Description
Basil Cream Chicken is a simple yet elegant dish featuring golden seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy sauce infused with fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of lemon. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe balances savory and fresh flavors in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Allow chicken breasts to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to ensure even cooking. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 6-7 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove chicken from skillet and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the cream sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
- Add flavorings: Stir in the chopped fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. Continue to simmer until the sauce slightly thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the basil cream sauce over them. Let them simmer together for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors and ensure the chicken is heated through.
- Serve: Serve the chicken hot, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh basil to maximize flavor in the sauce.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it will be less creamy.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
