Basil Chicken with Cream Sauce Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, let me introduce you to the Basil Chicken with Cream Sauce Recipe. This delightful recipe brings together tender, golden-crisp chicken breasts smothered in a luscious cream sauce bursting with fresh basil, vibrant pimentos, and rich Parmesan. It’s a perfect blend of comforting creaminess and herbal brightness, making every bite irresistibly delicious and easy enough for a weeknight dinner or special enough to impress guests. Once you try this Basil Chicken with Cream Sauce Recipe, it’s bound to become one of your all-time favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Basil Chicken with Cream Sauce Recipe relies on simple but essential ingredients, each carefully chosen to enhance the flavor, texture, and color of the dish. From the tang of buttermilk to tenderize the chicken to the savory richness of garlic-herb cheese, every element plays an important role.

• ¼ cup buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken, adding subtle tang and moisture.
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy, golden coating for the chicken breasts.
• 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless): The main star, juicy and tender when cooked just right.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps with browning the chicken.
• 2 tablespoons canola oil: Provides a neutral base for frying without overpowering flavors.
• ¼ cup chicken broth: Used to deglaze the pan, capturing deep, savory flavors.
• 2 tablespoons dry sherry (optional): Adds a nice depth and complexity to the sauce.
• 1 cup heavy cream: The heart of the luscious cream sauce, giving it that silky texture.
• 1 can pimentos (4 ounces can, drained): Adds a pop of color and a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounce can, drained): Brings brightness and body to the creamy sauce.
• ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped): The fresh herb that makes this Basil Chicken with Cream Sauce Recipe truly sing.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth to the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons garlic & herb cheese (such as Boursin): Brings an extra layer of creamy, flavorful richness.
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: For just the right amount of mild heat and balance.

How to Make Basil Chicken with Cream Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by placing the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and covering them with buttermilk. This simple step helps tenderize the chicken and infuses it with subtle tanginess that gives it great depth of flavor once cooked.

Step 2: Prep Your Breadcrumbs

Pour the breadcrumbs into a separate shallow dish. These will create the crispy, golden coating for the chicken, adding a delightful crunch to contrast the tender meat.

Step 3: Heat the Skillet

Warm the skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of canola oil. This combination will give you a flavorful base for browning while preventing the butter from burning.

Step 4: Coat and Cook the Chicken

Dip each chicken breast into the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure a good coating. Place the coated chicken in the hot skillet and cook for about 5 minutes or until the bottom side turns crispy and golden brown. This step locks in moisture while building incredible texture.

Step 5: Flip and Finish Cooking the Chicken

Add the remaining butter and oil, then flip the chicken breasts over. Cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and juicy inside. The combination of butter and oil helps achieve a beautifully browned crust without drying out the meat.

Step 6: Set Aside the Chicken

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set it aside. This allows you to focus on making the star of the show — the rich and flavorful cream sauce.

Step 7: Deglaze the Pan

Add the chicken broth and dry sherry (if using) to the skillet. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, scraping off the delicious brown bits stuck to the pan. This step is a flavor powerhouse, incorporating all those yummy fond flavors into your sauce base.

Step 8: Build the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, drained pimentos, and diced tomatoes. Bring everything to a boil and cook for about one minute, stirring constantly. The sauce begins to thicken and the ingredients meld beautifully at this stage.

Step 9: Finish the Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese, garlic and herb cheese, fresh basil, and freshly ground black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently until it reduces by half, becoming luxuriously thick and flavorful — the kind of sauce that’s truly unforgettable in a Basil Chicken with Cream Sauce Recipe.

Step 10: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Add the chicken breasts back into the skillet with the cream sauce. Let them heat through so all those incredible flavors marry perfectly, coating the chicken with creamy, herb-infused goodness.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the chicken with generous spoonfuls of sauce over the top. Whether you prefer rice, pasta, or even a crisp green salad on the side, this dish shines through with irresistible comfort and vibrant flavor. Dig in and savor every bite!

How to Serve Basil Chicken with Cream Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves or finely chopped basil sprinkled on top beautifully amplify the fresh herb notes in the sauce, adding a pop of color and aroma. A light dusting of extra grated Parmesan can also add a sophisticated touch while enhancing the cheesy goodness.

Side Dishes

This Basil Chicken with Cream Sauce Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides that let the star shine. Try serving it alongside fluffy white or brown rice, buttery garlic mashed potatoes, or a bed of seasoned pasta. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad provide a fresh balance to the creamy richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a little extra wow factor, plate the chicken over a swirl of vibrant pesto or alongside roasted cherry tomatoes. Garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant presentation perfect for dinner parties or a special family meal. The creamy sauce is gorgeous spooned over the meat, inviting everyone to dive right in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Basil Chicken with Cream Sauce in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as tasty the next day. Consume within 3 to 4 days for best freshness and quality.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, although the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly. For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers. The chicken can be kept for up to 3 months, and the sauce for about 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream sauce from separating. Adding a splash of cream or broth can help restore the sauce’s silky texture. Microwave reheating is fine for convenience but do it in short bursts to maintain creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?

While fresh basil offers a bright, vibrant flavor that really elevates this dish, you can substitute dried basil in a pinch. Use about one-third the amount and add it earlier in the cooking process to allow its flavor to develop properly.

Is there a non-dairy alternative for the cream sauce?

Absolutely! You can use full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream to mimic the richness of heavy cream. These alternatives will give the sauce a different but still delicious flavor profile and keep it creamy.

What can I serve with this Basil Chicken with Cream Sauce Recipe for a low-carb meal?

Try serving the chicken with cauliflower rice, sautéed zucchini noodles, or roasted asparagus. These sides will complement the dish nicely while keeping your meal light and low in carbohydrates.

Can I skip the dry sherry?

Yes, the dry sherry is optional and adds a subtle depth of flavor, but you can leave it out if you prefer. Simply increase the amount of chicken broth slightly or add a splash of white wine vinegar for a bit of acidity.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken breasts are fully cooked when their internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can check this with an instant-read thermometer. The meat should be opaque and juices should run clear.

Final Thoughts

This Basil Chicken with Cream Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both special and effortlessly doable. The creamy, herb-packed sauce combined with crispy, juicy chicken creates a meal that satisfies every craving in the best possible way. I encourage you to give this recipe a try soon — it’s bound to become a beloved favorite you turn to time and time again.

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