Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken and a luscious, aromatic sauce made with fresh basil and cream. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal, perfect for not only weeknight dinners but also special occasions. The vibrant flavors of basil paired with the richness of cream create an unforgettable experience that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Why We Love This Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe
This Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is a beloved choice for many reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy evenings or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of savory chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh herbs creates a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated. The clever use of just a few ingredients allows the natural flavors to shine through, while the creamy texture adds a luxurious feel to every bite. Whether served over pasta, rice, or alongside vegetables, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients about Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
To make this delicious Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
How to Make Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Directions
Getting started on this delectable dish is a breeze. Heat a skillet over medium heat, then add olive oil to it. Once the oil is shimmering, season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor. Gently place the chicken in the skillet, ensuring they don’t overcrowd the pan; this allows for a nice, golden-brown sear on each side. Cook the chicken for around 5 to 7 minutes on each side until it is crispy and cooked through. To check if it’s done, you can slice into the thickest part; the juices should run clear.
After your chicken is perfectly cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate, allowing it to rest while you prepare the sauce. In the same skillet, now infused with the flavors of the chicken, add minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about a minute until it becomes fragrant, taking care not to let it brown, as this can lead to a bitter taste. Next, pour in your heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer; this will be the backbone of your rich sauce.
Once the cream is bubbling slightly, stir in the chopped fresh basil. This herb adds an aromatic quality that pairs beautifully with the cream and chicken. It’s important to stir well, ensuring the basil is evenly distributed throughout the sauce. Now, return the chicken to the skillet, letting it bask in this creamy mixture. Allow everything to simmer together for an extra 5 minutes for the flavors to meld beautifully. The sauce will thicken slightly during this time, coating the chicken perfectly.
When ready to serve, place each chicken breast on a plate, generously spooning the basil cream sauce over the top. For a finishing touch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese if you desire, amplifying the dish’s flavor profile and adding a hint of saltiness that complements the richness.
How to Serve Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
Serving Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is as important as preparing it. This dish offers versatility in presentation and pairing. To really enhance your meal, consider serving it over a bed of pasta. The cream sauce clings beautifully to spaghetti or fettuccine, creating a harmonious plate. For a lighter option, serve the chicken alongside steamed or sautéed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans. Their freshness will balance the creaminess of the sauce perfectly.
If you prefer grains, consider serving the chicken on a bed of fluffy rice. The rice will absorb the delicious sauce, making every bite flavorful. As a garnish, sprinkle some extra fresh basil or a few twists of black pepper for added flair and freshness. Don’t forget the Parmesan cheese on top, as it adds both visual appeal and a savory kick to the dish. Present your meal with a side salad dressed lightly with olive oil and vinegar for a complete dining experience.
Expert Tips: Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
To ensure your Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips. Firstly, when cooking the chicken, make sure the skillet is hot enough before adding the oil and chicken. A hot skillet will give the chicken a nice sear, locking in the juices. Avoid overcrowding the pan—if necessary, cook the chicken in batches to achieve that golden-brown crust.
When it comes to the garlic, timing is everything. Sauté it just until fragrant; cooking it too long can lead to bitterness. The key is to keep an eye on it. Fresh basil brings significant flavor to this recipe, so avoid using dried basil, as it doesn’t deliver the same aromatic quality.
For the heavy cream, if you want a lighter sauce, you can substitute half-and-half, but it may not be as rich. A good quality Parmesan cheese adds an incredible flavor, but you can also experiment with other hard cheeses that you enjoy. Finally, remember to adjust the seasoning according to your personal preference—always taste as you go to ensure a balanced dish.
How to Store Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
If you find yourself with leftovers, you can store your Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce for later enjoyment. Allow the dish to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes after cooking. Then, place it in an airtight container. It’s best to keep the chicken and sauce together to maintain moisture. Stored correctly, it can last in the refrigerator for up to three days.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them gently on the stove over low heat to avoid curdling the cream. You may want to add a splash of additional cream or milk to revive the sauce’s consistency. Stir it frequently until heated through. If you prefer using a microwave, reheat in short increments, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Variation of Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
This Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce recipe is flexible and invites experimentation. For a different twist, consider adding vegetables to the sauce. Spinach or cherry tomatoes can be sautéed with the garlic before adding the cream, offering freshness and extra nutrients. For a bit of spice, you can introduce a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic, giving the dish a mild kick.
If you’re a fan of nuts, toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts can be mixed into the sauce for added texture and flavor. Alternatively, you can transform the dish into a Mediterranean delight by adding sun-dried tomatoes along with the basil or even replacing the chicken with shrimp for a lighter seafood option.
Each variation can lead to new culinary adventures, so feel free to experiment according to your taste preferences or what you have on hand. You may discover a new favorite combination.
FAQ section
What is Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce?
Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is a delicious dish made with tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich sauce made of heavy cream and fresh basil.
How long does it take to prepare Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce?
The overall preparation and cooking time for Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is roughly 30 to 40 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying meal option.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh in the Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce?
While you can use dried basil, fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor and aroma. Dried herbs lose their potency over time and may not provide the same taste.
What can I serve with Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce?
This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables. It’s also great over grains or with a fresh salad.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) or when the juices run clear upon cutting into the thickest part.
How should I store leftovers of Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to eat.
Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Preferably of similar size for even cooking.
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half for lighter sauce.
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped Use fresh for best flavor; do not substitute with dried.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Avoid browning to prevent bitterness.
- to taste salt and pepper Season generously.
- for garnish Parmesan cheese Optional, for extra flavor.
Instructions
Cooking the Chicken
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
- Place chicken in the skillet, ensuring they don't overcrowd the pan.
- Cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until golden-brown and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from skillet and allow to rest.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the chopped basil, ensuring it's evenly distributed.
- Return chicken to the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce for an extra 5 minutes.
Serving
- Plate each chicken breast and generously spoon the basil cream sauce over the top.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!