This Easy Creamy Basil Chicken Breasts recipe is a winner! Juicy chicken breasts are cooked in a rich, creamy sauce with fresh basil. It’s simple and full of flavor!
Who knew dinner could be this easy? My family always asks for seconds when I make this. Pair it with rice or pasta, and you have a meal everyone will love! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and are a convenient choice. Feel free to use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier option.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative like coconut cream.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan enhances flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without the dairy.
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil is key for flavor. If you don’t have fresh, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried basil instead, but the fresh taste is hard to beat!
How Do I Cook Chicken to Avoid Dryness?
Avoid dry chicken by cooking it just until it’s no longer pink inside. If you’re unsure, use a meat thermometer—145°F (63°C) is the safe internal temperature. Also, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking; this helps juices redistribute.
- Season chicken well for flavor before cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary.
- Keep an eye on that cooking time, adjusting based on chicken thickness.
Easy Creamy Basil Chicken Breasts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black 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 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Creamy Basil Chicken Breasts recipe will take about 20 minutes total! You’ll spend about 10 minutes on preparation and 10 minutes on cooking. Quick and delicious for a weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. This adds great flavor to your chicken!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook them until they are golden brown on each side and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes per side. Once done, take them out of the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds or until you can smell that lovely garlic aroma.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Next, reduce the heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Then add the grated Parmesan cheese and the Italian seasoning if you’re using it. Stir everything well and let the sauce simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Add Fresh Basil:
Now it’s time to brighten up the sauce! Stir in the chopped fresh basil until it wilts and adds flavor to the sauce.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts back to the skillet. Spoon the creamy basil sauce over the chicken and cook for another 2-3 minutes to warm everything through and let the flavors meld together.
7. Garnish and Serve:
To finish, garnish with some extra fresh basil leaves for a nice touch. Serve your creamy basil chicken over rice, pasta, or alongside some steamed vegetables for a delightful meal!
Enjoy your delicious Easy Creamy Basil Chicken Breasts! 🍽️
FAQ: Easy Creamy Basil Chicken Breasts
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add even more flavor to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a few extra minutes to cook through compared to breasts.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream. The sauce will still be rich and creamy!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or use the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can make the creamy sauce a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just reheat it gently on the stove and add cooked chicken right before serving.
