This creamy basil chicken is a quick and tasty dish that’s perfect for any weeknight meal. With juicy chicken breasts and a rich basil sauce, it’s sure to impress your family!
I love how the basil adds a fresh twist to this dish. Pair it with rice or pasta, and you’ve got a comforting dinner that feels fancy without all the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are the star here, offering a lean protein option. You could substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier result or use tofu for a vegetarian dish.
Heavy Cream: While heavy cream gives a rich texture, you could use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free alternative. Just keep in mind that this may alter the flavor a bit.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan offers a wonderful taste, but if you’re out, you can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan twist.
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil is fantastic, but if you don’t have it, dried basil could work in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil for every tablespoon of fresh. Just remember, the flavor won’t be quite the same!
How Can I Ensure My Chicken Is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but the goal is to achieve that perfect juicy texture without drying it out. Here are some steps to help you:
- Use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Cook over medium-high heat and avoid moving the chicken too much in the skillet. This helps it develop a nice golden crust.
- If using thick breasts, consider pounding them to an even thickness for quicker and more uniform cooking.
Resting the chicken for a few minutes after cooking will also help keep it juicy, as it allows the juices to redistribute inside.
Easy Creamy Basil Chicken Breast Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy basil chicken recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes on prep, seasoning, and chopping. Then, it’s just 20 minutes for cooking the chicken and making that delicious sauce. A quick meal that’s full of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This will help enhance the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a plate while you make the sauce.
3. Sauté Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to burn it as it cooks quickly!
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine everything together. Use a spatula to scrape any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pan! This will add lots of flavor to your sauce.
5. Add Cheese and Thicken:
Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little kick. Allow the sauce to gently simmer for about 3-4 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it thickens slightly.
6. Stir in the Basil:
Now it’s time to add that fresh basil! Stir the chopped basil into your creamy sauce until well combined.
7. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts back to the skillet. Spoon some of the creamy sauce over each piece of chicken. Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes so the chicken absorbs all that delicious flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves and serve hot. This dish goes wonderfully with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables. Enjoy your creamy, flavorful basil chicken!
FAQ for Easy Creamy Basil Chicken Recipe
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s important to fully thaw it beforehand. For quick thawing, place the chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about 1-2 hours. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk blended with a little cornstarch to thicken. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce from thickening too much.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Cook the chicken, prepare the sauce, let it cool, then store everything separately. When you’re ready to eat, reheat gently on the stove and serve fresh!
