Succulent Basil Chicken Recipe

Whip Up This Dreamy Creamy Basil Chicken Recipe Today

Tender chicken breasts dance with vibrant flavors in this mouthwatering basil chicken delight recipe that promises pure culinary bliss.

The rich, velvety sauce swirls around perfectly seasoned meat, creating a symphony of taste that will make your dinner table sing.

Aromatic basil leaves infuse every bite with a fresh, herbaceous essence that cuts through the creamy texture.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients come together in a harmonious blend that feels both elegant and comforting.

Each forkful delivers a luxurious experience that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

This simple yet sophisticated dish brings restaurant-quality magic right to your kitchen.

You’ll fall in love with how quickly and easily these flavors come together for a memorable dining experience.

Storing Chicken with Cream Sauce the Smart Way

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Transfer leftovers into airtight glass containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Refrigeration Strategy: Store the creamy basil chicken in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep the temperature consistently below 40°F to ensure food safety.
  • Freezing Techniques: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and label with the date. Frozen meals stay delicious for 2-3 months when properly sealed.
  • Reheating Wisdom: Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore the creamy consistency and prevent drying out. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 5

Creamy Basil Chicken Ingredient List

For Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: Lean protein packed with flavor, choose fresh, organic cuts for the best taste and texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, nutty depth and creamy protein boost, select freshly grated for maximum flavor intensity.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Onion: Creates aromatic base with sweet undertones, select firm yellow or white onions for robust taste.
  • Garlic: Provides bold, zesty kick that elevates entire dish, choose plump, firm cloves with no green sprouts.
  • Basil: Brings fresh, herbal brightness, pick vibrant green leaves with no wilting or dark spots.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Introduces tangy, concentrated tomato essence, opt for soft, pliable pieces without excessive dryness.
For Creamy Base:
  • Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: Delivers smooth, velvety foundation for the dish, look for low-sodium options.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds liquid depth and supporting flavor, choose low-sodium varieties for better control.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky texture, select high-quality cream for richest consistency.
  • Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking medium with subtle fruity notes, use extra virgin for best flavor.

Kitchen Setup for Basil Cream Chicken Success

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking chicken and creating the creamy sauce, with deep sides perfect for simmering.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precisely cutting chicken, onions, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil into uniform pieces.
  • Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for safely chopping ingredients without damaging countertops.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking while cooking.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities for consistent flavor.
  • Colander or Strainer: Optional, useful for draining any excess liquid if needed.

How to Cook This Creamy Chicken Blend

  • Chicken Preparation

Slice chicken into delicate morsels, ready for a flavor-packed journey. The key is creating bite-sized pieces that will absorb all the delicious seasonings.

  • Sizzling Golden Base

Warm olive oil in a spacious pot, creating a golden stage for our chicken. Season the meat with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, then allow it to dance and brown beautifully.

  • Aromatic Foundation

Introduce chopped onions and fragrant garlic to the pot. Let them soften and release their incredible essence, creating a rich landscape of flavor.

  • Creamy Flavor Fusion

Blend in velvety cream of chicken soup, smooth chicken broth, luxurious heavy cream, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. Fold in vibrant sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil for an explosion of tastes.

  • Gentle Simmering

Lower the heat and let everything mingle and whisper together. Cover the pot and allow the ingredients to become intimate friends for 15-20 minutes, transforming into a harmonious culinary masterpiece.

  • Final Flourish

Taste and adjust seasonings. Ladle into warm bowls and crown with extra Parmesan and fresh basil leaves if desired. Enjoy your creamy, comforting creation.

Extra Flavor Tips for Basil Chicken Dishes

  • Flavor Boosting Tricks: Marinate chicken in Italian herbs and lemon juice for an extra zesty kick before cooking.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter, lactose-free version that still delivers rich taste.
  • Perfect Pasta Pairing: Serve this creamy chicken dish over al dente linguine, penne, or rice to soak up the delicious sauce and make the meal more substantial.
  • Veggie Power-Up: Toss in some fresh spinach, sliced mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers during the final simmering stage to add more nutrition and color to the dish.
  • Spice Level Control: For those who love a bit of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to give the creamy chicken a subtle warming sensation that won't overpower the delicate basil and sun-dried tomato flavors.

Serving Creamy Basil Chicken with Sides

  • Pasta Perfect Pairing: Ladle this creamy chicken delight over al dente linguine or fettuccine to create a restaurant-worthy meal that transforms the dish into a luxurious pasta experience.
  • Crusty Bread Companion: Serve alongside warm, toasted garlic bread or a rustic ciabatta to soak up the rich, velvety sauce and capture every delicious drop of flavor.
  • Salad Sidekick: Balance the richness with a crisp, light side salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy chicken.
  • Veggie Boost: Enhance the nutritional profile by stirring in some fresh spinach or roasted zucchini during the final simmering stage, adding color, texture, and extra nutrients to the dish.
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Succulent Basil Chicken Recipe

Succulent Basil Chicken Recipe


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4.9 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Basil chicken delight combines fresh herbs with tender meat in a luscious sauce. Rich Mediterranean flavors create a memorable dining experience you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 can (10.75 oz / 305 g) condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
  • ½ cup (75 g) chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup (40 g) sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
  • ¼ cup (15 g) chopped fresh basil
  • ½ tsp (2.5 g) salt
  • ¼ tsp (1.25 g) black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Cube chicken into uniform pieces, finely dice onions and garlic, chop sun-dried tomatoes and basil leaves with precision.
  2. Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear until achieving a golden-brown crust.
  3. Aromatics: Add onions and garlic to the skillet, sauté until translucent and fragrant, releasing their aromatic essence.
  4. Sauce Creation: Pour in condensed chicken soup, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, stirring to create a smooth, rich sauce. Fold in sun-dried tomatoes and chopped basil.
  5. Simmering: Reduce heat, cover skillet, and allow chicken to simmer gently, developing tender texture and allowing flavors to meld completely, approximately 15-18 minutes.
  6. Finishing: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Transfer to serving dishes, garnish with additional Parmesan shavings and fresh basil leaves for an elegant final touch.

Notes

  • Precise Chicken Preparation: Cut chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Strategic Searing Technique: Brown chicken thoroughly before adding other ingredients to lock in rich, deep flavors and create a golden exterior that enhances overall taste.
  • Cream Sauce Stability: Whisk sauce ingredients carefully to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency that coats the chicken perfectly.
  • Herb Freshness Matters: Add fresh basil at the end of cooking to preserve its vibrant flavor and aroma, maximizing the dish’s aromatic profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 40 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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