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Basil Cream Chicken

Basil Cream Chicken

4.8 from 14 reviews

Basil Cream Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy basil and Parmesan sauce, enhanced with garlic, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. This easy-to-make recipe brings a delightful blend of fresh herbs and creamy texture, perfect for a comforting yet elegant meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish

  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken: Take the chicken breasts out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  2. Season Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  4. Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
  5. Add Flavorings: Stir in the chopped basil, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Continue to simmer and stir the sauce until slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
  6. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Let them simmer together for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors and heat through.
  7. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy the creamy, herb-infused chicken with your favorite sides.

Notes

  • For best results, use fresh basil leaves to maximize flavor in the sauce.
  • If you prefer less heat, omit the red pepper flakes.
  • You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
  • This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.
  • Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Nutrition

Keywords: Basil Cream Chicken, creamy chicken recipe, Italian chicken dish, chicken with basil sauce, Parmesan chicken