This creamy basil chicken is a quick and tasty dish that’s sure to impress. Tender chicken cooked in a rich, creamy sauce with fresh basil makes every bite delightful!
You’ll love how easy it is to whip up. I usually serve it with rice or pasta, and that sauce? You might want to put it on everything! It’s just that good! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep it lean and cook quickly. If you’re looking for a substitute, turkey cutlets work well too! You can even use bone-in chicken; just adjust cooking time.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its rich, creamy texture. If you want to lighten it up, try half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream. Just keep in mind the flavor might change a bit!
Basil: Fresh basil is the star here, giving a lovely aroma. In winter, if it’s hard to find, you can use dried basil—just use about 1 teaspoon instead of a cup. It won’t be as vibrant, but it’ll work in a pinch!
Parmesan Cheese: This adds creaminess and flavor. Grated Pecorino Romano can be a great alternative. It has a stronger flavor, so use it sparingly if you prefer a milder taste!
Dijon Mustard: This adds a nice tang to the sauce. If you don’t have it, a small splash of lemon juice can help brighten the sauce too!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Creamy Sauce?
Making a creamy sauce can be tricky, but with a few careful steps, it’s easy! After you sauté the onions and garlic, deglazing the pan with broth is key. It helps you lift all those delicious bits stuck at the bottom!
- Use medium heat to avoid burning the garlic—it can turn bitter!
- Once the heavy cream is added, bring it just to a simmer; boiling can cause it to separate.
- Stir in cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or a little water until it’s your desired consistency.
Simmering with chicken helps infuse all those amazing flavors together. Enjoy perfecting your creamy basil sauce!
How to Make Creamy Basil Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
-
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
-
For the Sauce:
- 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
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious creamy basil chicken can be ready in approximately 30 minutes! You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and around 20 minutes cooking. It’s a quick and easy dish perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This will add flavor to the chicken while it cooks.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the prepared chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked. After that, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Sauce Base:
Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until it turns translucent, which should take about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until you can smell its aroma.
4. Create the Creamy Mixture:
Next, pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, making sure to scrape up any tasty bits that might be stuck. After that, stir in the heavy cream and gently bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Add Flavorings:
Once simmering, add the grated Parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard (if using) to the sauce. Stir it well until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens a bit. Don’t forget to add in the chopped basil leaves for a fresh flavor!
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over them. Allow everything to simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to blend those delicious flavors.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your creamy basil chicken hot over cooked rice, pasta, or with your favorite steamed vegetables. If you like, garnish with extra basil leaves for a refreshing finish!
Enjoy your delicious creamy basil chicken!
FAQ for Creamy Basil Chicken
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for quick cooking, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier texture. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream?
Yes! If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or evaporated milk can work well. For dairy-free alternatives, coconut cream will provide a similar consistency, though it will slightly alter the flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover creamy basil chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore some moisture.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, and when you’re ready to serve, reheat them together for a delicious meal!
