Ingredients
Scale
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients — fresh basil and quality cream make all the difference. I always reach for chicken breasts that are fresh and plump, and I prefer to use heavy cream to get that perfectly rich and silky texture in the sauce. When it comes to basil, nothing beats fresh leaves from the garden or farmers’ market, but if you have to, good-quality store-bought basil works too. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides well with salt and pepper. This simple step ensures a flavorful crust when seared.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside to rest.
- Lower the heat to medium, add butter to the skillet, and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn it!
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan — this adds a depth of flavor to your sauce.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken slightly.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy and aromatic.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Let everything warm together for 2 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce, recipe, cooking, food
