Description
Succulent basil chicken dances with rich cream sauce, creating a Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece that elevates weeknight dinners. Herb-infused and luxurious, this dish will transport you to sun-drenched Italian kitchens with its irresistible blend of flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680 grams)
Dairy:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Carefully blot chicken breasts with paper towels, generously seasoning both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Warm olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Gently place seasoned chicken and cook approximately 6-7 minutes per side, achieving a rich golden-brown exterior and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, then introduce finely minced garlic to the same skillet, sautéing until aromatic and slightly translucent, about 1-2 minutes.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, whisking in freshly chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow mixture to gently simmer, stirring consistently until sauce thickens and becomes velvety, roughly 3-4 minutes.
- Splash in bright lemon juice, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
- Carefully return cooked chicken to the skillet, delicately coating each piece with the luscious cream sauce. Let chicken warm through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer to serving plates, garnishing with additional torn basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of even thickness to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
- Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and crispy exterior.
- Adjust heat carefully when making the sauce to prevent cream from separating or burning, maintaining a gentle simmer.
- Customize the dish by using lighter cream alternatives like half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a healthier version.
- 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: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 46g
- Cholesterol: 180mg