Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce

Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is an elegant yet simple dish that combines tender, pan-seared chicken with a luscious cream sauce infused with the fresh, aromatic flavor of basil. This restaurant-quality meal is perfect for dinner parties, date nights, or a weeknight indulgence. The creamy sauce, complemented by hints of garlic and Parmesan, pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a side of crusty bread. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress!

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Step 2

Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear for 5–6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3

Make the sauce base: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.

Step 4

Prepare the cream sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5

Add the basil and lemon juice: Stir in the chopped basil and lemon juice, cooking for another minute to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 6

Combine chicken and sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Let them simmer in the sauce for 2–3 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 7

Serve: Serve the chicken hot, drizzled with the basil cream sauce, and garnish with extra basil leaves or Parmesan. Pair it with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.