If you’re looking for simple dinner ideas, you’ve come to the right place! I love a good chicken dinner, especially when it involves a creamy basil sauce. It just feels so comforting and tastes amazing.
These two easy chicken recipes all feature that wonderful basil cream, making them perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something flavorful without a lot of fuss. You’ll find a favorite here, I promise!
Jump to Recipe:
Easy Chicken In Creamy Basil Sauce Recipe
This simple chicken recipe brings together tender chicken with a rich, creamy basil sauce. It’s perfect for a quick dinner that still feels special.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Creamy Basil Chicken
- Fresh Basil: Don’t skip fresh basil; it gives the best flavor to the sauce. Add it at the end to keep its bright color and taste.
- Cream Base: Heavy cream makes the sauce extra rich. You can use half-and-half for a lighter option, but it won’t be as thick.
What You Need for Easy Creamy Basil Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 25 Mins🍽️ Yields: 2-3 servings
How to Make Creamy Basil Chicken
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat a little oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the Basil Cream Sauce
In the same pan, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the chopped fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the basil cream sauce. Stir everything together to make sure the chicken is well coated. Serve hot with your favorite side dish.
📝 Final Note
This dish tastes great with pasta, rice, or a side of steamed vegetables. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Easy Chicken With Tomato Basil Cream Sauce
This recipe combines juicy chicken with a delicious tomato basil cream sauce. It’s an easy meal that feels like it took much longer to make.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Tomato Basil Chicken
- Canned Tomatoes: Use good quality canned crushed tomatoes for the best sauce base. Diced tomatoes work too if you prefer a chunkier texture.
- Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs stay very moist and add extra depth of flavor to the sauce. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can also be used if preferred.
What You Need for Easy Tomato Basil Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Olive oil, salt, pepper
⏱️ Time: 30 Mins🍽️ Yields: 2-3 servings
How to Make Tomato Basil Chicken
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 4-5 minutes per side until nicely browned. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Tomato Cream Sauce
In the same pan, add the crushed tomatoes and bring them to a simmer. Let them cook for 5 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and chopped fresh basil.
Step 3: Finish Cooking and Serve
Return the browned chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the tomato basil cream sauce. Lower the heat, cover the pan, and let the chicken finish cooking in the sauce for another 10-15 minutes, or until tender and cooked through. Serve hot.
📝 Final Note
A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese over the top makes this dish extra delicious. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up all the great sauce.
