This Creamy Basil Chicken is a delicious and easy way to impress your dinner guests. Tender chicken is smothered in a rich, creamy sauce with fresh basil—yum!
I love serving this with rice or pasta to soak up every drop of that tasty sauce. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy for when friends come over! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless are best for this recipe as they cook evenly and stay tender. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use thighs for more flavor or even swap in tofu for a vegetarian version.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its rich texture. You could replace it with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter option, but the sauce may be less creamy.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a lovely depth of flavor. If you don’t have Parmesan, Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano works well. Nutritional yeast is a good substitute for a dairy-free option.
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil is key for that vibrant taste. In a pinch, dried basil can be used, but the flavor won’t be as strong. Just use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil instead.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
The key to great chicken is even cooking. Here are a few tips:
- Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. You should hear a sizzle!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to allow browning.
- Use a meat thermometer—chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (75°C).
Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking helps keep it juicy. Cover it loosely with foil while you prepare the sauce.
How to Make Creamy Basil Chicken
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 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious creamy basil chicken takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping your ingredients and 20 minutes cooking everything. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough for guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides. This is where your chicken gets its flavor, so don’t skip this step!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked all the way through. Remove them from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
4. Deglaze the Pan:
Next, pour in the chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This adds tons of flavor to your sauce!
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens a bit. It should be nice and creamy!
6. Add Basil and Season:
Stir in the chopped fresh basil and optional red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference.
7. Combine Chicken with Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the creamy basil sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your creamy basil chicken hot, garnished with extra basil if you’d like. Pair it with rice, pasta, or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative as they’re juicier and more flavorful. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through, around 8-10 minutes per side.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. For the Parmesan, use a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a nutty flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I Use Dried Basil Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can substitute dried basil for fresh, but use much less—about 1 teaspoon should be sufficient. Add it early in the cooking process to allow the flavors to meld, since dried herbs are more concentrated.
