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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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