This easy chicken dish features tender pieces of chicken smothered in a creamy basil sauce that’s bursting with flavor. It’s quick to make and perfect for a cozy dinner!
I love how the fresh basil brightens up the creamy sauce. Serve it over rice or pasta for an extra yummy meal. Your taste buds will thank you! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless are the best choice for this dish. If you’re looking to keep it lighter, you can opt for turkey cutlets instead!
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce a rich texture. If you’re trying to lighten things up, consider using half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
Sour Cream: This adds tanginess. You can substitute Greek yogurt for a healthier option; it will also give that creamy consistency.
Fresh Basil: Essential for flavor! If fresh isn’t available, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried basil. But fresh really elevates the dish!
How Do You Get Perfectly Crispy Chicken?
To achieve a wonderfully crispy chicken, the breading process is key. Make sure to pound the chicken to an even thickness so it cooks evenly. When breading, press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to help them stick. This will create a delicious crunchy coating!
- Set up your breading station with separate bowls for flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
- Dip in flour, then eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs—pressing firmly.
- Fry on medium heat for 4-5 minutes each side until golden brown.
Keeping the oil hot enough is important too—if it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb oil and become greasy instead of crispy.
Easy Chicken in Creamy Basil Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded thin or butterflied)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned preferred)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Basil Sauce:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to cook. Overall, you’re looking at around 30-35 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a quick and delicious dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps them cook evenly. Season both sides with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
2. Set Up Your Breading Station:
In three shallow dishes, set up your breading station: place flour in one dish, whisk the eggs in another, and mix the breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan in the third dish.
3. Bread the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and dip it first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally, coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to make sure they stick well.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken breasts. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm on a plate.
5. Make the Creamy Basil Sauce:
In the same skillet (don’t clean it out), lower the heat to low and add the butter. Once it melts, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, stir in the heavy cream and sour cream, mixing well while scraping up any tasty browned bits from the pan.
6. Add the Flavor:
Add in the finely chopped fresh basil and lemon juice, if using. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens up slightly.
7. Serve Up:
Pour the creamy basil sauce over the cooked chicken breasts. It’s deliciously aromatic and ready to be enjoyed!
8. Enjoy:
Serve immediately with steamed broccoli or your favorite vegetable, and a side of rice or pasta to enjoy the luscious sauce. Enjoy your tender, crispy chicken in creamy basil sauce!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work wonderfully in this recipe as they tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through compared to breasts.
How Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
You can use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative for the heavy cream and skip the sour cream; instead, consider using a plant-based yogurt. It’ll still be rich and creamy without the dairy!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Basil?
If fresh basil isn’t available, you can use dried basil instead, but use about 1 teaspoon because dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. Alternatively, fresh parsley or spinach can also add some great flavor to the sauce!
