If you’re craving a meal that transforms everyday ingredients into something extra special, this Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner. Juicy chicken cutlets are pan-seared and finished in a luxuriously creamy basil sauce kissed with garlic and Parmesan. Every forkful delivers tender chicken, a silk-smooth sauce, and the delightful aroma of fresh basil — making it perfect for cozy weeknights or impressing guests. This recipe is designed to look and taste fancy, yet comes together so painlessly that you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it all along!

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather your ingredients and let their simplicity shine! Each element plays a key role, coming together to create the layered flavor and texture that make this dish a repeat favorite. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need — and why they matter:
- Chicken Breasts: Slicing them into cutlets ensures fast, even cooking and ultra-tender bites every time.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the chicken with a golden, beautifully crisp crust that also helps thicken the sauce later.
- Salt and Black Pepper: A classic duo that seasons every layer and brings all the flavors to life.
- Olive Oil: Brings a subtle fruitiness and is perfect for getting that initial sear on the chicken.
- Butter: Adds richness and creates the foundation for a luscious pan sauce.
- Garlic: Just a few cloves lend their aromatic, savory magic to the creamy sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Lifts the flavors off the pan and infuses the sauce with depth and savory notes.
- Heavy Cream: The secret to a velvety, restaurant-worthy sauce that coats every bite.
- Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce, offering a lovely nutty-salty dimension.
- Basil: Fresh or dried, basil is the heart of the sauce and gives the dish its signature herbal brightness.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat that spices up the creaminess, if you’re a fan of a little kick.
- Fresh Basil Leaves (for garnish): For a burst of color and fresh garden aroma on your finished plate.
How to Make Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Dredge the Chicken
Start by slicing those chicken breasts horizontally to create evenly sized cutlets — this helps them cook quickly and stay juicy. In a shallow bowl, combine your flour, salt, and black pepper, then dredge each piece of chicken until fully coated. This not only gives a lovely crust but helps the rich sauce adhere to each bite.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter melts and starts to sizzle, add the chicken cutlets. Sear them for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, until they’re gorgeously golden and cooked through. Then, transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm — they’ll finish in the sauce soon!
Step 3: Build the Basil Cream Sauce
Don’t wipe out the skillet! Lower the heat slightly and add minced garlic, letting it cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any delicious browned bits stuck to the pan. This step brings all those hidden flavors into the sauce and sets the stage for a truly savory finish.
Step 4: Enrich and Thicken the Sauce
Next, stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and basil (fresh or dried — use what you have). Simmer the sauce for 4 to 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken and become creamy. If you like a little heat, toss in the optional red pepper flakes now. Your kitchen should already smell irresistible!
Step 5: Finish Cooking and Assemble
Return the chicken (and any juices from the plate) to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for an additional 2 minutes so the chicken soaks up all the creamy, herby goodness. Right before serving, scatter fresh basil over the dish for an inviting, aromatic finish.
How to Serve Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe

Garnishes
The finishing touches matter! Sprinkle generously with fresh basil leaves for a pop of green and a burst of fresh-from-the-garden aroma. A dusting of extra Parmesan cheese is also a must for cheese lovers — it melts just slightly on contact, making everything even more decadent.
Side Dishes
Craving that extra saucy satisfaction? Serve your Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe over pillowy mashed potatoes, silky pasta, or fluffy white rice. Each of these soak up the rich sauce beautifully, turning this dish into a comforting, cohesive meal. A simple green salad or garlicky sautéed vegetables are perfect on the side for a little color and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For date night flair, serve the chicken over creamy parmesan risotto and garnish with edible flowers and microgreens. Hosting friends? Cut the chicken into slices and arrange over crostini or toast points for a show-stopping appetizer version of your favorite Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store both the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container to ensure the flavors stay melded and the chicken moist.
Freezing
If you need to freeze, do so before adding the fresh basil garnish. Store the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, and freeze up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results and add fresh basil after reheating to recapture that garden-fresh flavor.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge. Stir frequently and watch closely to avoid overcooking the chicken. For single portions, the microwave works too — just use 50 percent power to keep the chicken tender!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work perfectly in this Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe. They’re extra juicy and flavorful — just adjust the cooking time as needed since they’re a little thicker than cutlets.
What’s the best way to make this gluten-free?
Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend. The rest of the Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe is naturally gluten-free!
Can I use dried basil if I don’t have fresh?
Yes, dried basil works wonderfully for infusing the sauce with herbal notes, but always finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil if you can for color and added aroma. If using only dried, use about half the amount called for fresh, as dried herbs are more potent.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! The sauce is mild and creamy, though you’ll want to skip the red pepper flakes if you’re cooking for little ones. Serve with pasta or rice to appeal to all ages — even the pickiest eaters will be won over.
Can I add vegetables to the Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe?
Of course! Toss in quick-cooking veggies like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms when you add the cream and cheese. They absorb the flavors beautifully and make the dish even heartier.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe is a true delight — easy enough for busy weeknights, memorable enough for celebrations. If you adore creamy sauces and crave an herby twist, give this dish a try soon. There’s nothing like that first bite of perfectly cooked chicken surrounded by a luxurious basil-scented sauce. Happy cooking — and even happier eating!
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Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce recipe. Tender chicken cutlets are coated in a creamy, basil-infused sauce that’s perfect for serving over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice. This easy stovetop dish is a comforting and satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken Cutlets:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally to make 4 cutlets)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Mix flour with salt and pepper in a shallow bowl. Dredge chicken cutlets in the flour mixture.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, cook garlic, add chicken broth, cream, Parmesan cheese, and basil. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Combine: Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top. Simmer to warm through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
- For extra flavor, use fresh basil and a splash of white wine with the broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken cutlet with sauce
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 125mg