Description
This Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is a rich and flavorful dish that features tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, herbaceous basil sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
For the Basil Cream Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (optional, for enhanced flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
-
Season and Coat the Chicken:
- Combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
- Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
-
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken breasts for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Basil Cream Sauce:
-
Sauté the Garlic:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
-
Make the Sauce Base:
- Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
-
Incorporate the Cheese and Basil:
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and dried basil (if using). Let the sauce cook for another 2–3 minutes until creamy and flavorful.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
Assemble and Serve:
-
Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Let them simmer in the sauce for 2–3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
-
Serve:
- Plate the chicken and drizzle with extra sauce. Garnish with additional basil leaves if desired. Serve hot with your choice of pasta, rice, or vegetables.
Notes
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but note the sauce may be less rich.
- For extra flavor, add sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms to the sauce.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with angel hair pasta or garlic mashed potatoes.