This creamy basil chicken is a flavorful dish that’s perfect for dinner. Juicy chicken is smothered in a delicious basil cream sauce that will have your taste buds dancing!
I love serving this with pasta or rice to soak up that creamy goodness. Trust me, your family will ask for seconds, and you might just end up making it every week! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish as they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you prefer, you could use chicken thighs for a richer flavor or even shrimp for a seafood twist!
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its rich, creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use half-and-half or a combination of milk and Greek yogurt. Just remember that the consistency and flavor will vary a bit.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully into the sauce. If you can’t find it, Pecorino Romano makes a great substitute, or you could use a blend of other hard cheeses.
Basil: Fresh basil is key for that fragrant, aromatic touch. If fresh isn’t available, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried basil, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant. Consider adding it towards the end of cooking!
How Do I Make the Perfect Creamy Sauce?
The sauce is the heart of this dish, and making it just right is essential. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- After sautéing garlic in butter, ensure you properly deglaze the pan with chicken broth. This lifts any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom, enhancing the sauce’s taste.
- When adding cream and cheese, keep the heat low. This prevents the cream from curdling and helps thicken the sauce slowly.
- As the sauce simmers, stir often. This will help the flavors meld together and prevent sticking or burning.
- Finally, add the basil at the end just before serving. This keeps its bright flavor and color vibrant.
Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll have a luscious creamy basil chicken that everyone will love!
How to Make Creamy Basil Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black 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 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (reserve some for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious creamy basil chicken recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need around 30-35 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a quick yet fancy dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if you like that extra herby flavor). This helps the chicken to be delicious inside and out.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. When finished, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Garlic Mixture:
In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté this for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic becomes fragrant—don’t let it burn!
4. Deglaze and Create the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and give the pan a good scrape to lift all the delicious bits off the bottom. This adds incredible flavor to your sauce!
5. Combine Cream and Cheese:
Next, stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Lower the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens a little. Keep stirring to make it smooth!
6. Add Fresh Basil:
Now it’s time to toss in the chopped basil! Stir it into the sauce to blend the fresh flavor in nicely.
7. Return the Chicken:
Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet, and spoon that creamy basil sauce over the top. Let it simmer for an extra 2 minutes to warm everything together.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, garnish your dish with a few more fresh basil leaves for that beautiful touch. Serve your creamy basil chicken hot with pasta, rice, or your favorite steamed veggies. Enjoy your delicious meal!
This creamy basil chicken is sure to be a hit at your dinner table—happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking! Thaw chicken in the refrigerator overnight or in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for quicker results. This ensures even cooking.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, it’s best to do so gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to maintain the sauce’s texture.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt. Just be aware that these alternatives may result in a slightly thinner sauce.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with firm tofu or a mix of your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms and zucchini. Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and follow the same cooking steps!
