Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce – A Rich, Flavorful, Restaurant-Worthy Dish!
If you’re looking for a dinner that feels elegant yet comes together quickly, you need to try this Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce. 🍃✨
Tender, juicy chicken breasts are lightly pan-seared and smothered in a silky, creamy basil-infused sauce that’s bursting with fresh herb flavor. With garlic undertones and a rich Parmesan finish, this dish tastes like something you’d order at a fine Italian restaurant — but it’s so simple to make at home.
Whether you’re cooking for family, impressing guests, or just treating yourself to a delicious meal, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that luscious cream sauce.
If you love creamy, herby chicken dishes, you’ll also adore this Tuscan Garlic Chicken or this Creamy Pesto Chicken.
Let’s dive into this creamy goodness!
Ingredients
- Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
- Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth low sodium
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a little heat
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh Herbs:
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves chopped or thinly sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional for Serving:
- Cooked pasta like linguine or fettuccine
- Steamed rice
- Crusty bread
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 6–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Step 2: Make the Flavorful Base
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
- Add butter and let it melt.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (this adds tons of flavor!).
- Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Step 4: Add the Basil
- Stir in the fresh basil, reserving a bit for garnish.
- Simmer the sauce for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the basil to infuse its flavor.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet.
- Spoon the sauce over the chicken and cook for an additional 2 minutes to warm through.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Garnish with extra basil and Parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot over your favorite pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Notes
Variations
Looking to customize your Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce? Try these ideas! 1. Add Veggies
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus for color and nutrition. 2. Pasta Swap
Serve over zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta for a lighter option. 3. Lemon Zest Lift
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a bit of lemon zest for brightness. 4. Cheesy Twist
Mix in mozzarella pearls or extra Parmesan for a cheesier sauce. 5. Make It Spicy
Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. 6. Dairy-Free
Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of cream and cheese for a dairy-free version. Storage and Reheating
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing:
Freeze the chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheating:
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce. Pro Tip: Avoid high heat when reheating to prevent the sauce from separating! 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy. 2. Can I use dried basil?
Fresh basil is best, but if needed, use 1 tablespoon dried basil. 3. Is this dish spicy?
It’s mild, but you can increase the red pepper flakes for more heat. 4. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Try half-and-half, but the sauce will be slightly less rich. 5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store the sauce and chicken separately for the best texture. 6. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Swap chicken for tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth. 7. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
You can, but freshly seared chicken adds the most flavor. 8. How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer a bit longer, or add 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with water. 9. What wine pairs well with this dish?
A Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce. 10. Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes, but freeze the chicken and sauce separately for best results! Conclusion
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a skillet full of Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce. 🍗🍃✨ With its rich, creamy texture, fresh herbal notes, and juicy pan-seared chicken, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes — making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. Whether you enjoy it over pasta, with crusty bread, or paired with your favorite vegetables, this recipe delivers flavor and elegance in every bite. For even more creamy chicken inspiration, try this Chicken Alfredo Bake or this crowd-pleasing Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Happy cooking!
Looking to customize your Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce? Try these ideas! 1. Add Veggies
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus for color and nutrition. 2. Pasta Swap
Serve over zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta for a lighter option. 3. Lemon Zest Lift
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a bit of lemon zest for brightness. 4. Cheesy Twist
Mix in mozzarella pearls or extra Parmesan for a cheesier sauce. 5. Make It Spicy
Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. 6. Dairy-Free
Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of cream and cheese for a dairy-free version. Storage and Reheating
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing:
Freeze the chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheating:
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce. Pro Tip: Avoid high heat when reheating to prevent the sauce from separating! 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy. 2. Can I use dried basil?
Fresh basil is best, but if needed, use 1 tablespoon dried basil. 3. Is this dish spicy?
It’s mild, but you can increase the red pepper flakes for more heat. 4. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Try half-and-half, but the sauce will be slightly less rich. 5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store the sauce and chicken separately for the best texture. 6. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Swap chicken for tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth. 7. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
You can, but freshly seared chicken adds the most flavor. 8. How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer a bit longer, or add 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with water. 9. What wine pairs well with this dish?
A Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce. 10. Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes, but freeze the chicken and sauce separately for best results! Conclusion
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a skillet full of Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce. 🍗🍃✨ With its rich, creamy texture, fresh herbal notes, and juicy pan-seared chicken, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes — making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. Whether you enjoy it over pasta, with crusty bread, or paired with your favorite vegetables, this recipe delivers flavor and elegance in every bite. For even more creamy chicken inspiration, try this Chicken Alfredo Bake or this crowd-pleasing Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Happy cooking!