Silky Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe: Heavenly Comfort Food

Weeknight dinners demand a touch of elegance that can turn ordinary chicken into an extraordinary silky chicken in basil cream sauce.

Creamy sauces have a magical way of elevating simple ingredients into something spectacular.

The rich, herbaceous notes of fresh basil dance beautifully with tender chicken pieces, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Smooth and luxurious, this sauce brings restaurant-quality dining right to your kitchen.

Each forkful promises a delightful balance of herb-infused creaminess and perfectly cooked chicken.

Home cooks will love how quickly this dish comes together with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Prepare to impress your taste buds with this irresistible culinary creation that feels both indulgent and comforting.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 680 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Savory Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a light, crispy exterior that helps seal in the chicken's moisture and provides a delicate golden crunch.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a warm, savory depth without raw garlic's intensity, perfect for creating a balanced flavor profile.
• Onion Powder: Introduces a subtle sweetness and aromatic base that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Salt: Amplifies and balances the other seasonings, bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.
• Black Pepper: Provides a gentle heat and sharp, earthy undertone that complements the creamy sauce.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that serves as the main star of the dish, offering a tender and juicy centerpiece.
• Olive Oil, Butter: Provides a rich cooking medium that helps brown the chicken and adds a luxurious flavor foundation.

• Fresh Basil: Brings a bright, herbaceous note that adds freshness and complexity to the cream sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a silky, luxurious sauce that coats the chicken with a velvety texture and rich flavor.

Must-Have Tools to Sauté Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and making sauce.
• Shallow dish: Perfect for dredging chicken in seasoned flour.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings.
• Tongs: Great for flipping and handling chicken safely.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature.
• Spatula: Helpful for moving chicken and stirring sauce.
• Cutting board: Provides clean surface for preparing ingredients.

How to Cook Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce That Wows

• Prep the Flavor Blend

Mix dry seasonings together in a wide, shallow container. Gently coat each chicken piece by dipping and lightly shaking off extra mixture.

• Sizzle the Chicken

Warm a skillet with a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Carefully place chicken pieces into the pan, allowing them to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Cook each side until the meat is completely done and reaches a safe internal temperature.

• Let the Chicken Rest

Transfer the perfectly cooked chicken to a clean plate. Allow the meat to sit for a few moments, which helps retain its juicy goodness and lets the flavors settle.

• Create the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, quickly whip up a luxurious sauce using basil, cream, and complementary seasonings. The pan’s remaining cooking bits will add incredible depth to your sauce.

• Reunite Chicken and Sauce

Gently return the chicken to the skillet, nestling each piece into the velvety basil cream. Spoon the sauce over the meat, ensuring every bite is wonderfully coated with rich, herbaceous flavors.

• Serve and Enjoy

Plate the chicken with a generous drizzle of the creamy sauce. Pair with your favorite side dishes for a meal that’s sure to impress.

Flavor Enhancements for Basil Cream Chicken Recipes

• Perfectly Tender Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry before dredging to ensure a crispy, even coating that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Low-Carb Modification: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version that maintains the delicious crispy texture.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to create a rich sauce suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan diners.
• Herb Flavor Boost: Experiment with fresh herb combinations like thyme, oregano, or rosemary alongside basil to add depth and complexity to the cream sauce.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the chicken and sauce separately, then store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, reheating gently to maintain the sauce's creamy consistency.

Presenting Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Like a Pro

• Elegant Dinner Plate: Arrange golden-brown chicken breasts on a white porcelain plate, drizzling the creamy basil sauce elegantly over the top to showcase the dish's rich colors and textures.
• Herb Garnish Delight: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil leaves or whole small basil leaves around the chicken to add a vibrant green pop and enhance the herb's aromatic profile.
• Complementary Side Pairings: Serve alongside roasted garlic parmesan asparagus or creamy risotto to create a balanced meal that highlights the chicken's delicate basil cream sauce. Fluffy white rice also works wonderfully to absorb the luxurious sauce.
• Wine Companion: Match this dish with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, whose light and refreshing notes will beautifully complement the creamy, herbaceous chicken.

Storage Tips for Chicken with Basil Sauce

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooked chicken in airtight containers within two hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Separate sauce from chicken to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy results.
• Freezing Wisdom: Wrap individual chicken portions in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe containers. Frozen chicken with basil cream sauce remains delicious for up to 2 months when properly sealed.
• Reheating Magic: Gently warm refrigerated chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore moisture. Microwave carefully in 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle to distribute heat evenly.
• Ingredient Separation Trick: Store leftover sauce and chicken separately to prevent sogginess. Keep sauce in a sealed glass container and chicken in another, allowing flexible meal recreation and maintaining distinct flavors when ready to enjoy again.

Silky Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken basil sauce enchants palates with Italian-inspired elegance. Delicate herb notes and rich cream create a luxurious dining experience you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tbsps (45 mL) olive oil or butter
• 1 tbsp (15 g) butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup (120 mL) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 mL) heavy cream
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup (15 g) fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried basil (optional, for enhanced flavor)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Combine flour with aromatic spices and seasoning in a wide, flat container, creating a delicate coating mixture that will enhance the chicken’s flavor profile.
2. Coating: Delicately envelop each chicken breast in the seasoned flour, gently tapping off excess powder to achieve a light, uniform coverage that promises a crisp exterior.
3. Searing: Ignite a generously sized skillet with olive oil or butter over medium heat, allowing the fat to shimmer and reach optimal temperature for transforming the chicken into a golden masterpiece.
4. Cooking: Carefully nestle the flour-dusted chicken into the sizzling skillet, permitting each piece to develop a bronzed, crispy exterior for 4-5 minutes per side, creating a tantalizing caramelized crust.
5. Final Touch: Confirm the chicken’s perfect doneness by verifying its internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C, ensuring the meat remains succulent while guaranteeing food safety, then transfer the gloriously seared pieces to a warm plate.

Notes

• Flour Coating Technique: Use a light touch when dredging chicken to prevent heavy, soggy breading that can mask delicate flavors.
• Temperature Control: Maintain medium heat to achieve golden-brown crust without burning; watch for shimmering oil as your cooking indicator.
• Moisture Preservation: Rest chicken after cooking to lock in juices, preventing dry meat and ensuring tender, succulent texture.
• Cross-Contamination Prevention: Use separate cutting boards and utensils when handling raw chicken, and wash hands thoroughly to avoid foodborne illness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 580
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg