with Tomato and Creamy Mozzarella Sauce Recipe

If you love the cozy flavors of Italian cooking, you’ll absolutely fall for this Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Creamy Mozzarella Sauce. Imagine tender, golden chicken breasts smothered in a velvety sauce that combines the brightness of cherry tomatoes, the richness of cream, and the melty goodness of mozzarella cheese all balanced perfectly with fresh basil. This dish is a celebration of classic ingredients coming together to create something effortlessly elegant yet incredibly comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting friends, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to make and share.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this delicious Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Creamy Mozzarella Sauce, you only need a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a part: the flour and seasonings help crisp the chicken, while the tomatoes and cheeses build the beautiful sauce that gives the dish its signature lusciousness and fresh aroma.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded thin): Ensures quick, even cooking and tender bites every time.
• ½ cup all-purpose flour: Creates a light coating for that perfect golden crust.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle yet savory depth to the flour mixture.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Brings classic Mediterranean herbs that make the chicken irresistibly flavorful.
• Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate every component.
• 3 tbsp olive oil: Used for frying the chicken to a crispy, golden perfection.
• 2 tbsp butter: Adds richness to the sauce base and enhances garlic’s aroma.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic gives the sauce a bold, fragrant kick.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursting with sweetness and acidity for a balanced sauce.
• ½ cup heavy cream: Creates a smooth, velvety texture in the sauce.
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts wonderfully for that signature creaminess.
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth that complements the mozzarella.
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a subtle, warm heat if you like a little spice.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: To season the sauce perfectly.
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil: Bright, fresh, and aromatic – a true star herb in this dish.
• Optional Garnish – Extra basil leaves, fresh mozzarella pearls, drizzle of olive oil: Adds a final elegant touch when serving.

How to Make with Tomato and Creamy Mozzarella Sauce

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by pounding the chicken breasts until they are evenly thin—this ensures they cook quickly and remain juicy. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken piece through this flavorful coating and shake off the excess. This step is key to building a crispy, flavorful crust that will hold up beautifully under the sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Cutlets

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets and cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You’ll want a nice golden brown color with a slightly crispy edge. When done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. Don’t worry; we’ll bring everything back together in just a moment.

Step 3: Create the Tomato and Creamy Mozzarella Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and melt the butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds just until fragrant. Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices. Pour in the heavy cream and raise the heat just enough to reach a gentle simmer. Now, stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses until everything melds together into a irresistibly creamy sauce. Finish by seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little zing.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the golden chicken cutlets back to the skillet nestling them into the sauce. Let them simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors blend and the chicken heats through beautifully. Then sprinkle your chopped fresh basil over the top and finish with a slight drizzle of olive oil to add a touch of silky richness before plating.

How to Serve with Tomato and Creamy Mozzarella Sauce

Garnishes

The secret to making your dish look and taste even more special? Fresh garnishes. Scatter extra basil leaves for bursts of color and freshness. Add a few fresh mozzarella pearls for additional creamy indulgence and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil to give the whole plate a glossy, mouthwatering finish.

Side Dishes

This Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Creamy Mozzarella Sauce pairs beautifully with simple sides that soak up the sauce. Think al dente pasta, fluffy rice, or even roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus. Each side complements the rich sauce while adding its own fresh texture or earthiness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve the chicken cutlets family-style on a large platter topped with the sauce and garnishes—that’s guaranteed to impress. Alternatively, place a single cutlet over a nest of creamy polenta or garlic mashed potatoes to make every bite a comforting hug. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan at the end never hurts, either.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken will remain tender, and the sauce will keep its creamy texture for up to 3 days. When storing, try to cover the sauce directly to minimize drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, although for best texture, it’s recommended to freeze the chicken and sauce separately. Place the cooked cutlets in a freezer-safe container and the sauce in another, both sealed tightly. They will keep well for up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to keep the sauce creamy without curdling. Add a splash of cream or water if it thickens too much during reheating. Avoid microwaving at high power as that can dry out the chicken and alter the sauce’s texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add a bit more moisture and flavor. Just be sure to pound them to an even thickness and adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.

Is there a way to make the sauce dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream for a similar richness. Use a non-dairy mozzarella alternative to keep the creamy texture while catering to dairy-free diets.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Definitely. Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to coat the chicken. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you won’t lose any flavor.

How spicy is the sauce with the red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth, not overwhelming heat. If you want a completely mild sauce, simply omit them without affecting the overall flavor.

What’s the best way to get chicken breasts thin enough?

Using a meat mallet or rolling pin inside a plastic wrap or zip-top bag is the easiest way to pound chicken breasts evenly to about ¼ inch thickness. This makes cooking quicker and ensures even tenderness.

Final Thoughts

You simply cannot go wrong making Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Creamy Mozzarella Sauce. Its combination of fresh herbs, tender chicken, and that rich, dreamy sauce makes every bite memorable and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself, this dish is a beautiful way to bring a little bit of Italian magic to your table. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it out and savor every luscious mouthful!

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