This Creamy Basil Chicken is a comforting dish that’s full of flavor! Juicy chicken is cooked in a rich sauce made with fresh basil, garlic, and cream. It’s truly a crowd-pleaser!
You can serve it over pasta or with rice for a hearty meal. I love how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Trust me, you’ll want seconds! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal here as they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you prefer, you could use chicken thighs for more flavor, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with half-and-half or a creamy plant-based alternative like coconut cream, although it will alter the flavor slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for flavor! If you don’t have any, you can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative that adds a similar flavor.
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil is key for the authentic flavor in this dish. If you can’t find it, you can use dried basil, but reduce the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated—about 1 tablespoon should suffice.
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken breasts perfectly is essential to keep them juicy and tender. Here’s how to do it:
- Use even-sized chicken breasts to ensure they cook uniformly. You can pound them to an even thickness.
- Heat your skillet well before adding the chicken. This helps achieve a nice sear, enhancing the flavor.
- Cook on medium-high heat, flipping once. Ideal cooking time is about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
- Always check with a meat thermometer! Chicken is safe to eat at 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Following these tips will help you serve up deliciously tender chicken every time!
How to Make Creamy Basil Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take approximately 25-30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 5-10 minutes seasoning and cooking the chicken, and about 15-20 minutes preparing the creamy sauce and bringing everything together. It’s a quick and satisfying option for dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. This simple step really enhances the flavor of the chicken.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the chicken breasts to the pan. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate while you prepare the sauce.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Cook it for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
4. Make the Sauce Base:
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. This adds extra flavor to your sauce!
5. Create the Creamy Mixture:
Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, alongside Italian seasoning if you like. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. You’ll want it to bubble softly but not boil vigorously.
6. Add the Basil and Butter:
Add in the butter and chopped fresh basil, stirring until everything is melted and well combined. This will give your sauce a lovely and rich flavor.
7. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy basil sauce over the top. Allow everything to simmer together for another 3-5 minutes. This helps the chicken soak up the delicious flavors of the sauce.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your creamy basil chicken warm, garnished with any extra fresh basil if you desire. This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or a side of vegetables, making for a heartwarming dinner. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but they should be completely thawed before cooking. For quick thawing, place them in a sealed plastic bag and soak them in cold water for about an hour, changing the water halfway through. Pat them dry before seasoning and cooking.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based milk or a dairy-free cream alternative like coconut cream. You can also use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for that cheesy flavor. Just be sure to adjust seasoning as needed!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them together in a skillet on low heat until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if necessary.
What Should I Serve with Creamy Basil Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! Traditional options include pasta or rice to soak up the delicious sauce, but you can also enjoy it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a lighter meal. Enjoy experimenting with your favorite sides!
