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Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce

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This Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is a rich and flavorful dish that features tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, herbaceous basil sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

For the Basil Cream Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (optional, for enhanced flavor)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)


Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

  1. Season and Coat the Chicken:
    • Combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
    • Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
  2. Cook the Chicken:
    • Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
    • Cook the chicken breasts for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
    • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Basil Cream Sauce:

  1. Sauté the Garlic:
    • In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Make the Sauce Base:
    • Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
    • Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  3. Incorporate the Cheese and Basil:
    • Stir in the Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and dried basil (if using). Let the sauce cook for another 2–3 minutes until creamy and flavorful.
    • Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

Assemble and Serve:

  1. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
    • Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Let them simmer in the sauce for 2–3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  2. Serve:
    • Plate the chicken and drizzle with extra sauce. Garnish with additional basil leaves if desired. Serve hot with your choice of pasta, rice, or vegetables.

Notes

  • Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but note the sauce may be less rich.
  • For extra flavor, add sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms to the sauce.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with angel hair pasta or garlic mashed potatoes.