This Creamy Basil Chicken is a dream! With tender chicken smothered in a rich, creamy sauce, it’s bursting with fresh basil flavor that will make your taste buds dance.
Making this dish is a breeze! Just cook the chicken, whip up the sauce, and let it all come together. I love serving it over pasta for a quick and tasty dinner that wows everyone.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use chicken thighs instead. They stay juicy and add a different flavor.
Heavy Cream: This is essential for the creamy sauce. For a lighter option, you could use half-and-half or even coconut cream, which gives a nice flavor. Just keep in mind that it might alter the texture a bit.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is the best choice since it melts beautifully. If you don’t have it, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano works well as a substitute.
Fresh Basil: Use fresh basil for the best flavor! If you don’t have fresh, dried basil can work in a pinch, but use less since dried herbs are stronger—about a teaspoon should suffice.
How Can You Perfectly Cook the Chicken?
Cooking the chicken correctly is crucial to a juicy outcome. Here’s how to ensure it’s cooked through and tender:
- First, take the chicken out of the fridge 15 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. This helps it cook evenly.
- Season well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let it sit for a minute to absorb the flavors.
- Cook on medium-high heat, ensuring the skillet is hot. This sears the chicken nicely and locks in moisture!
- Avoid the temptation to flip it too often. Cook for 5-6 minutes on one side before flipping.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. It should reach 165°F (75°C) in the center.
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 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and delicious meal perfect for a weeknight dinner. You can enjoy it with pasta, rice, or steamed veggies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides. This will add great flavor to your chicken!
2. Cooking the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. To check, you can cut into one—there should be no pink, or use a meat thermometer to confirm they reach 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Making the Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium and add the butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté the garlic until it’s fragrant, around 1 minute. Then, pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any tasty brown bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. This adds even more flavor!
4. Thickening the Sauce:
Next, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking the mixture while stirring frequently for about 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens up. The cheese will melt and create a creamy consistency perfect for the chicken.
5. Adding the Basil:
Once the sauce is thickened, add the chopped fresh basil and mix it well into the sauce. This gives your dish that lovely fresh flavor!
6. Combining Chicken and Sauce:
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them thoroughly in the creamy basil sauce. Allow it to simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to let all the flavors meld beautifully.
7. Serving Suggestions:
Serve your creamy basil chicken hot, over a bed of pasta, rice, or alongside your favorite vegetables. Don’t forget to garnish with extra basil or Parmesan if you like. Enjoy your meal!
Happy cooking! Enjoy your easy and delicious creamy basil chicken!
FAQ about Creamy Basil Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work beautifully in this recipe. They tend to be more flavorful and juicier, so feel free to substitute them directly for the breasts. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a minute or two longer to cook through.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. For cheese, try nutritional yeast or a vegan parmesan to keep that cheesy flavor without the dairy. Just be aware that the taste will vary slightly from the original recipe.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce may thicken upon cooling, so when reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up while warming it on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms to the sauce. Just sauté them along with the garlic to give them a nice flavor and allow them to cook down before adding the cream and cheese.
