Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
Indulge in the creamy, herbaceous flavors of Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce—a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Perfectly pan-seared chicken breasts are smothered in a luscious sauce made with silky heavy cream, fragrant fresh basil, and savory Parmesan cheese. Infused with the rich essence of garlic and deglazed with chicken broth, this one-skillet recipe delivers bold flavor in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or elegant dinner parties. The sauce's luxurious texture can be thickened with an optional cornstarch slurry, ensuring every bite clings beautifully to your serving of choice, whether it’s buttery pasta, fluffy rice, or a slice of crusty bread. With its comforting creaminess and vibrant basil notes, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 0.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.25 cups fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional)
- 1 tablespoon water (optional, for slurry)
Instructions
Pound the chicken breasts between sheets of plastic wrap until they are an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick.
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and black pepper. Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts.
Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze and loosen any flavorful bits.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.
Stir in the chopped basil and Parmesan cheese, and continue to cook for another 2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
If the sauce seems too thin, mix the optional cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Gradually stir it into the sauce to thicken, if desired.
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Let the chicken warm through for 2-3 minutes.
Serve hot, garnished with additional basil leaves or Parmesan cheese, if desired. This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2833 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 169.7 g | 218% | |
| Saturated Fat | 81.4 g | 407% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 934 mg | 311% | |
| Sodium | 4198 mg | 183% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 53.0 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.7 g | ||
| Protein | 243.1 g | 486% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 625 mg | 48% | |
| Iron | 12.7 mg | 71% | |
| Potassium | 2213 mg | 47% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
