Name: Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/2 cup milk; 3/4 cup dried Italian breadcrumbs; 3 Tablespoons butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Creamy, aromatic, and bursting with flavor, Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is what I call a “special occasion” dinner that’s easy enough for a relaxed weeknight. Tender chicken cutlets get a golden, crispy coating before being showered in a lush basil-scented cream sauce you’ll want to mop up with crusty bread. If you adore dishes that combine Italian comforts with simple prep, this is bound to become your go-to comfort meal.

Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple but essential ingredients create delicious layers of flavor and texture in Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce. Each component plays a key role in achieving that unforgettable taste, from the tender chicken to the rich, fragrant sauce.

Chicken breasts: Slicing and pounding them into cutlets makes for fast, even cooking and a juicy texture.
Milk: Dipping the chicken in milk helps the breadcrumbs stick and adds moisture for the perfect crust.
Italian breadcrumbs: These lend crunch and a touch of herby flavor to each bite.
Butter: Melting butter in the skillet brings flavor and beautiful browning for the chicken.
Garlic: A little minced garlic infuses the sauce with savory depth.
Chicken broth: This adds richness and helps deglaze the pan after browning the chicken.
Heavy whipping cream: The star of the sauce, cream gives it a luxuriously smooth texture and full body.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully and delivers nutty, savory notes.
Fresh basil: Chopped basil gives the sauce its signature herbal fragrance and pops of green color.
Black pepper: Just a pinch to balance out the creaminess and add subtle heat.

How to Make Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Cutlets

Start by slicing each chicken breast in half horizontally—you’ll end up with four even pieces. To make them extra tender and ensure even cooking, use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound each cutlet to about a half-inch thickness. This helps the chicken cook through quickly without drying out.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Pour the milk into one shallow bowl and the breadcrumbs into another. Dip each chicken piece first in the milk (coating every side) and then dredge them thoroughly in the breadcrumbs. This step gives your chicken a lovely crisp, golden exterior once pan-fried.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, swirling it to coat the bottom of the pan. Add the breaded chicken cutlets, making sure they aren’t crowded. Cook each side until golden brown—watch closely to avoid burning. You’re looking for lovely, crisp color at this stage, not fully cooked centers.

Step 4: Finish Cooking in the Oven

Preheat your oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Move the browned chicken cutlets to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, laying them side by side. Pop the dish in the oven for about 10 minutes to finish cooking while you make the basil cream sauce. This low-and-slow heat keeps the chicken incredibly juicy.

Step 5: Make the Basil Cream Sauce

Don’t waste those delicious browned bits in your skillet! Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for just 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all that flavor from the bottom. Mix in the heavy cream and stir as everything comes together, then reduce the heat to low. Add Parmesan cheese, fresh chopped basil, and black pepper. Stir frequently for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens into dreamy perfection.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the chicken from the oven and plate it up, spooning plenty of the basil cream sauce right over the top. You’ll want every bite of chicken smothered in that creamy, herby goodness. The aroma is irresistible!

How to Serve Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra chopped basil and a dusting of Parmesan cheese just before serving makes Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce look restaurant-worthy. For a touch of freshness, add a few curls of lemon zest or a grind of fresh black pepper over the plated chicken.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or al dente pasta to soak up that luscious sauce. Steamed green beans, asparagus, or a simple arugula salad balance the richness and bring a lovely pop of color, creating a meal everyone will linger over.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party vibe, try slicing the chicken into thin strips and serving it family-style on a platter, sauce poured generously over the top and surrounded by roasted veggies. You could even nestle the chicken over a bed of risotto or pile it atop crostini for a festive appetizer twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers a real treat for lunch the next day.

Freezing

While the chicken itself freezes well, cream sauces can sometimes separate when thawed. If you plan to freeze, keep the chicken and sauce in separate containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently, stirring the sauce well as it warms.

Reheating

Speaking from experience, the best way to reheat Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is gently on the stovetop or in the microwave at half power. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth if the sauce is too thick, and heat slowly to preserve that creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a juicy, flavorful swap. Just slice and pound boneless, skinless thighs into even pieces for the best result. The cooking times will be quite similar.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh basil?

Dried basil can stand in during a pinch, but fresh basil really gives this dish its soul. If possible, pick up a bunch of fresh basil from the market; you’ll notice the difference.

Can I make Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for the Italian breadcrumbs, and double-check that your broth and Parmesan are gluten-free. The flavor and texture will still wow you.

Can I prep Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce ahead for guests?

You certainly can; bread and brown the chicken and make the sauce a few hours in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, and finish baking and combining just before serving for maximum freshness.

Does this dish reheat well?

It does, especially if you warm it slowly. The key to keeping the basil cream sauce silky is gentle heat and a little extra liquid if needed to revive the sauce.

Final Thoughts

Once you try Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for years to come. I can’t wait for you to taste just how impressively easy and delicious it is. Gather your ingredients and enjoy the creamy, aromatic magic of this beloved comfort dish!

Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 25 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful and easy-to-make chicken dish featuring tender, breaded chicken cutlets topped with a rich and creamy basil-infused sauce. This Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce recipe is perfect for a special dinner or any time you crave a comforting meal.

Instructions

Chicken Cutlets – Preheat oven to 275 degrees F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to create cutlets. Pound cutlets to 1/2-inch thickness. Dip in milk, then coat with breadcrumbs. Cook in butter until golden-brown. Bake in the oven.
Basil Cream Sauce – In the skillet, cook garlic, add chicken broth, cream, Parmesan, basil, and pepper. Stir until thickened. Serve sauce over chicken.