Creamy Dreamy Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe

My kitchen often comes alive with this surprisingly quick chicken in basil cream sauce that combines unexpected flavors.

The creamy texture hints at something special waiting to unfold.

Rich herbal notes dance across tender meat in ways that surprise and delight.

basil bright green essence mingles beautifully with smooth, velvety cream creating a sensational meal.

Each bite promises comfort mixed with elegant Italian-inspired nuances.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients transform into something remarkable.

Impressing guests with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Let’s make something memorable together that feels both luxurious and wonderfully approachable.

Storing Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce The Smart Way

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. The dish will keep fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Carefully transfer the chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing for longer to maintain the best quality and taste.
• Reheat Gently: Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent drying out. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and maintain the sauce's creamy texture.
• Microwave Option: If using a microwave, cover the chicken with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent overcooking.

Pairing Ideas For Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the creamy basil sauce perfectly, cutting through the richness while enhancing the herb's delicate flavor.
• Match with Herbal Side Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy cream sauce, adding a fresh and zesty contrast to the dish.
• Serve alongside Roasted Vegetables: Opt for garlic-roasted asparagus or Mediterranean-style zucchini to provide a nutritious and flavorful accompaniment that echoes the herb notes in the chicken.
• Choose Crusty Bread Pairing: Serve warm, crusty Italian bread or focaccia to soak up the delicious basil cream sauce, transforming every bite into a delightful culinary experience.

Try These Variations For Basil Cream Chicken

• Mediterranean Magic: Transform the dish by adding sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese to the basil cream sauce for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Incorporate diced green chiles, smoked paprika, and a splash of tequila into the sauce. Top with fresh cilantro and serve with Mexican-style rice.
• Mushroom Forest Fusion: Sauté sliced cremini or wild mushrooms with the garlic before creating the cream sauce. Add a touch of thyme and white wine for an earthy, woodsy undertone.
• Herb Garden Upgrade: Replace basil with a mix of fresh herbs like tarragon, chives, and parsley. Sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top for added texture and nutty complexity.

FAQs About Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce

• What makes the basil cream sauce so special?

The magic is in the fresh and dried basil combination, which creates a complex, aromatic flavor profile. The Parmesan cheese adds richness, while the cream provides a smooth, luxurious texture that perfectly coats the chicken.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They’re often more flavorful and stay juicier than chicken breasts. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked through to an internal temperature of 165F/74C.

• Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?

Not directly. The recipe uses flour for coating the chicken. To make it gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour. This will maintain the crispy coating while making the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

• How can I make the sauce extra creamy?

Use full-fat heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. These high-quality ingredients will give you a richer, more velvety sauce. Gently simmering the sauce allows it to thicken naturally without becoming too heavy.

Why Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce Is Comfort Food With Flair

• Savor Creamy Elegance: This chicken dish transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious meal with its velvety basil-infused cream sauce that coats each tender chicken breast perfectly.
• Master Quick Gourmet Cooking: Prepare an impressive restaurant-quality dinner in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Customize Flavor Adventure: Easily adjust the sauce's spiciness with red pepper flakes and play with fresh or dried basil, allowing personal taste preferences to shine through each delightful bite.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Pair this chicken with pasta, rice, or vegetables, making it a flexible dinner option that adapts to whatever you have in your kitchen and satisfies different dietary preferences.

All The Ingredients For Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein base for the main dish, choose boneless and skinless for easy preparation.

• All-Purpose Flour, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Flavorful coating that creates a golden crust and adds depth to the chicken.

• Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Provides rich, smooth foundation for the creamy sauce, creates luxurious texture.

• Garlic, Fresh Basil, Dried Basil: Adds vibrant herbal and aromatic notes, fresh basil brings brightness while dried offers consistent flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty complexity to the sauce, helps with thickening.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps with browning chicken and sautéing ingredients.

• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds gentle heat and optional spice to the sauce, can be adjusted to personal preference.

How To Cook Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce Easily

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Coating

Mix together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a wide, shallow bowl. Pat the chicken breasts dry, then thoroughly coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, gently shaking off any excess powder.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Warm olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the flour-coated chicken breasts into the hot pan. Cook each side until a gorgeous golden-brown color develops and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C. Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Herb Sauce

• Butter
• Minced garlic
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• Dried basil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until its aroma fills the kitchen. Pour in chicken broth, gently scraping up any delicious browned bits from the pan’s bottom. Stir in heavy cream and let the mixture simmer softly, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Enhance the Sauce

Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, torn fresh basil leaves, and dried basil. Let the sauce bubble gently, developing rich, complex flavors. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to create a perfectly balanced taste.

Step 5: Reunite Chicken and Sauce

Return the golden chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the luscious herb-infused cream sauce. Allow the chicken to warm through and absorb the incredible flavors for a few minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the chicken to serving plates, generously spooning extra sauce over the top. Scatter a few fresh basil leaves for a beautiful finishing touch. Pair with pasta, fluffy rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that’ll impress everyone at the table.

Tips To Perfect Basil Cream Sauce Every Time

• Perfectly Flour the Chicken: Ensure an even, light coating by using a shallow dish and gently pressing the flour mixture onto the chicken to create a delicate, crispy exterior.
• Control Cooking Temperature: Use medium heat to achieve a golden-brown crust without burning the chicken, allowing it to cook evenly and retain its moisture.
• Maximize Sauce Flavor: Scrape up the browned bits from the skillet when adding chicken broth to incorporate deep, rich flavors into the cream sauce.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes to personalize the heat, adding a subtle kick or more intense spiciness based on your preference.
• Make It Lighter: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a healthier version that still maintains a creamy texture.

Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken nestles in a velvety basil sauce, promising a sensory journey through Italian culinary artistry. Delicate herbs and rich cream blend harmoniously, inviting you to savor each luxurious bite of this comforting masterpiece.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Coating and Seasoning:

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Sauce Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil or butter (for cooking chicken)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by creating a flavorful coating that enhances its exterior with a blend of aromatic seasonings. Mix flour with garlic and onion powders, salt, and pepper in a shallow container, then gently coat each chicken breast, ensuring an even and light layer.
2. Transform a skillet into a golden-brown canvas by heating olive oil or butter over medium flame. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot pan, allowing each side to develop a rich, caramelized exterior. Cook until the meat reaches a perfect internal temperature, indicating doneness and ensuring juicy meat.
3. Utilize the same skillet to craft a luxurious sauce, beginning with melting butter and releasing the intense aroma of minced garlic. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze, capturing all the delectable browned bits clinging to the pan’s surface.
4. Introduce heavy cream to the simmering liquid, creating a velvety base that will soon embrace the sauce’s additional flavors. Allow the mixture to gently reduce and thicken, developing a rich and smooth consistency.
5. Elevate the sauce by incorporating Parmesan cheese, which will melt seamlessly and add depth. Fold in fresh and dried basil, letting the herbs infuse their vibrant essence throughout the creamy mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and a hint of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
6. Reunite the perfectly cooked chicken with the aromatic sauce, letting the meat absorb the intricate flavors. Spoon the creamy basil sauce generously over each piece, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Present the dish with an artistic flourish, placing the sauced chicken on a plate and garnishing with additional fresh basil leaves. Complement the meal with your preferred accompaniment, such as pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

• Choose skinless, boneless chicken breasts for even cooking and easier preparation.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help the flour mixture adhere better and create a crispier exterior.
• Avoid overcrowding the skillet when cooking chicken to ensure proper browning and prevent steaming.
• Adjust sauce thickness by simmering longer for a thicker consistency or adding more broth for a lighter sauce.
• Fresh basil provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor compared to dried basil, so use it if possible.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calories.
• Gluten-free option: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend for coating chicken.
• Vegetarian alternative: Swap chicken with thick-cut portobello mushrooms or plant-based chicken substitutes.
• Add red pepper flakes gradually to control the heat level and customize spiciness to your preference.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating gently to prevent sauce separation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg