The Dreamiest Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe You’ll Adore

Creamy chicken in basil cream sauce brings a delightful twist to weeknight dinners.

Aromas of fresh herbs and rich dairy promise an unforgettable meal.

Kitchens come alive with this simple yet elegant dish.

Mediterranean influences shine through each carefully crafted bite.

Smooth sauce coats tender chicken pieces, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together.

You’ll fall in love with every spoonful of this comforting classic.

Best Ways to Store Basil Cream Chicken

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover chicken with remaining sauce to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 2 months. Label container with date and contents.
• Place chicken on microwave-safe plate. Add splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature periodically.

FAQs

• What ingredients do I need to coat the chicken?

You’ll need milk and breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken cutlet in milk first, then coat completely with breadcrumbs for a crispy exterior.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat and fully cooked through.

• Can I substitute fresh basil with dried basil?

Fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor and aroma. Dried basil won’t provide the same vibrant taste in the cream sauce, so try to use fresh basil if possible.

Reasons to Love Chicken in Basil Cream

• Quick Culinary Magic: Transform simple chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal cooking skills required.
• Flavor-Packed Performance: Creamy basil sauce elevates ordinary chicken, delivering bold taste sensations that will impress family and guests.
• Versatile Dinner Champion: Perfect for weeknight meals or special gatherings, this recipe adapts seamlessly to different dining scenarios with its elegant yet approachable preparation.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adjust ingredients or swap components to match dietary preferences while maintaining the recipe's delicious core essence.

Must-Have Ingredients for Basil Cream Chicken

• Chicken Breast: Tender meat that serves as the primary protein for the dish.

• Milk, Breadcrumbs: Create a crispy, golden-brown exterior for the chicken.

• Garlic, Chicken Broth: Provide a savory base for the cream sauce.
• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Add richness and creamy texture to the sauce.
• Fresh Basil: Brings a bright, herbal flavor to complement the chicken.

• Butter, Black Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor and seasoning of the dish.
• Nonstick Spray: Ensures easy release of the chicken from the baking dish.

Step-by-Step Guide to Basil Cream Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat the oven to 275°F.

Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Transform Chicken Cutlets

Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create four even pieces.

Gently pound each cutlet until it reaches a uniform 1/2-inch thickness for consistent cooking.

Step 3: Create a Crispy Coating

• Milk
• Breadcrumbs

Dunk each chicken cutlet into milk, then generously roll in breadcrumbs to achieve a golden, crunchy exterior.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully cook chicken cutlets until they turn a beautiful golden-brown color on both sides.

Transfer the seared chicken to the prepared baking dish and slide into the oven.

Allow chicken to finish cooking for approximately 10 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 5: Whip Up the Basil Cream Sauce

• Sauté garlic for 30 seconds
• Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil
• Scrape up any delicious browned bits from the pan
• Add cream and bring to a gentle simmer
• Stir in
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh chopped basil
• Black pepper

Continue stirring until the sauce thickens to a luxurious consistency, about 5 minutes.

Step 6: Plate and Serve

Generously drizzle the velvety basil cream sauce over the crispy chicken cutlets.

Serve immediately and savor every delightful bite.

Insider Tips for Perfect Basil Cream Chicken

• Cut chicken breasts horizontally to create thin, even cutlets for uniform cooking and tender texture.
• Dip chicken in milk before breadcrumbs to help coating stick better and create a crispy golden-brown exterior.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption without overcooking.
• When making the sauce, scrape browned bits from the skillet to enhance the sauce's depth and richness.
• Use fresh chopped basil instead of dried for a more vibrant, aromatic flavor in the cream sauce.

Flavor Twists for Basil Cream Chicken

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace milk with almond milk and use coconut cream instead of regular cream. Swap Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast to create a lactose-free version that's equally creamy and flavorful.
• Herb Garden Variation: Substitute basil with a mix of fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley for a different herbal profile. Use Italian seasoning blend in breadcrumbs to enhance the herb-infused chicken experience.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly coating. Use heavy cream and extra Parmesan to maintain richness while reducing carbohydrate content.

Serving Ideas for Basil Cream Chicken

• Elegant Plate Presentation: Arrange golden-brown chicken cutlets on a white ceramic plate, generously drizzling the vibrant basil cream sauce over the top, creating an appetizing visual contrast.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle additional fresh basil leaves or finely chopped parsley around the chicken to enhance flavor and add a pop of green color to the dish.
• Side Dish Companions: Pair the chicken with roasted garlic parmesan asparagus, creamy mashed potatoes, or a light Mediterranean quinoa salad to complement the rich basil cream sauce.
• Wine Pairing Suggestion: Serve with a crisp chardonnay or sauvignon blanc that will beautifully balance the creamy sauce and highlight the delicate chicken flavors.

Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken nestles in a rich basil cream sauce, blending Italian-inspired flavors with creamy elegance. Dinner guests will savor each luxurious bite of this restaurant-quality meal that brings gourmet comfort to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 large boneless (skinless) chicken breasts

Breading and Coating:

• 3/4 cup dried Italian breadcrumbs

Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 275°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Carefully butterfly each chicken breast horizontally, creating four thin cutlets. Using a meat mallet, gently pound each cutlet to an even 1/2-inch thickness.
3. Prepare two shallow dishes: one with milk and another with breadcrumbs. Thoroughly dunk each chicken cutlet in milk, then completely coat with breadcrumbs, ensuring full coverage.
4. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium temperature. Sauté the breaded chicken cutlets until they develop a golden-brown exterior on both sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the golden cutlets to the prepared baking dish.
5. Place the chicken in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
6. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds. Pour chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
7. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, fresh chopped basil, and black pepper. Continuously stir until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, approximately 5 minutes.
8. Remove chicken from the oven and generously drizzle with the aromatic basil cream sauce. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Use thin, evenly pounded chicken cutlets to ensure consistent cooking and prevent dry meat.
• Always check internal chicken temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee safe consumption at 165°F (74°C).
• Consider using gluten-free breadcrumbs for those with wheat sensitivities, which work equally well for coating.
• Fresh basil provides superior flavor compared to dried herbs, transforming the sauce’s overall taste profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 702 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 729 mg
• Fat: 55 g
• Saturated Fat: 32 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 43 g
• Cholesterol: 167 mg