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Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce a Comforting Classic

Learn how to make Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce a Comforting Classic at home.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced horizontally into 8 cutlets)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
For the Basil Cream Sauce
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth low sodium
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Prepare and Sear Chicken
  1. Pat chicken cutlets dry and season evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Build the Cream Sauce
  1. Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the skillet, and allow it to melt. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Pour in white wine (or extra broth) and scrape up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine reduce slightly for 1 minute.
  3. Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has slightly thickened and reduced.
Finish and Serve
  1. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the chopped fresh basil until the cheese is melted and the basil is wilted.
  2. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings (salt and pepper) as needed.
  3. Return the seared chicken cutlets to the skillet, spooning the basil cream sauce over them. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or vegetables.