This Creamy Basil Chicken is a cozy dish that brings together tender chicken and a rich, tasty sauce with fresh basil. It’s as comforting as a warm hug at the dinner table!
Honestly, who can resist the delicious smell of basil and cream cooking together? I love serving it over rice or pasta for the ultimate dinner treat. Yum! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you’re looking for alternatives, chicken thighs work great and add extra flavor. You could also use tofu for a vegetarian option!
Heavy Cream: Cream gives a rich texture, but if you’re aiming for lighter options, consider using half-and-half or coconut milk for a different flavor. Both will still keep the sauce creamy.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a delicious salty flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free substitute.
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil is lovely in this recipe! In a pinch, dried basil can be used but remember to use only one-third of the amount as it has a stronger flavor.
How Do You Create the Perfect Creamy Sauce?
Making a creamy sauce that pairs well with chicken is all about layering flavors. Here’s how to nail it:
- Start by sautéing garlic in the skillet, allowing its aroma to enhance the overall flavor.
- Deglaze the pan with chicken broth to lift all those tasty bits stuck at the bottom; these are packed with flavor!
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan while simmering gently. This allows the sauce to thickens without curdling.
- Finishing with fresh basil and lemon juice brightens the sauce, adding freshness and balance.
Keep stirring gently and let your sauce simmer to thicken it nicely, ensuring a wonderful coating for the chicken!
How to Make Creamy Basil Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice of half a lemon
How Much Time Will You Need?
To whip up this delicious Creamy Basil Chicken, you’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and about 20 minutes for cooking. So, in just around 30 minutes, you’ll have a delightful dish ready to serve! Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning both sides of your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This will add flavor right from the get-go!
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Once finished, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté Garlic:
Next, lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté it for about 1 minute, just until you can smell that yummy garlic aroma. Be careful not to burn it!
4. Add Chicken Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any tasty browned bits. These bits add a lot of flavor to your sauce!
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Now it’s time to stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly. It will get nice and creamy!
6. Stir in Fresh Basil:
Add the chopped basil leaves and lemon juice to the sauce, stirring it all together. The fresh basil will give the sauce a lovely aroma and flavor!
7. Combine Chicken with Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, making sure each piece gets well coated with that delicious creamy sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2 minutes to warm up the chicken again and let those flavors blend.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to enjoy! Serve your creamy basil chicken over cooked pasta, fluffy rice, or alongside some steamed vegetables. For a little extra touch, sprinkle some extra fresh basil on top. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it must be completely thawed before cooking. The best way to thaw is to leave it in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker method. Make sure to pat it dry to prevent extra moisture in the pan!
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! To make this creamy basil chicken dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. For the Parmesan cheese, you can use nutritional yeast to give a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce creamy.
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Basil?
If you don’t have fresh basil, dried basil can be used as a substitute—but use only about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Alternatively, try using fresh spinach or parsley for a different flavor profile!
