Chicken In Basil Cream Sauce

Indulge in this rich and flavorful Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce, a dish that perfectly marries tender, crispy chicken with a luxurious cream sauce infused with the vibrant flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese. This recipe is a fantastic option for a cozy dinner, offering a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup milk – Helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken, giving it a crispy crust.
• 1/2 cup dried Italian bread crumbs – Adds flavor and texture to the chicken.
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts – Thinly sliced or pounded to ensure even cooking.
• 3 tablespoons butter – Used for cooking the chicken and adding richness to the sauce.
• 1 clove garlic (1/2 teaspoon minced) – Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth – Provides depth of flavor and helps deglaze the pan.
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream – The base of the luxurious, creamy sauce.
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped – Adds a sweet-tart burst of flavor and a pop of color to the dish.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty, salty richness to the sauce.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil – Brightens the dish with its fresh, aromatic flavor.
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper – A touch of seasoning to finish the sauce.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by placing the milk and Italian bread crumbs in separate shallow bowls. If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces, or use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and stays tender.
2. Coat and Cook the Chicken: Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Dip each chicken breast in the milk, then coat it thoroughly with the bread crumbs. Place the coated chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and the juices run clear. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm.
3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to enhance the flavor. Bring the broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in the heavy cream and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, allowing the mixture to boil and thicken slightly for about 1 minute.
4. Finish the Sauce: Reduce the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, and black pepper. Continue to cook the sauce, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through and reaches your desired thickness. For a thicker sauce, simply cook it a bit longer, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Serve: Place the cooked chicken on a serving plate and generously spoon the basil cream sauce over the top. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired, and serve immediately.

Tips:

• Chicken Thickness: Thinner chicken breasts cook more evenly and quickly. If your chicken breasts are thick, be sure to slice or pound them to an even thickness before cooking.
• Sauce Thickness: The cream sauce will thicken as it cooks. If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply let it simmer longer until it reaches the consistency you like.
• Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a simple green vegetable like asparagus or green beans.
• Make Ahead: The sauce can be prepared in advance and reheated just before serving. Store it separately from the chicken to maintain the chicken’s crispy texture.

This Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is a comforting and elegant dish that is sure to impress. The crispy chicken combined with the creamy, flavorful sauce makes it a perfect choice for a special dinner or a delightful weeknight meal.