🍗 Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce 😍🌿
Tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy basil-infused sauce — this dish brings gourmet flavor to your kitchen with simple, wholesome ingredients. It’s comfort food with a touch of elegance!
📝 Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally to make 4 cutlets)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried basil)
🍳 Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Season chicken cutlets with salt and pepper, then dredge lightly in flour.
- Sear: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat. Add butter and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream, simmering gently.
- Add Flavor: Stir in Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and basil. Let it thicken for 2–3 minutes.
- Finish: Return chicken to the pan, spoon sauce over it, and simmer for 2 more minutes to marry flavors.
- Serve: Garnish with extra basil and serve hot with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.
📝 Notes
- Use thin chicken cutlets for faster cooking and better sauce absorption.
- You can substitute cream with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Fresh basil gives the best flavor, but dried works in a pinch.
💡 Tips
- Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding cream for extra depth.
- Don’t boil the sauce too hard or it may curdle — gentle simmer is key.
- Great with zucchini noodles or mashed potatoes for low-carb or comfort options.
🍽️ Servings: Serves 4
🔢 Nutritional Info (per serving, estimated)
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbs: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
✅ Health Benefits
- High Protein: Keeps you full and supports muscle growth.
- Basil: Rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Low Carb: Ideal for low-carb or keto-friendly diets.
- Calcium & Vitamin K from Parmesan and basil.
❓ Q&A Section
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Cream sauces don’t freeze well. Best to refrigerate and enjoy within 3 days.
Q: What veggies pair well with this?
A: Steamed broccoli, asparagus, sautéed spinach, or roasted zucchini are excellent sides.