This creamy basil chicken is a comforting dish that’s simple to whip up for dinner. Juicy chicken is cooked in a rich and tasty sauce made with fresh basil and cream.
Honestly, the smell of basil wafting through the kitchen really gets your stomach excited! I love serving it over rice or with pasta, making it a family favorite. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless are perfect for a quick cook. If you’re looking for a lighter option, chicken thighs work well too! They add more flavor and stay juicy.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter take, you can use half-and-half or even a non-dairy cream. Just keep in mind, lighter options may not thicken up as much.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated will give the best flavor, but pre-grated works in a pinch. For a dairy-free version, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without using cheese.
Fresh Basil: Fresh is ideal for its bright flavor! If it’s not available, dried basil can be used instead; use about 1 tablespoon, but fresh is always better for this dish.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Creamy Sauce?
Creating a creamy sauce that’s just right can seem tricky, but it’s all about the heat and timing. Once you have your garlic sautéed, you’ll want to carefully add your liquids.
- After deglazing with chicken broth, let the liquid reduce slightly before adding the heavy cream. This helps concentrate flavors.
- Simmer the sauce to allow it to thicken, but don’t let it boil too vigorously, or it could separate.
- Stir in the cheese gradually, as this helps maintain a smooth texture.
Remember, keeping the temperature medium allows for even cooking and a nice, creamy consistency!
Creamy Basil Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the Sauce:
- 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 tablespoon butter
- Optional Garnish:
- Cherry tomatoes, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful creamy basil chicken takes around 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking the chicken and making the sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner that feels special!
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 as they cook.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and no longer pink in the center. When done, remove them from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Make the Garlic Butter:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once it melts, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
4. Deglaze the Pan:
Pour in the chicken broth, using a spatula to scrape up any tasty brown bits from the bottom of the pan. This will add depth to your sauce!
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens up nicely.
6. Add Fresh Basil:
Now, stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves. This is where the magic happens—your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the creamy sauce over each piece. Let everything simmer together for another 2 minutes, so the chicken absorbs the flavors.
8. Garnish and Serve:
To plate, you can garnish with a few fresh basil leaves and, if you’d like, some cherry tomatoes for a colorful touch. Serve your creamy basil chicken hot, over cooked pasta, rice, or delicious steamed vegetables.
Enjoy your flavorful creamy basil chicken dinner! It’s sure to impress family and friends alike. 😊
FAQs for Creamy Basil Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and will add a little extra flavor and juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a couple of minutes longer to cook through than breasts.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. Additionally, use a nutritional yeast blend in place of Parmesan cheese for that cheesy flavor without dairy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
This creamy basil chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Use Dried Basil Instead of Fresh?
Yes! If fresh basil isn’t available, you can use dried basil instead. Use about 1 tablespoon of dried basil to replace the fresh. However, fresh basil gives a brighter flavor, so it’s always your best bet if you can find it.
