This Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce recipe is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that will elevate your dinner to a gourmet experience. Perfect for weeknights or a special occasion, the tender chicken is simmered in a creamy sauce infused with the aromatic flavors of fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Serve it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce!
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with creamy, herbaceous flavors.
- Easy enough for weeknight dinners yet elegant for entertaining.
- Made with simple, wholesome ingredients.
- Versatile and pairs well with various sides.
- Ready in under 40 minutes, making it a quick yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: Youโll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil or butter
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Fresh basil
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
Directions
- Season and Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, sautรฉ garlic until fragrant. Add chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Reduce slightly.
- Simmer in Creamy Goodness: Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream, letting it simmer gently until it thickens slightly. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Combine and Finish: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the pieces. Let it simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors meld. Add fresh basil and optional red pepper flakes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot with your choice of sides and garnish with extra Parmesan or basil if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp, turkey cutlets, or pork chops for a delightful twist.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast as a cheese alternative.
- Add Veggies: Include sautรฉed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for added texture and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to maintain the sauceโs consistency.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and bring additional juiciness to the dish. Adjust cooking times as needed.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it separately. Reheat and combine with freshly cooked chicken before serving.
3. Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk can be used, though the sauce may be less rich. Add a thickening agent like cornstarch if needed.
4. Can I freeze this dish?
While the chicken freezes well, the sauce may separate upon thawing. Reheat gently and whisk to recombine.
5. What sides go best with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
6. How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?
Avoid overcooking and let the chicken rest after searing to retain its juices.
7. Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor, but dried basil can be substituted. Use about one-third the amount.
8. Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes! The recipe is naturally gluten-free as written.
9. Can I make this dish spicy?
Add more red pepper flakes or a diced chili for an extra kick of heat.
10. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, stir in shredded or diced cooked chicken towards the end of making the sauce to save time.
Conclusion
Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is a delectable dish thatโs sure to impress. With its creamy texture and robust flavors, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Try it tonight and transform a simple meal into an unforgettable dining experience.
Print
Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy, flavorful dish combines tender chicken breasts with a rich basil cream sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is easy to make and full of comforting flavors. Serve it over pasta, rice, or alongside a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Additional salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken:ย Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a shallow dish, mix flour, salt, and black pepper. Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess.
- Cook the chicken:ย Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165ยฐF). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce:ย In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, bringing the sauce to a simmer.
- Add basil and lemon:ย Reduce the heat to low and stir in the chopped basil and lemon juice. Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine:ย Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and let everything simmer together for 3-4 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve:ย Serve the chicken with the basil cream sauce over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with extra fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- You can also add sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
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