If you’ve ever craved a meal that feels like a little celebration on a weeknight but comes together in no time, the Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe is your answer. Picture tender, juicy chicken, seared until golden, luxuriating in a velvety, Parmesan-laced cream sauce freckled with fresh basil. Garlic sings in the background and a pop of lemon brightens every bite. It’s the kind of dinner that makes you linger at the table, savoring the sauce with every morsel. Let’s jump right into this showstopping favorite that I just can’t get enough of!

Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish is a marvelous example of how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients can deliver something truly special. Each component brings unique flavor, texture, or color, so quality really shines here—don’t skimp on the fresh basil and Parmesan!

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these act as a lean, juicy canvas for that luscious basil cream.
All-purpose flour: A quick dredge gives the chicken a delicate crust and helps thicken the sauce.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the other flavors.
Black pepper: Adds just enough warmth and complexity without overpowering.
Butter: For rich flavor and golden browning; nothing beats real butter here.
Olive oil: Keeps things from browning too quickly and merges with the butter for great depth.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for that heady, irresistible aroma.
Chicken broth: Deglazes the pan for savory depth and a lighter finish to the sauce.
Heavy cream: The heart of the sauce; its richness mingles with the other flavors for an unbelievably creamy result.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty edge and thickens the sauce beautifully—grate it fresh if you can.
Chopped fresh basil: The star that lifts the sauce with its bright, herbaceous flavor—don’t skip the scattering on top!
Lemon juice: A splash at the end for a tangy finish that ties everything together.

How to Make Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If your chicken breasts are a little uneven in thickness, give them a quick pound between sheets of plastic wrap. This step helps everything cook evenly—no more dry edges or undercooked centers!

Step 2: Dredge in Flour Mixture

Combine the flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. Dredge each chicken breast to coat on all sides, shaking off the excess. This light coating is the secret for that gorgeous, golden crust and slightly thickened sauce later on.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet set over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil together until sizzling. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, until both sides are golden and the chicken is just cooked through. Set aside on a plate—you’ll be inviting them back into the pan soon!

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Without cleaning the skillet (you want all those tasty brown bits), add the minced garlic. Sauté briefly, then deglaze with the chicken broth, scraping up any stuck-on golden bits. This is where all that flavor lives!

Step 5: Creamy Bliss

Reduce the heat a bit, then stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan. Let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it slightly thickens—your kitchen will already smell incredible.

Step 6: The Basil Finale

Add the fresh basil and a splash of lemon juice, stirring gently. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon some of that dreamy sauce over top. Let everything mingle for a couple more minutes so the flavors marry.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Sprinkle some extra chopped basil over the top, then serve the Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe piping hot, spooning plenty of sauce over each piece. It’s a feast for the eyes and the palate!

How to Serve Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Nothing elevates this dish quite like a shower of fresh basil right before serving. If you’re feeling indulgent, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a twist of cracked black pepper adds a perfect finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe happily cozies up to just about anything—try it spooned over al dente pasta, dreamy mashed potatoes, or even fluffy rice. Add a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies, and you’ve got a well-balanced meal that feels straight out of a bistro.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, slice the chicken and fan it out over a bed of garlicky spinach or a swirl of linguine. Serve family-style from the skillet with a big ladle so everyone can help themselves to plenty of sauce!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerated, your Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe will stay luscious for up to 3 days—just enough time to relive the magic at lunch or dinner.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze, keep in mind that creamy sauces can separate a bit. Freeze portions in tightly sealed containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before gently reheating so the sauce regains its smoothness.

Reheating

For best results, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently and adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to bring the sauce back to life. Microwave in short bursts if you’re in a hurry, but keep the power low to avoid overcooking the chicken or breaking the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a slightly deeper flavor and remain extra juicy. Just adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take a minute or two longer to cook through.

Can I make the Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe lighter?

For a lighter touch, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or even evaporated milk, though the sauce will be a bit less rich. You’ll still get plenty of flavor from the basil, lemon, and Parmesan!

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free flour blend for dredging the chicken. Everything else in the Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Can I add veggies to the sauce?

Definitely—try adding baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes after you’ve built the sauce for extra color and nutrients. They all play beautifully with basil and cream!

What can I do if my sauce gets too thick?

Don’t worry! Just add a splash of extra chicken broth or cream, stirring until you reach your preferred consistency. The sauce should be silky and pourable, perfect for draping over chicken and sides.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe truly deserves a place in your weeknight dinner rotation and for those nights when you want something extra special. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself craving that vibrant, velvety sauce again and again. Gather your loved ones, pour a little extra sauce over everything, and enjoy!

Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 28 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy decadence of Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce. This skillet chicken dish is a perfect blend of tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich basil-infused cream sauce. With just the right balance of flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Cream Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus extra for garnish
1 tablespoon lemon juice

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Instructions

Pound the chicken breasts: If needed, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
Dredge the chicken: In a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth and simmer. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, simmer until slightly thickened. Add basil and lemon juice.
Combine and serve: Return chicken to the pan, spoon sauce over top. Simmer briefly. Garnish with basil and serve hot.