I know you love easy weeknight meals, and what’s better than chicken bathed in a beautiful cream and basil sauce? Today, I’m sharing two fantastic chicken recipes that make dinner simple and truly tasty.
These recipes are perfect if you want something comforting, quick, and full of flavor. I promise they’ll become new favorites in your cooking routine!
Jump to Recipe:
Easy Chicken In Creamy Basil Sauce Recipe
This dish is a weeknight dream! You get tender chicken simmered in a luscious, herb-infused cream sauce that comes together in minutes.
It’s simple, elegant, and tastes amazing over pasta, rice, or with some crusty bread.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Creamy Basil Chicken
- Chicken Thighs or Breasts: I like boneless, skinless thighs for their juiciness, but breasts work great too. Just adjust cooking time.
- Fresh Basil is Key: Don’t use dried basil here. The fresh herb makes a huge difference in the sauce’s flavor.
- Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: Heavy cream gives a thicker, richer sauce. Half-and-half can be used for a lighter option, but the sauce will be thinner.
What You Need for Creamy Basil Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 servings
How to Make Easy Creamy Basil Chicken
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Season your chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and almost cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 2: Build the Creamy Basil Sauce
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Stir in the heavy cream and chopped fresh basil. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
📝 Final Note
This creamy basil chicken is fantastic served with a side of steamed green beans or a light salad. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Easy Chicken With Tomato Basil Cream Sauce
Get ready for a vibrant and satisfying meal! This chicken recipe features a bright, creamy tomato basil sauce that’s incredibly simple to prepare.
It’s a perfect choice when you want a homemade dinner that feels special but takes very little effort.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Tomato Basil Cream Chicken
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: They add a lovely tang and texture to the sauce. Crushed tomatoes also work if you prefer a smoother sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: A little grated Parmesan stirred into the sauce gives it extra depth and a wonderful salty kick.
- Fresh Herbs are Best: Just like the previous recipe, fresh basil is truly best here for that bright flavor.
What You Need for Tomato Basil Cream Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 servings
How to Make Tomato Basil Cream Chicken
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-6 minutes per side until golden brown and mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 2: Start the Tomato Basil Sauce
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (undrained) and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
Step 3: Finish and Serve
Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh chopped basil. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and gently heat through for 2-3 minutes, making sure the chicken is fully cooked. Taste the sauce and add more salt or pepper if you like.
📝 Final Note
This tomato basil cream sauce chicken is fantastic with pasta, rice, or even zucchini noodles. It reheats well, making it a good option for meal prep!
