Creamy Mozzarella Chicken

Creamy Mozzarella Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken, rich cream, and melty mozzarella cheese. It’s an easy meal that the whole family will love. The combination of fresh tomatoes and basil adds a burst of flavor, making this dish both comforting and delicious. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a special dinner, Creamy Mozzarella Chicken is sure to impress.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also packed with flavor. It combines wholesome ingredients like chicken, mozzarella, and fresh basil. The creamy sauce makes the chicken juicy and satisfying while keeping it nutritious. Plus, it pairs beautifully with rice, making it a complete meal. If you’re looking for something quick yet delicious, this recipe is perfect.

How to Make Creamy Mozzarella Chicken

Ingredients:

125 g Mozzarella (40% fat)
2 shallots
1 clove garlic
250 g cherry tomatoes
1 bunch basil
4 chicken breast fillets (about 160 g each)
Salt and pepper to taste
3 tablespoons olive oil
Some oil for greasing the dish
1 tablespoon flour (Type 405)
100 ml chicken broth or water
100 ml cream (30% fat)
100 g cream cheese (double-cream)
40 g basil pesto
200 g long grain rice

Directions:

Grease a baking dish (about 20 x 30 cm) with olive oil. Drain the mozzarella and tear it into pieces. Peel the shallots and garlic, then slice the shallots and chop the garlic finely.
Wash the cherry tomatoes, drain, and halve two-thirds of them. Wash the basil, drain, and tear it into pieces. Pat the chicken breast fillets dry and season them with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan and fry the chicken breast fillets for 5-6 minutes on all sides.
In a pot, sauté the shallots and garlic in the remaining olive oil for 2-3 minutes and sprinkle with flour. Deglaze with chicken broth and stir until smooth. Add cream and cream cheese, and stir while bringing it to a boil. Fold in the cherry tomatoes and pesto and season with salt and pepper.
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (or 200 degrees Celsius for conventional heating). Place the chicken breast fillets in the baking dish, pour the sauce evenly over them, sprinkle with mozzarella, and bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes.
Cook the rice according to the package instructions. Serve the mozzarella chicken on plates with rice, garnished with basil.

How to Serve Creamy Mozzarella Chicken

Serve Creamy Mozzarella Chicken hot, straight from the oven. It pairs well with the rice you prepared, and you can add a sprinkle of fresh basil on top for an extra touch. A side salad or steamed vegetables can also complement the meal nicely.

How to Store Creamy Mozzarella Chicken

To store leftovers, place the Creamy Mozzarella Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate it. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. When reheating, make sure to warm it gently to keep the chicken moist.

Tips to Make Creamy Mozzarella Chicken

For a richer flavor, you can use chicken thighs instead of breast fillets.
Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the sauce for added nutrition.
Adjust the seasoning according to your preference; fresh herbs can also enhance the dish.

Variation

You can make a lighter version of this dish by using low-fat cream and omitting the cream cheese. Additionally, you can use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or gouda, for a unique twist.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breast for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breast. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking throughout.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute it with plain yogurt or omit it entirely. The dish will still be creamy with just the cream.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it right before serving for the best results.