Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is like a warm hug on a plate. Imagine seared chicken bathed in a luscious, creamy basil sauce that dances with garlic and the vibrant notes of fresh herbs. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, wrapping around you like an inviting blanket on a chilly evening. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel fancy without needing to don your best dinner jacket, although who doesn’t love a good excuse to dress up?
This delightful recipe has become my go-to for impressing guests or simply treating myself after a long day at work. I still remember the first time I made it for my best friend, who promptly declared it “the best thing since sliced bread.” And let’s be honest, that’s high praise coming from someone who can’t cook pasta without consulting YouTube! Perfect for cozy dinners or festive gatherings, Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce promises an explosion of flavors that will leave you craving seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The flavor profile is rich and satisfying, blending creamy textures with fresh herbs
- Visually, the dish is stunning with its vibrant green basil contrasting against the golden chicken
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for mop-up duty
Ingredients for Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts will do nicely; adjust based on your crowd size.
- Fresh Garlic: Use firm cloves for robust flavor; they’re the secret behind that aromatic goodness.
- Fresh Basil: Look for bright green leaves without blemishes; they’ll add freshness and vibrancy.
- Heavy Cream: This is key to achieving that luxurious texture; don’t skimp on it!
- Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken; choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil if possible.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all those fabulous flavors.
For the Sauce:
- Chicken Broth: A good-quality broth adds depth; homemade or store-bought works great!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning your boneless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the chicken when sizzling. Cook until golden brown on both sides—about six minutes per side should do the trick.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic
Once your chicken is cooked through (aim for an internal temperature of 165°F), remove it from the skillet and let it rest. In the same skillet, toss in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about one minute should suffice. Keep an eye on it; burnt garlic tastes like regret!
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Pour in your chicken broth and scrape up any tasty bits stuck at the bottom of the pan (this is called deglazing). Let it simmer for about five minutes until slightly reduced.
Step 4: Add Cream and Basil
Stir in heavy cream while keeping the sauce simmering gently. Add chopped fresh basil leaves at this point—it’s like adding sunshine to your sauce! Stir everything until combined and let it thicken slightly.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return your rested chicken back into the pan, allowing it to soak up all that creamy goodness for another couple of minutes.
Step 6: Final Touches
Transfer everything onto plates and drizzle generously with sauce. Garnish with extra basil if you’re feeling fancy!
And there you have it—your Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is ready to shine on your dinner table! Serve it alongside pasta or rice so no drop of that heavenly sauce goes unappreciated. Enjoy every bite!
You Must Know
- This delightful Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce not only tantalizes your taste buds but also simplifies meal prep
- You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what’s in your pantry
- Its vibrant colors and heavenly aroma will turn any dinner table into a culinary showcase
- Perfect for impressing guests but simple enough for a cozy weeknight dinner
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve delicious Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce, start by searing the chicken until golden brown. While it’s cooking, prepare the pasta and chop your fresh basil to enhance flavor and freshness. Finally, combine everything in a creamy sauce for perfect results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this dish by swapping chicken for shrimp or tofu. Add sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy kick or sprinkle some lemon zest for extra brightness. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine through!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain that creamy texture. Avoid microwaving directly to prevent separation.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always pat the chicken dry before searing; this helps create that golden crust everyone loves
- Fresh basil makes all the difference; add it at the end of cooking for maximum flavor
- Don’t rush the sauce; allow it to simmer gently to develop rich flavors that dance on your palate
I still remember the first time I made Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce for my friends; they declared it “life-changing” and insisted I host weekly dinner parties afterward!
FAQs :
What is Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce?
Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is a delicious dish that combines tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich and creamy sauce made from fresh basil, garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese. This flavorful recipe offers a delightful blend of savory and aromatic elements, making it a favorite for family dinners or special occasions. The combination of basil and cream elevates the taste of the chicken, creating a comforting yet elegant meal that pairs well with pasta or rice.
How do I make Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce?
To make Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce, start by seasoning chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sauté them in a skillet until golden brown. Remove the chicken and prepare the sauce by cooking minced garlic and adding heavy cream along with chopped fresh basil. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Return the chicken to the skillet, allowing it to simmer gently in the sauce until fully cooked. Serve it hot over your choice of pasta or vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh for this recipe?
While you can use dried basil in your Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce, fresh basil provides a more vibrant flavor. Dried herbs are typically more concentrated, so if you opt for them, use about one-third of the amount of fresh basil called for in the recipe. Keep in mind that fresh basil adds an aromatic quality that enhances the overall taste of the dish, so it’s worth considering using fresh whenever possible.
What sides pair well with Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce?
Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce pairs wonderfully with various sides. For a classic combination, serve it over fettuccine or linguine pasta to soak up the creamy sauce. Alternatively, steamed vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli add color and nutrition to your plate. A side salad with mixed greens can also complement this dish beautifully, providing freshness alongside the rich flavors of the chicken.
Conclusion for Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce :
In summary, Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is an exquisite dish that brings together tender chicken and a luscious basil-infused cream sauce. With its simple preparation and delightful flavor profile, this recipe stands out as a versatile option for any occasion. Whether served over pasta or alongside vegetables, it’s bound to please everyone at your table. Don’t hesitate to try this easy yet impressive meal that showcases the aromatic essence of fresh basil paired with creamy goodness!
Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is a delectable dish that features tender, seared chicken breasts enveloped in a luxurious basil-infused cream sauce. This elegant meal bursts with flavor from fresh garlic and herbs, making it perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in. Pair it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to savor every drop of the creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown, about 6 minutes per side. Remove and let rest.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add chicken broth and deglaze the pan by scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and chopped basil; let thicken slightly.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the sauce for an additional couple of minutes.
- Serve hot, drizzled with sauce and garnished with extra basil if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
