Cozy Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe for Dreamy Dinners

Whipping up a delectable chicken in basil cream sauce can elevate your weeknight dinner from mundane to extraordinary.

Creamy textures blend harmoniously with fresh herb notes that dance across your palate.

Rich and velvety, this dish promises immediate comfort with each sumptuous bite.

Aromatic basil weaves its magic through silky sauce layers, creating an irresistible culinary experience.

Home cooks adore how quickly this recipe comes together without complicated techniques.

Elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough for casual meals, this sauce brings restaurant-quality flavor directly to your kitchen.

You’ll find yourself craving these delightful flavors that surprise and satisfy in equal measure.

Chicken and Basil FAQs

• What kind of skillet works best for this recipe?

A large, heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron or stainless steel helps distribute heat evenly and creates a perfect golden-brown crust on the chicken.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They are typically more flavorful and stay juicier, though you’ll need to adjust cooking time since they might take slightly longer to cook through.

• How do I know if the chicken is cooked properly?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C at the thickest part of the chicken. This ensures the meat is safe to eat and prevents overcooking.

• What if I don't have garlic or onion powder?

You can substitute with fresh minced garlic and finely chopped onions, or use alternative seasonings like Italian herbs or paprika to add flavor to the flour coating.

Why Chicken in Basil Sauce Has Bold Flavor

• Prepare this delicious chicken dish in just 15-20 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying dinner.
• The creamy basil sauce pairs beautifully with various sides like pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables, making it adaptable for different tastes and preferences.
• Uses simple, everyday pantry staples that come together to create an impressive and flavorful meal without complicated techniques.

Ingredients That Work Together Beautifully

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that forms the base of the dish, look for uniform thickness for even cooking.

• All-Purpose Flour, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Creates a flavorful and crispy coating for the chicken, enhances overall taste and texture.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provides moisture and helps achieve golden-brown exterior for the chicken, butter adds rich flavor while olive oil offers a healthier option.

How to Cook Chicken in This Herby Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Coat each chicken breast thoroughly in the seasoned flour, gently shaking off any extra mixture.

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Warm olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Place coated chicken breasts in the pan.

Cook each side until a beautiful golden-brown color develops and chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F/74°C.

Transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate, keeping it warm.

Step 3: Create Luscious Basil Cream Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Fresh basil leaves
• Garlic
• Parmesan cheese

Stir ingredients, scraping up delicious browned bits from the chicken.

Simmer sauce until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Pour warm cream sauce directly over cooked chicken.

Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves.

Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables or pasta.

Tips for a Balanced, Rich Taste

• Flour Power: Use a mix of all-purpose and seasoned flour for extra flavor and a crispier coating on the chicken.
• Temperature Trick: Let chicken sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent dryness.
• Pan Perfection: Choose a heavy-bottomed skillet to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning the delicate chicken.
• Sauce Smoothness: Use fresh basil leaves instead of dried for a more vibrant and authentic cream sauce flavor.
• Dietary Swap: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter, lactose-free alternative that maintains creamy texture.

Store and Reheat This Chicken Like a Pro

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months, preserving flavor and texture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish with a splash of broth, cover with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Warm chicken on medium power in 30-second intervals, adding a tablespoon of broth to prevent drying out, stirring between intervals for even heating.

What Works Best on the Side

• Pair this creamy chicken dish with a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which cuts through the richness while complementing the basil's herbal notes.
• Serve alongside roasted asparagus or a light mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the sauce's creamy texture and add bright, fresh flavors.
• Opt for simple starches like herbed rice pilaf or garlic-roasted baby potatoes that will soak up the delicious basil cream sauce without overwhelming the dish's delicate flavors.
• Complement the meal with a sparkling water infused with fresh basil and lemon, which mirrors the herb's essence and provides a palate-cleansing effect between bites.

Options for Making It Dairy-Free or Spicier

• Dairy-Free Deconstructed: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast for a rich, creamy texture that keeps the sauce velvety without dairy.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap wheat flour for almond flour or cornstarch when coating chicken, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy the same delicious flavors.
• Low-Carb Hero: Use ground almond meal instead of traditional flour for chicken coating, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining a crispy exterior.
• Herb Garden Remix: Experiment with different fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or tarragon alongside basil to create unique flavor profiles that complement the creamy sauce.

Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

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

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Description

Succulent chicken nestles in a luxurious basil cream sauce, promising Mediterranean elegance on your dinner plate. Creamy, herbaceous flavors dance with tender chicken, inviting you to savor each perfectly balanced bite.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried basil (optional, for enhanced flavor)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)

Sauce and Cooking Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil or butter
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup (15 grams) fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Mix flour with aromatic powders and seasoning in a wide, flat container to create a delicate coating mixture.
2. Gently envelop each chicken breast in the seasoned flour, carefully tapping off any surplus powder to ensure a light, even coverage.
3. Warm a generously sized skillet with olive oil or butter over medium flame, allowing the fat to become shimmering and hot.
4. Carefully place the flour-dusted chicken into the skillet, allowing each piece to develop a golden, crispy exterior for approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
5. Verify the chicken’s doneness by checking its internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C, ensuring the meat is thoroughly cooked yet remains succulent.
6. Transfer the perfectly seared chicken to a clean plate, keeping it warm while preparing subsequent components of the dish.

Notes

• Boost Flavor by adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the flour mixture for subtle heat and depth.
• Create Gluten-Free Option by substituting all-purpose flour with almond flour or cornstarch for coating the chicken.
• Ensure Juicy Chicken by using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature and prevent overcooking, which can dry out the meat.
• Maximize Sauce Richness by deglazing the pan with white wine after cooking chicken, scraping up browned bits for extra flavor complexity.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 680
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 48 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg