This Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce recipe is a delicious and elegant yet easy to make dish that can be prepared in just 30 minutes. It features crispy, breaded chicken cutlets topped with a rich and creamy basil Parmesan sauce. The recipe is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
Chicken Cutlets:
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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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½ cup milk
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¾ cup dried Italian breadcrumbs
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3 tablespoons butter
Basil Cream Sauce:
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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½ cup chicken broth
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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¼ cup chopped fresh basil
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken Cutlets:
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Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create 4 cutlets.
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Pound each cutlet to ½-inch thickness.
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Dip each cutlet in milk, then coat with breadcrumbs.
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Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook cutlets until golden brown on each side.
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Transfer to the prepared baking dish and bake for 10 minutes while preparing the sauce.
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Prepare the Basil Cream Sauce:
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Using the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds over medium heat.
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Add chicken broth and bring to a boil, scraping up browned bits.
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Stir in heavy cream and bring to a slight boil, then reduce heat.
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Add Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, and black pepper. Stir until sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).
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Serve:
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Remove chicken from the oven and ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
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Spoon the basil cream sauce over the chicken and enjoy!
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Serving Suggestions
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Serve over angel hair pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
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Pairs well with steamed broccoli, asparagus, or garlic bread.
Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce: A Decadent Yet Simple Dish
Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is a perfect balance of elegance and simplicity, making it an ideal dish for both casual weeknights and special occasions. This dish features crispy, breaded chicken cutlets that are tender on the inside and golden brown on the outside, smothered in a rich, creamy basil Parmesan sauce. The combination of flavors creates an unforgettable meal that is both restaurant-worthy and easy to prepare at home.
In this article, we will explore what makes this dish so special, its origins and inspiration, serving suggestions, variations, and why it’s a great addition to your recipe collection.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
One of the best things about Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is its versatility and balance of flavors. The crispy chicken provides a satisfying texture, while the creamy basil sauce adds a rich and aromatic element that elevates the dish. The use of fresh basil and Parmesan cheese gives it a gourmet touch that feels indulgent without requiring complicated techniques or hard to find ingredients.
Here are some reasons why this dish is a must try:
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Quick & Easy: Despite its fancy appearance, this dish can be prepared in just 30 minutes.
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Flavorful & Satisfying: The crispy breaded chicken complements the smooth and savory basil cream sauce perfectly.
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Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to both adults and kids, making it a great family meal option.
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Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or celebrating a romantic evening, this meal will impress your guests.
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Customizable: The recipe can be easily modified to suit different dietary preferences or ingredients on hand.
The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
This dish draws inspiration from classic Italian cuisine, where basil, cream, and Parmesan are frequently used to create rich, flavorful sauces. Many Italian American restaurants serve similar dishes, often incorporating variations with different proteins like shrimp or veal.
According to the original recipe creator, the inspiration came from a small Italian restaurant that served a similar dish. This restaurant, though modest in appearance, served food reminiscent of traditional homemade meals passed down through generations. The recipe was designed to capture that same warmth and depth of flavor while keeping it simple and accessible for home cooks.
The idea of pairing chicken with a basil cream sauce is a modern twist on traditional Italian flavors. While basil is often associated with pesto or tomato based sauces, it pairs wonderfully with cream based dishes, adding a fresh and slightly peppery taste that balances the richness of the sauce.
Best Ways to Serve Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
While this dish is delicious on its own, pairing it with the right sides can elevate the meal even further. Here are some serving ideas:
1. Over Pasta
The creamy basil sauce pairs beautifully with angel hair pasta, fettuccine, or spaghetti. The sauce clings to the noodles, making each bite a flavorful experience.
2. With Mashed Potatoes
For a comforting and hearty meal, serve the chicken with garlic mashed potatoes or parmesan mashed potatoes. The creamy texture complements the rich sauce perfectly.
3. Alongside Roasted Vegetables
For a lighter option, serve the chicken with roasted asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts. The caramelized edges of the vegetables add a nice contrast to the creamy sauce.
4. Over Rice or Risotto
A bed of buttery rice or a simple Parmesan risotto makes an excellent base for the chicken, allowing the sauce to soak in and enhance the flavors.
5. With Crusty Bread
A warm slice of garlic bread or a freshly baked baguette is perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
Variations & Customizations
One of the best things about this dish is how easily it can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some variations to consider:
1. Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly
If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can skip the breading step and simply pan-sear the chicken. The sauce is naturally low in carbs, making this an excellent keto friendly dish.
2. Gluten-Free Option
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for the coating. Alternatively, you can skip the breading entirely and just sear the chicken with butter and seasoning.
3. Dairy-Free Alternative
For a dairy-free version, substitute:
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Coconut cream or cashew cream for the heavy cream
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Nutritional yeast for the Parmesan cheese
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Olive oil or dairy-free butter for the butter
4. Adding More Flavor
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding:
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Sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for a slightly tangy contrast
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Crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of spice
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Lemon zest to brighten up the richness of the sauce
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Mushrooms or spinach for additional texture and nutrition
5. Different Proteins
This dish works well with proteins other than chicken. You can substitute:
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Shrimp or scallops for a seafood variation
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Pork chops or turkey cutlets for a different meat option
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Tofu or cauliflower steaks for a vegetarian version
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Any Occasion
This dish is not only delicious but also versatile enough to be served on different occasions. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or hosting a dinner party, Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is sure to impress.
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For busy weeknights, this dish comes together quickly and requires minimal prep.
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For date nights, it offers an elegant presentation with minimal effort.
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For family dinners, it’s kid-friendly and can be paired with a variety of sides to suit everyone’s taste.
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For meal prep, it stores well and can be easily reheated for lunch or dinner the next day.
If you’re looking for a no-fuss yet gourmet meal, this recipe should be at the top of your list.
Conclusion
Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is a delightful, creamy, and flavorful dish that brings together crispy chicken and a rich basil-Parmesan sauce. With its quick cooking time and simple ingredients, it’s a fantastic choice for both beginners and experienced home cooks.
Whether served over pasta, rice, or vegetables, this dish offers endless possibilities for customization. Its origins in classic Italian flavors make it a timeless recipe that never goes out of style.
If you’re looking for a crowd pleasing meal that feels fancy without requiring hours in the kitchen, this is the perfect dish to try. Give it a go, and it might just become your new go-to chicken recipe!