versatility with customizable variations and pairings.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup fresh or shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil or 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Extras

  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
  • Red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños, to taste
  • Additional herbs: rosemary, thyme, or oregano

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken and set aside to rest.
  2. Make the creamy sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted, forming a smooth, glossy sauce.
  3. Add mozzarella and herbs: Lower the heat and evenly layer shredded or sliced mozzarella over the sauce. Allow the cheese to melt gently, then stir in fresh basil or your choice of herbs along with a pinch of Italian seasoning.
  4. Combine chicken and sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon sauce and melted mozzarella generously over the top. Let everything warm together for a couple of minutes so the chicken absorbs the creamy flavors.
  5. Serve and enjoy: Once heated through and lightly bubbling, remove from heat. Serve immediately with your favorite sides and garnish as desired.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken to help it cook evenly and stay juicy.
  • Don’t rush searing; a golden crust adds flavor and locks in juices.
  • Fresh mozzarella melts better and provides superior creaminess compared to pre-shredded.
  • Simmer the sauce gently; avoid boiling heavy cream to prevent curdling.
  • Let chicken rest before serving to retain moisture and enhance tenderness.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy mozzarella chicken, cheesy chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, Italian chicken recipe, gluten-free chicken