What pairs well with Mozzarella Chicken Basil?

Mozzarella Chicken Basil pairs beautifully with a light side dish to balance its rich flavors. Consider a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus. Cauliflower rice is another great option if you’re keeping it low-carb. Garlic butter zucchini noodles also add a fresh touch. Don't forget a glass of crisp white wine for a delightful finishing touch!

Do chicken and basil complement each other?

Absolutely! The aromatic, slightly peppery nature of basil enhances the mild flavor of chicken remarkably well. Basil adds a fresh, herbal dimension that lifts the dish. This combination is a classic in many Mediterranean-inspired recipes. Together, they create a harmony of flavors that's both comforting and sophisticated.

How do chicken and mozzarella work together?

Chicken and mozzarella are a match made in culinary heaven. The creamy, mild mozzarella melts beautifully over the juicy chicken, creating a luscious, satisfying texture. This duo provides the perfect base for the vibrant flavors of tomatoes and basil. The cheese also helps retain moisture in the chicken, ensuring a tender bite each time.

What cheese complements basil best?

While mozzarella is a classic choice, other cheeses like Parmesan or feta can also complement basil. Each cheese offers its unique texture and flavor profile; Parmesan adds a nutty, savory note, while feta brings a tangy creaminess. However, mozzarella remains a favorite for its mildness and meltability, perfectly balancing the freshness of basil. Experimenting with different cheeses can lead to exciting variations of the dish.

Delicious Mozzarella Chicken Basil Recipe

Name: Transform Dinner with This Juicy Mozzarella Chicken Basil
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped; 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Description

This recipe combines tender chicken breast, fresh mozzarella, sun-ripened cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil for a satisfying meal bursting with flavor. A true crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.

3. In a large ovenproof skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes until they start to soften.

5. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and half of the chopped basil, allowing the flavors to meld for about 2 minutes.

6. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the tomatoes. Top each chicken breast with slices of fresh mozzarella, and sprinkle over the Italian seasoning.

7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Top with the remaining basil leaves and, if desired, some chopped fresh parsley for color.

9. Serve hot, spooning the tomato and basil sauce over the chicken.

Notes

This dish pairs excellently with a side of pasta or a fresh green salad.

To make it even more aromatic, add a few sprigs of fresh thyme before baking.

If you prefer spiciness, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the cheese before baking.

Fresh mozzarella works best, but you can also use shredded if that’s what you have on hand.

This dish is a celebration of fresh ingredients, so use the best quality mozzarella and basil available.

Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 20
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 650 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 50 g
Cholesterol: 125 mg