Description
Rich, creamy, and bursting with fresh basil flavor! This Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is a restaurant-quality dish made right at home. Juicy chicken breasts are pan-seared and smothered in a luscious garlic basil cream sauce that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Additional chopped basil and Parmesan for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prepare Chicken:
Pound chicken breasts to even thickness if needed. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast lightly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.Cook Chicken:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and olive oil together. Add chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.Make Sauce:
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.Add Cream & Cheese:
Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens slightly—about 3-4 minutes.Add Basil:
Stir in chopped fresh basil and red pepper flakes (if using).Combine:
Return chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.Serve:
Garnish with extra fresh basil and Parmesan, and serve hot with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Protein Options: You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs or even pork chops.
- Thicker Sauce: For a thicker sauce, let it simmer an extra minute or two before adding the chicken back in.
- Make it Lighter: Swap out heavy cream for half-and-half or a light cream alternative.
- Perfect Pairings: Serve with garlic bread, roasted veggies, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Italian-American