Imagine a culinary journey that transports you to the rolling hills of Tuscany with every single bite. This Mozzarella Chicken recipe is a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create a dish so luxurious and comforting, it feels like a warm embrace from an Italian grandmother. Tender chicken breasts are transformed into a gourmet masterpiece, topped with melted mozzarella and a rich, creamy sauce that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts (5-6 oz / 140-170g each)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 cups (300g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 bunch fresh basil leaves
- 3/4 cup (180ml) heavy cream
- 3.5 oz (100g) cream cheese
- 4.4 oz (125g) mozzarella, sliced
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/8 cup (15g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
- Prepare Chicken: Carefully rinse the chicken breasts and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
- Sear to Perfection: Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place chicken breasts in the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.
Creating the Tuscan Cream Sauce
- Tomato Base: Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. In the same skillet, quickly sauté the halved cherry tomatoes, allowing them to soften and release their natural sweetness.
- Build the Sauce: Add fresh basil leaves, heavy cream, and cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely, creating a smooth, luxurious sauce.
- Sauce Consistency: Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes. If you prefer a thicker sauce, create a small slurry by mixing flour with a little water and gently stirring it into the sauce.
Final Preparation
- Combine and Finish: Return the seared chicken breasts to the pan, covering them generously with the creamy Tuscan sauce.
- Cheese Topping: Artfully arrange sliced mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over each chicken breast.
- Broil to Golden Perfection: Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese becomes golden, bubbly, and irresistibly melted.
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Easy
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 450-500
- Protein: 35-40g
- Carbohydrates: 5-7g
- Fat: 32-35g
- Calcium: 20-25% Daily Value
Pro Chef Tips
- Use room temperature chicken breasts for more even cooking.
- Choose high-quality, fresh mozzarella for the best melting properties.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices.
Serving Suggestions
This Tuscan Chicken pairs beautifully with:
- Crusty Italian bread
- Al dente pasta
- Roasted Mediterranean vegetables
- Light green salad with vinaigrette
Wine Pairing
Complement this dish with a crisp Italian white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay to balance the rich, creamy sauce.
A true Tuscan dream awaits – bon appétit!