Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce

Name: Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon butter

This Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Tender chicken breasts are cooked to perfection and served in a rich, creamy sauce infused with fresh basil and garlic. This recipe brings together the best of Italian flavors, making it a delicious and indulgent meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication. The creamy basil sauce brings a burst of freshness, while the chicken remains juicy and tender. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for a special occasion. Plus, the ingredients are straightforward and easy to find, making it a go-to for busy home cooks who want a restaurant-quality meal without the hassle.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon butter

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any brown bits.
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. Simmer for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it in the basil cream sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Serve the chicken with extra sauce on top and garnish with additional basil if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add vegetables: To make the dish more filling, consider adding spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce.
Use different herbs: If you don’t have basil, you can substitute with fresh parsley, thyme, or oregano for a different flavor profile.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce to give it a mild kick.
Swap the protein: Instead of chicken, you can use shrimp or even pork for a different twist on this recipe.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the dish on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may need to add a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They will add a bit more flavor and tenderness to the dish.

2. Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?

While fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried basil if necessary. Use about 1 tablespoon of dried basil in place of the fresh.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time, then combine them just before serving.

4. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.

5. Can I use a lighter cream for this recipe?

If you prefer a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. However, the sauce may be slightly thinner.

6. Can I freeze Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce?

You can freeze the chicken and sauce together, but be aware that the cream sauce may change texture slightly when reheated.

7. Can I substitute the Parmesan cheese with another cheese?

Yes, you can use Romano, Asiago, or even mozzarella in place of Parmesan, though the flavor will be slightly different.

8. Can I serve this with pasta?

Absolutely! This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes for a more filling meal.

9. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure any added ingredients are gluten-free.

10. Can I make the sauce spicier?

Yes, if you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the basil cream sauce.

Conclusion

Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is an easy, flavorful meal that brings the richness of creamy sauce and the freshness of basil together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. The best part? It’s simple to make and incredibly satisfying. Enjoy!