Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce

Delight your taste buds with a symphony of flavors in this Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce recipe. This dish brings together tender chicken breasts smothered in a velvety cream sauce that’s bursting with the bright, herbaceous notes of fresh basil and a hint of garlic. As a beginner-friendly recipe, it requires just 15 minutes of prep time and about 20 minutes of cooking, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something a little special without too much fuss. With roughly 550 calories per serving, this dish feels indulgent yet balanced, especially when paired with simple sides like pasta or steamed vegetables.

The harmony of textures and tastes is what makes this recipe truly stand out. You start by coating the chicken in a light flour dredge that creates a golden, crispy exterior. Then, a quick deglaze with chicken broth captures all those flavorful bits in the pan before you swirl in rich heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan. Finally, a shower of chopped basil transforms the sauce into something undeniably fresh and vibrant. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce promises a comforting Italian-inspired meal that feels restaurant-worthy right from your own kitchen.

KEY INGREDIENTS IN CHICKEN IN BASIL CREAM SAUCE

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s get acquainted with the stars of this recipe. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of taste, from savory to creamy to bright and fresh. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

These lean cuts provide a tender, juicy base that soaks up the creamy basil sauce perfectly.

• All-purpose flour

Used for dredging, the flour creates a light, golden crust that helps seal in the chicken’s juices.

• Salt

Enhances and balances all the flavors in the dish, from the chicken to the sauce.

• Black pepper

Adds a gentle heat and depth of flavor, complementing the creaminess of the sauce.

• Butter

Serves as the rich cooking fat to brown the chicken and infuse the pan with a luscious base.

• Chicken broth

Deglazes the skillet, lifting up those caramelized bits for an extra boost of savory flavor.

• Heavy cream

Forms the luxurious backbone of the sauce, creating a silky texture that coats each bite.

• Parmesan cheese

Melts into the sauce for a salty, umami kick that rounds out the creaminess.

• Fresh basil leaves

Chopped and stirred in at the end, basil offers a vibrant herbal aroma and bright green color.

• Garlic powder

Provides a subtle garlic flavor that complements the fresh basil without overpowering the sauce.

HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN IN BASIL CREAM SAUCE

Let’s roll up our sleeves and walk through the step-by-step process to create this mouthwatering dish. Each stage builds upon the last to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked and your sauce is rich, smooth, and bursting with basil flavor.

1. Gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook uniformly and stay juicy.

2. In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, and black pepper, whisking until well blended for consistent seasoning.

3. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess to avoid a gummy coating.

4. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat, ensuring it foams but doesn’t brown.

5. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5–6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

6. Using the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom.

7. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder, then reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.

8. Add the chopped basil to the sauce, stirring well to infuse the basil’s bright, herbaceous notes.

9. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, allowing them to soak up the creamy basil sauce. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through.

10. Serve immediately, spooning that luscious sauce over the chicken breasts for a truly indulgent meal.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CHICKEN IN BASIL CREAM SAUCE

Elevating your Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is all about pairing it with the right accompaniments. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner for two, these serving ideas will help you present a complete, satisfying plate. Here are four delicious ways to serve this creamy delight:

• Serve over al dente pasta, such as fettuccine or penne, so the sauce clings to each strand for a hearty, comforting bite.
• Pair with steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus to add color, crunch, and extra nutrients to your meal.
• Spoon the sauce and chicken onto slices of crusty bread for a rustic, open-faced sandwich that’s perfect for soaking up every last drop.
• Place over a bed of garlic mashed potatoes for an indulgent twist that balances creamy textures and savory flavors in every forkful.

HOW TO STORE CHICKEN IN BASIL CREAM SAUCE

Leftovers of this Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce can be just as delightful as the initial serving when stored correctly. Proper storage will help preserve the creaminess of the sauce and the tenderness of the chicken, so you can enjoy it later without sacrificing flavor or texture. Here are some tips for keeping your dish fresh:

• Refrigeration

Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days, ensuring the sauce and chicken stay separated on the bottom to avoid sogginess.

• Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the chicken and cream sauce separately in sealed freezer bags or containers. This prevents the dairy from developing ice crystals and losing its smooth texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

• Portioning

Divide the chicken and sauce into individual servings before storing. This approach makes reheating easier and reduces waste, since you can heat only what you need.

• Gentle Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to restore the sauce’s silky consistency. If needed, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and revive its original richness.

CONCLUSION

From the first tender bite of pan-seared chicken to the final swirl of creamy basil-infused sauce, this Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce recipe offers a delightful restaurant-quality experience right at home. Whether you’re new to cooking or simply looking for a quick, satisfying meal, the straightforward steps and readily available ingredients make this an ideal choice. With only 15 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking time, you’ll find that creating an impressive dish doesn’t have to be complicated. Feel free to experiment with sides—pasta, steamed vegetables, or even a crisp salad—to make this recipe your own. And if you’re a garlic enthusiast, swapping garlic powder for fresh minced garlic will deepen the flavor even more!

Be sure to print or save this article so you can revisit it whenever you need a delicious weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests. Below, you’ll find a FAQ section to answer any lingering questions about technique, substitutions, and more. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out—drop a comment, share your tips, or ask any questions you might have. Your feedback helps make cooking at home more fun and inspiring for everyone. Enjoy your creamy, basil-kissed creation!

Print Recipe

Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce

Author: Anna Dubois Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 35 mins

Calories: 550

Description

This Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce features tender chicken smothered in a luscious cream sauce, bursting with fresh basil and a hint of garlic. Perfect for any night!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

• ¹⁄₄ cup all-purpose flour

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper

• ¹⁄₄ cup butter

• ¹⁄₄ cup chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ¹⁄₄ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

• ¹⁄₈ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

1. Start by pounding the chicken breasts gently to uniform thickness for even cooking.
2. In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
3. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coat.
4. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
5. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
6. In the same skillet, add chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
7. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer until it thickens a bit, about 5 minutes.
8. Add the chopped basil to the sauce, stirring well to incorporate the flavors.
9. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, allowing them to soak up the creamy basil sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
10. Serve immediately, pouring the sauce over the chicken breasts.

Note

• Serve this dish with pasta or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Fresh basil leaves offer the best flavor; however, dried basil can be used in a pinch.
• Ensure not to boil the sauce once the cream is added to prevent curdling.
• This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• For a garlic lover's twist, consider adding minced fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a more pronounced flavor.

Keywords: chicken, basil cream sauce, easy recipe, Italian cuisine, weeknight dinner, comfort food