This Easy Chicken in Creamy Basil Sauce is a winner! Juicy chicken gets coated in a rich and tasty sauce made with fresh basil and cream. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
You won’t believe how quick this dish comes together. I love serving it with rice or pasta to soak up all that delicious sauce. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal as they cook quickly and stay tender. If you want to save time, use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, just reduce the cooking time.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko adds a lovely crunch to the chicken. If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can work, though they may not be as crispy!
Fresh Basil: The fresh basil is what gives this sauce its vibrant flavor. If fresh basil isn’t available, you can use dried basil, but reduce the amount since it’s more concentrated. I find that fresh is always best for this dish!
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce rich and creamy. You could substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option, but it won’t be as thick. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream.
What’s the Best Way to Bread Chicken?
Breading chicken can seem tricky, but it’s really about the order and technique. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by preparing your chicken. Slice it or pound it to an even thickness.
- Set up your three bowls: one for seasoned flour, one for beaten egg, and one for the breadcrumbs with Parmesan and herbs.
- Coat the chicken in the flour first, shaking off any extra. This helps the egg stick better.
- Next, dip the chicken in the egg, allowing excess to drip off. This is the glue that holds the breadcrumbs!
- Finally, roll the chicken in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coat.
This method ensures a deliciously crispy coating when you fry the chicken! Enjoy the process and don’t rush—it’s worth it!
Easy Chicken in Creamy Basil Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish is quick to make! You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation and about 15 minutes for cooking, so the total time is around 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by slicing each chicken breast horizontally to create thinner cutlets, or you can use a meat mallet to pound them gently to an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly and quickly.
2. Set Up Breading Station:
In one bowl, combine the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. Beat the egg in a second bowl. In a third bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. This setup will make breading easy!
3. Bread the Chicken:
Take one chicken cutlet and dredge it in the flour, making sure to shake off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten egg, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down slightly to ensure it sticks. Repeat this with all the cutlets.
4. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken cutlets. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate to keep warm.
5. Make the Creamy Basil Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. This is where your sauce will start to come together!
6. Add Basil and Cheese:
Stir in the finely chopped fresh basil and the remaining 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce thicken slightly over low heat, stirring frequently. Taste and add salt and pepper as you like!
7. Serve:
Now it’s time to enjoy your dish! Spoon the creamy basil sauce generously over the cooked chicken cutlets. Serve immediately with your choice of sides, like steamed broccoli or pasta, to soak up that amazing sauce.
Enjoy your delicious Easy Chicken in Creamy Basil Sauce!
FAQ About Easy Chicken in Creamy Basil Sauce
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add even more flavor to the dish. Just make sure they’re boneless and skinless, and adjust the cooking time as needed since they may take a little longer to cook through.
How Can I Make This Dish Healthier?
You can lighten this recipe by using skinless chicken breasts, substituting heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a low-fat cream alternative. You can also reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese to lower the calorie count while still keeping it flavorful!
What Should I Serve with This Dish?
This creamy basil chicken pairs excellently with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, or you can serve it over pasta or rice to soak up the delicious sauce. A side salad also complements it nicely!
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the creamy basil sauce ahead of time! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just reheat it gently on the stove before serving to ensure it’s warm and creamy!
