Sizzling Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe for Cozy Nights

Culinary magic happens when chicken in basil cream sauce meets your kitchen’s creative spirit.

Aromatic herbs dance with tender meat, creating a symphony of flavors.

Fresh basil leaves bring vibrant green notes to this creamy delight.

Rich, velvety sauce coats each chicken piece with luxurious tenderness.

Mediterranean influences shine through in this simple yet elegant dish.

Subtle garlic undertones complement the smooth cream base perfectly.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible comfort meal.

Basil Chicken Ingredient List

• Chicken Breasts: A tender and lean meat that serves as the primary protein for this creamy dish.

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking base and adds a subtle flavor to the chicken.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the chicken.

• Garlic: Adds a robust, aromatic flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
• Basil, Fresh Basil: Brings a bright, herbal note that gives the dish its signature freshness and aroma.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a rich, salty, and nutty flavor that adds depth to the cream sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides a gentle heat and subtle spiciness to the dish.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, smooth, and luxurious base for the sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.

Cooking Creamy Basil Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Brown the chicken breasts in a hot skillet with olive oil.

Season the meat generously with salt and pepper.

Cook each side until golden and fully done, creating a beautiful caramelized exterior.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Awaken the Garlic

Drop minced garlic into the same skillet.

Stir quickly over medium heat until the kitchen fills with a fragrant aroma, releasing the garlic’s rich flavor.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Cream Sauce

Reduce heat and pour in heavy cream.

Gently bring the liquid to a soft simmer.

• Fresh chopped basil
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes

Stir the mixture continuously, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop deep, complex flavors.

Step 4: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Return the chicken to the skillet.

Lovingly coat each piece with the creamy basil sauce.

Let the chicken warm through and absorb the incredible flavors for a few minutes.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the chicken to serving plates.

Sprinkle additional fresh basil leaves and a dusting of Parmesan cheese on top.

Serve immediately while the sauce is warm and inviting.

Tips for Perfect Basil Chicken

• Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Use room temperature heavy cream to prevent sauce from breaking and ensure smooth, consistent texture when mixing ingredients.
• Keep heat low and stir gently when adding Parmesan cheese to prevent curdling and maintain a silky, creamy consistency.
• Add fresh basil at the end of cooking to preserve its bright flavor and vibrant green color, enhancing the overall dish's aroma.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to personal preference, starting with a small amount and increasing gradually for desired spiciness.

How to Keep Basil Chicken Fresh

• Store leftover Creamy Basil Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the chicken is completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the sauce separately from the chicken.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, adding a splash of cream to maintain moisture.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when internal temperature reaches 165°F to prevent overcooking.

Basil Chicken Pairing Tips

• Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp, light-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy basil sauce and cut through its richness.
• Side Dish Harmony: Serve with roasted garlic parmesan asparagus or herbed quinoa to enhance the chicken's delicate herb and cream flavors without overwhelming the main dish.
• Bread Companion: Offer crusty Italian bread or garlic focaccia to soak up the luxurious basil cream sauce, providing a perfect textural contrast and additional flavor absorption.
• Salad Balance: Add a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to bring a bright, peppery contrast that helps cleanse the palate between creamy bites.

Tasty Variations on Basil Chicken

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a lactose-free version. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to maintain the creamy, cheesy flavor.
• Low-Carb Lean: Swap chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a more tender option. Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake.
• Herb Garden Variation: Experiment with different fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or tarragon instead of basil. Mix multiple herbs for a complex, aromatic sauce that elevates the chicken's flavor profile.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives to the cream sauce. Sprinkle extra red pepper flakes or incorporate smoked paprika for a bolder, Mediterranean-inspired dish.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great! Just adjust cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked through, which might take slightly longer than chicken breasts.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use Greek yogurt or half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and choose skinless chicken breasts to reduce fat content. You can also reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the basic recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure all your ingredients, especially the Parmesan cheese, are certified gluten-free if you have strict dietary requirements.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce separately, then combine them just before serving. Store components separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Creamy Basil Chicken Breakdown

• Indulge in the rich, creamy sauce bursting with fresh basil and Parmesan, creating a mouthwatering dish that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary culinary experience.
• Master a foolproof skillet method that works beautifully for chicken, allowing you to create a restaurant-quality meal with minimal cooking skills and just one pan to clean.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes to match your family's taste preferences, making this recipe adaptable for both mild and spicy food lovers.

Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

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

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Description

Succulent chicken nestles in a luxurious basil cream sauce, creating a Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece that whispers elegance. Rich herbal notes and velvety texture invite you to savor each memorable bite of pure culinary comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Dairy and Sauce:

• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (30 g) fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh basil (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large skillet and heat olive oil over medium-high temperature until it shimmers. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked through. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
2. In the same skillet, introduce minced garlic and quickly toast for approximately 60 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence without browning.
3. Reduce heat to medium and pour heavy cream, allowing it to gently bubble. Incorporate chopped basil, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes, stirring consistently until the sauce develops a slightly thickened consistency.
4. Carefully nestle the previously cooked chicken back into the creamy basil sauce, ensuring each piece gets thoroughly coated. Allow the chicken to warm through and absorb the flavor profile for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Plate the chicken immediately, drizzling any remaining sauce over the top. Enhance the presentation by scattering fresh basil leaves and sprinkling extra Parmesan cheese as an optional garnish.

Notes

• Chicken Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
• Sauce Consistency Control: If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out while maintaining creaminess.
• Herb Freshness Matters: Always use fresh basil for the most vibrant flavor; dried basil can be substituted but will have a less intense taste profile.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carbohydrate version of the dish.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 43g
• Cholesterol: 150mg