Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For those looking to make substitutions, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce. Similarly, if fresh basil isn’t on hand, dried basil can be a suitable alternative, though I find fresh basil adds an unparalleled aroma and flavor.
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Whisk in the flour, creating a roux, and cook for another minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add the mozzarella cheese, stirring until it melts and combines into a smooth sauce.
- Stir in the lemon juice and fresh basil, allowing the sauce to simmer for another minute.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let everything heat through for 2-3 minutes.
Cooking, as I’ve learned from my travels and experiments in the kitchen, is about patience and allowing flavors to meld. Feel free to adjust the seasoning and ingredients to suit your taste — after all, this is your culinary canvas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International