When I first made chicken in basil cream sauce, I was amazed at how something so simple could taste so elegant. The juicy chicken cutlets, paired with a creamy, basil-infused Parmesan sauce, is comfort food at its finest.

This recipe has quickly become one of my go-to meals for special nights or even casual dinners with family. The best part? It’s so easy to whip up, and it tastes like it came straight from an Italian restaurant. Every time I serve it, people can’t stop raving about it!

Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe — Source: life-in-the-lofthouse

Ingredients

This recipe’s magic lies in its simplicity. With a few high-quality ingredients, you can create a meal that shines.

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Slicing and pounding them into even cutlets ensures a perfect cooking texture.
½ cup milk
Milk helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken while keeping the meat moist.
¾ cup Italian breadcrumbs
Opt for seasoned breadcrumbs to add an extra layer of flavor.
3 tablespoons butter
Butter enhances the golden-brown crispiness of the chicken while adding richness.
2 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic elevates the sauce with its robust flavor. Avoid pre-minced for the best taste.
½ cup chicken broth
This adds depth and balances the creamy sauce.
1 cup heavy cream
For a lush, velvety sauce, heavy cream is a must. Lighter substitutes won’t thicken as well.
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
Fresh basil is the star here. Avoid dried basil, as it won’t deliver the same aroma or vibrancy.
¼ teaspoon black pepper
A touch of pepper balances the creaminess beautifully.

Note: This recipe yields 4 servings.

Variations

If you’re looking for ways to tweak this dish, here are some ideas to make it suit your preferences or dietary needs:

Dairy-Free: Replace the butter with olive oil and the cream with canned coconut milk. Use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for cheesy flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check all other ingredients for hidden gluten.
Extra Flavor: Add a dash of crushed red pepper for heat, or stir in sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy-sweet twist.
Low-Carb Option: Skip the breading and pan-sear the chicken in olive oil before adding the sauce.

You can also enjoy similar recipes like One Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta for a flavorful twist on chicken dishes.

Cooking Time

Here’s how much time you’ll need from start to finish:

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

To make this recipe, you’ll need a few basic tools:

Large skillet: For searing the chicken and preparing the sauce.
Shallow bowls: Ideal for dipping chicken into milk and breadcrumbs.
9×13-inch baking dish: Holds the chicken as it cooks in the oven.
Tongs: Makes flipping the chicken easier without tearing the breading.

How to Make Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce?

This recipe is simple yet impressive. Here’s how you can recreate it step by step.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 275°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Pound them gently to an even thickness of about ½ inch. Dip each cutlet in milk, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, place the cutlets in the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides. This step locks in the chicken’s flavor while giving it a crispy coating. Transfer the cutlets to your prepared baking dish in a single layer. Bake for about 10 minutes to finish cooking while you prepare the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Basil Cream Sauce

Use the same skillet to sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds. Add the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil while scraping up any browned bits leftover from the chicken. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for a few minutes. Reduce the heat to low, then mix in the Parmesan, chopped basil, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir occasionally until the sauce thickens to your liking, about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Serve

Bring the chicken out of the oven and check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F. Pour the basil cream sauce generously over the chicken before serving.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Here are a few tricks I’ve picked up that make this dish even better:

Pound the chicken evenly to ensure it cooks uniformly.
Don’t rush the sauce. Simmering it for a few minutes helps blend the flavors.
Warm your plates before serving to keep the dish hot for longer.
If you prefer more sauce, double the recipe and save some for a pasta side dish.

For more inspiration, check out these Sticky Spicy BBQ Chicken Recipes that bring bold flavors to your table.

How to Serve Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce?

When plating this dish, presentation is everything. I recommend serving the chicken over buttered pasta or mashed potatoes to soak up the extra sauce. Add a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves and some grated Parmesan on top for garnish. For sides, consider roasted asparagus or a crisp green salad for a fresh contrast.

Nutritional Information

This dish isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with essential nutrients. Here’s a quick overview per serving:

Calories: 520
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fat: 32g

Make Ahead and Storage

If you’d like to prep this meal in advance or save leftovers, here’s what you need to know:

Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Make sure the sauce is fully cooled before freezing.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Warm the sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream if it has thickened too much.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This chicken in basil cream sauce is a winner for so many reasons:

Quick and Easy: You can have this dish ready in just 30 minutes.
Restaurant Quality: It tastes sophisticated but is simple to make at home.
Customizable: You can tweak the ingredients to suit different diets and preferences.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love the creamy, cheesy flavors.
Versatile: Pair it with pasta, rice, or veggies to create a complete meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid for Better Results

To ensure this chicken in basil cream sauce turns out perfectly, steer clear of these pitfalls:

Under-seasoning the chicken. Always add a bit of salt to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
Skipping the fresh basil. Dried basil won’t give you the same flavor and aroma.
Overcrowding the skillet, which can make the chicken steam instead of brown. Cook in batches if needed.

With this detailed guide, you’re ready to create a dish that will impress everyone at the table! The delicate balance of crispy chicken and creamy basil sauce makes it a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy!

You can also explore more Chicken Recipes to pair with this dish for a complete meal experience.

Ash Tyrrell