This creamy basil chicken is a delightful dish that makes weeknight dinners special! It’s quick to make and packed with zesty flavors, thanks to fresh basil and rich cream.
I love serving this chicken with rice, and I might even splash a bit of extra sauce on the veggies. Who can resist a little extra creaminess? It’s simply a winner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish as they cook quickly and soak up flavor. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work well too. They tend to be juicier!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a little cornstarch to thicken it up. If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or a cashew cream.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a great cheesy flavor, but you can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative. Just keep in mind the flavor will vary a bit.
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil is the star here! Dried basil is a decent substitute in a pinch, but use about a third of the amount since dried herbs are more potent. Fresh herbs are always best for bright flavors!
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked and Tender?
Cooking chicken breasts correctly can be tricky, but here are some tips to get it just right:
- Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps them cook uniformly and stay juicy.
- Don’t rush the searing! Allow each side to cook for 6-7 minutes without moving them around too much; this gives a nice golden crust.
- Use a meat thermometer: aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.
Easy Creamy Basil Chicken Breasts Recipe
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 chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional for extra richness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook, totaling around 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick dinner that’s also fancy enough for guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Chicken:
Begin by generously seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. This step is essential for flavor, so don’t be shy!
2. Searing the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once heated, add the chicken breasts. Sear them for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and fully cooked (aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F/75°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Cooking the Garlic:
Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter!
4. Creating the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits add fantastic flavor! Then, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce cook for approximately 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken.
5. Adding the Basil:
Stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves and, if you’re using it, the butter for extra richness. Mix well until everything is combined and warmed through.
6. Reuniting Chicken and Sauce:
Now, return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the creamy basil sauce over the chicken and let them simmer together for another 2-3 minutes. This helps the chicken soak up all those delicious flavors!
7. Garnishing and Serving:
Once everything is well combined and heated, garnish your dish with extra fresh basil leaves. Serve hot with sides like rice, pasta, or steamed veggies for a fulfilling meal. Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Creamy Basil Chicken Breasts
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative and can be even juicier than breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through, around 8-10 minutes per side depending on thickness.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream. You can also replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to the sauce to keep it creamy!
Can I Prepare the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time! Just prepare it without adding the chicken and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the sauce in a skillet and add the cooked chicken breasts to warm through.
