Name: Chicken in Basil Cream Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup milk; ¼ cup dried bread crumbs; 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts; 3 tablespoons butter; ½ cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 (4 ounce) jar sliced pimento peppers, drained; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ¼ cup chopped fresh basil; ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

Jump to Recipe

Picture this: tender chicken breasts sizzling gently in a buttery skillet, the kitchen filling with the mouthwatering aroma of garlic, fresh basil, and rich, creamy Parmesan. As the velvety basil cream sauce wraps around each juicy bite, you can almost taste the burst of flavors melting on your tongue. This Chicken in Basil Cream Recipe is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, luxurious, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or treating yourself, this recipe promises an unforgettable meal without hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken in Basil Cream Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe fits perfectly into a busy weeknight schedule without compromising on taste.
Simple Ingredients: Made with common pantry staples plus fresh basil for a delightful twist that’s easy to find and easy to love.
Perfect for Weeknights: Minimal prep, minimal fuss, loads of flavor—ideal when you want a homemade meal without the hassle.
Impressive Presentation: The creamy basil sauce with vibrant pimento peppers delivers a restaurant-quality dish right at your dinner table.
Customizable: Easily adjust herbs or cheese to suit your taste, making this recipe your very own culinary masterpiece.

Why This Chicken in Basil Cream Recipe Works

This Chicken in Basil Cream Recipe shines thanks to its brilliance in technique and ingredient harmony. First, coating the chicken in breadcrumbs soaked in milk ensures a tender, juicy breast with a perfectly crisp crust. Cooking the chicken in butter delivers a rich, golden-brown finish. Next, deglazing the pan with chicken broth lifts all those deeply flavorful browned bits to build a luscious sauce base. Finishing with heavy cream, fresh basil, and aged Parmesan adds a velvety texture and an aromatic freshness that balances richness beautifully, creating a dish that’s both decadent and comforting.

Large white ceramic serving dish filled with several golden, crispy pan-fried fish fillets arranged neatly, generously topped with creamy white sauce infused with cracked black pepper and chunks of red bell peppers, served with a bed of fluffy white rice, whole dish styled on a white marble countertop, natural lighting highlighting the textures and colors, professional food magazine hero shot taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple yet essential ingredients come together to form a wonderfully balanced plate that’s creamy, herby, and satisfying.

¼ cup milk: Softens the breadcrumbs and helps the coating stick to the chicken.
¼ cup dried bread crumbs: Adds a crispy, golden texture on the outside of the chicken.
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts: The tender protein star of the dish, quick to cook and easy to dress.
3 tablespoons butter: Creates a rich base for frying and infuses flavor.
½ cup chicken broth: Deglazes the pan to capture those flavorful bits for the sauce.
1 cup heavy whipping cream: Provides the luscious, silky texture of the cream sauce.
1 (4 ounce) jar sliced pimento peppers, drained: Adds vibrant color and a gentle sweetness with a hint of peppery warmth.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers savory depth and a satisfying sharpness.
¼ cup chopped fresh basil: Brings a fresh, aromatic note that brightens the whole dish.
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper: A subtle seasoning kick to balance the creaminess.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

Milk: You can swap for half-and-half for extra creaminess or a dairy-free milk like almond milk if needed.
Bread crumbs: Try panko for a lighter, crunchier texture or crushed gluten-free crackers for a special diet.
Chicken broth: Vegetable broth is a great substitute for a lighter flavor and suits vegetarian variations.
Parmesan cheese: Pecorino Romano can add a saltier, tangier edge, or a vegan Parmesan alternative for dairy-free preferences.

👨‍🍳 Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Choose even-sized chicken breasts: To ensure even cooking and juicy results throughout.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook chicken in batches if needed to maintain crispy crust and caramelization.
Use fresh basil: For the most vibrant flavor, add basil just before serving.
Deglaze properly: Scrape the pan well while adding broth to capture all those flavorful bits.
Simmer gently: Avoid boiling the sauce too long to keep it silky without splitting.

How to Make Chicken in Basil Cream Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place milk in one shallow bowl and dried bread crumbs in another. Dip each chicken breast first in the milk, allowing it to soak for a moment, then coat thoroughly with the bread crumbs. This creates the perfect base for a crunchy, golden crust once cooked.

💡 Pro Tip: Pat the bread crumbs firmly to the chicken for a more even crust.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat the butter over medium heat in a skillet until melted and slightly bubbling. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook on each side for about 5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The juices should run clear when pierced. Remove the chicken and keep it warm on a plate.

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid flipping too often—let the chicken sear fully before turning to lock in juices.

Step 3: Make the Basil Cream Sauce

Pour the chicken broth into the hot skillet, bringing it to a boil while stirring and scraping the browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream and drained pimento peppers, letting everything bubble together for about one minute.

💡 Pro Tip: Those browned bits contain concentrated flavor—don’t skip this step!

Step 4: Add Cheese, Basil, and Seasoning

Reduce the heat to low and add the grated Parmesan, freshly chopped basil, and ground black pepper. Stir gently until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens just enough to coat a spoon.

💡 Pro Tip: Stir continuously to prevent the cream from sticking or curdling.

Step 5: Serve with Love

Pour the luscious basil cream sauce generously over the chicken breasts. Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce’s creamiest texture and the aromatic freshness bursting from the basil.

💡 Pro Tip: Garnish with a few whole basil leaves for a beautiful final touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls:

Overcrowding the pan: Leading to steamed, soggy chicken instead of crispy crust.
Undercooking the chicken: Always cook until juices run clear for safety and tenderness.
Skipping the deglazing step: Missing out on the rich flavor base for the sauce.
Boiling the sauce: Can cause the cream to curdle and lose silkiness.
Using dried basil instead of fresh: Results in a less vibrant, flat flavor.
Not draining the pimentos: Excess moisture can thin out the cream sauce.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic Chicken in Basil Cream Recipe, why not explore some tasty twists? All are halal-friendly and sure to delight.

Lemon Basil Chicken Cream

Add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to the cream sauce for a bright citrus zing that cuts beautifully through the richness.

Garlic Basil Cream Chicken

Sauté 2-3 minced garlic cloves with the butter before frying chicken to infuse the sauce with warm, aromatic depth.

Mushroom Basil Cream Chicken

Add sliced mushrooms to the pan after cooking the chicken, sauté until tender, then incorporate into the cream sauce for an earthy, hearty touch.

Spinach Basil Cream Chicken

Stir in a handful of fresh spinach leaves to the sauce at the very end for vibrant color and a healthy boost.

Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Cream Chicken

Swap pimento peppers for chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a sweeter, slightly tangy flavor explosion.

How to Serve Chicken in Basil Cream Recipe

Single white plate featuring one crispy golden-fried fish fillet topped with a creamy white sauce speckled with cracked black pepper and garnished with vibrant, tender red bell pepper slices, served alongside a neat mound of fluffy white rice, close-up angled shot revealing the flaky texture of the fish beneath the sauce, natural lighting highlighting the contrast between the crispy exterior and smooth sauce, presented on a white marble surface, styled like a food blog single plated serving photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper make perfect final touches.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy jasmine or basmati rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chicken sliced atop a bed of buttery pasta or alongside roasted vegetables arranged in vibrant colors for a feast for the eyes and palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days to enjoy later without losing flavor or texture.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, but cooking time will increase. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

If you use gluten-free bread crumbs, this recipe can be enjoyed by those avoiding gluten.

Can I substitute fresh basil with dried basil?

Fresh basil provides the best flavor and aroma, but dried basil can be used in a pinch. Use about one-third the amount and add earlier in cooking.

What can I serve instead of chicken broth?

Vegetable broth or even water with a pinch of salt can work, but chicken broth adds the richest flavor.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free butter substitutes, plant-based cream, and vegan Parmesan alternatives to adapt this recipe.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked properly?

Cook until juices run clear and an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

It’s best freshly made, but you can prepare the sauce in advance and gently reheat while cooking the chicken fresh.

What if I don’t have pimento peppers?

Roasted red peppers or chopped sun-dried tomatoes make excellent alternatives with similar sweetness and color.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about a meal that feels indulgent yet comes together with ease. This Chicken in Basil Cream Recipe delivers that perfect balance of creamy, herby, and comforting, all wrapped up in less than 30 minutes of your time. It’s a shining example of how simple ingredients can create a show-stopping dish that brightens any dinner table.

Have you tried this Chicken in Basil Cream Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below. If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family. Happy cooking! 🍽️