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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving When I make Hearty Creamy Basil Chicken, I love how simple the ingredients are. You only need a few items to create rich flavors. Start with the chicken. I prefer boneless, skinless breasts. They cook evenly and soak up the sauce well. Next, heavy cream is the star of this dish. It adds a rich, creamy texture. Fresh basil gives a bright, herbal note that lifts the dish. I always chop the basil finely to release its oils. For seasonings, I use olive oil for cooking. It adds flavor and helps brown the chicken. Salt and black pepper enhance the taste. Italian seasoning brings a warm, aromatic touch. Garlic is a must for me. I use fresh cloves, minced finely. They add depth to the sauce. Cherry tomatoes, halved, add a pop of color and sweetness. Finally, I finish the dish with grated Parmesan cheese. It adds a savory kick and ties everything together. You can find the full recipe in the article for more detailed steps. Enjoy cooking and savoring this delightful meal! - Seasoning the chicken breasts Start by seasoning the chicken breasts. Use salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Coat both sides evenly. This adds flavor and enhances the dish. - Cooking on the skillet Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet. Set the heat to medium-high. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color. Make sure they are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. - Sautéing the garlic In the same skillet, add three minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about one minute. You want the garlic to become fragrant. This brings out its rich flavor. - Adding the heavy cream Pour in one cup of heavy cream after the garlic. Stir well to mix. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits add great taste to the sauce. - Incorporating cherry tomatoes and basil Next, add one cup of halved cherry tomatoes and one cup of chopped fresh basil. Stir these into the cream sauce. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. This thickens the sauce and blends the flavors. - Blending flavors with cooked chicken Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Coat them with the creamy basil sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes. This step is key to ensuring all the flavors meld beautifully. For the complete recipe, check out the full recipe section. Enjoy your cooking! To ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). This way, you avoid undercooking or drying it out. Also, cook the chicken in batches if your skillet is small. This helps it brown nicely. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer. The heavy cream will reduce and thicken. You can also add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water. This trick works great to achieve the perfect creamy texture. Experimenting with additional herbs can elevate the dish. Try adding thyme or oregano for a twist. Fresh herbs bring bright flavors. You can mix in a bit of parsley for a fresh pop. For suggested spices, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. This adds warmth without overpowering the dish. You can also use smoked paprika for a subtle depth. Plating is key for an appealing dish. Use a large plate and place the chicken in the center. Pour the creamy sauce around it for a lovely look. Add the cherry tomatoes on top for color. Garnishing with Parmesan adds a nice touch. Grate fresh Parmesan over the dish just before serving. It enhances the flavor and makes it look gourmet. This simple step can impress your guests! {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken for turkey or tofu. Turkey is lean and has a mild taste. It cooks in a similar way. Just season it like chicken. For a plant-based option, use firm tofu. Press it to remove water, then cut it into cubes. Cook it until golden brown before adding to the sauce. You can also cook with shrimp. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice touch. Just add them to the sauce after the garlic and let them simmer until pink. If you need gluten-free options, make sure to use gluten-free broth or cream. Check the labels to ensure no hidden gluten. For those looking to cut carbs, try zucchini noodles. Spiralize the zucchini and sauté it briefly. This will create a light and fresh base for the creamy sauce. It’s a great way to enjoy the dish without the added carbs. You can add sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor. Just chop them and stir them into the sauce. They bring a sweet and tangy taste that pairs well with basil. Another option is to incorporate a splash of white wine. Add it after the garlic, letting it cook down a bit. This will deepen the flavor of the sauce. These simple tweaks can make your dish even more special. For the full recipe, visit the Hearty Creamy Basil Chicken page. To keep your Hearty Creamy Basil Chicken fresh, store it in an airtight container. This method helps lock in the flavors and keeps it safe from contamination. Make sure to let the dish cool before sealing it. Your leftovers will last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. You can freeze Hearty Creamy Basil Chicken for later enjoyment. Portion the dish into freezer-safe containers. If you plan to freeze it, do so within a day or two of cooking. This dish can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, you can use the microwave, but be careful not to cook it. For the best taste, reheat Hearty Creamy Basil Chicken on the stove over low heat. This method helps maintain the creamy texture. Stir the sauce gently to avoid sticking. You can also use the microwave, but heat it in short bursts to prevent overcooking. Stir in between to ensure even heating. Enjoy every bite of this rich dish! For the full recipe, check out the recipe card above. To make this dish gluten-free, you can use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. This keeps the creamy texture without any wheat. You can also ensure that all other ingredients, like chicken broth, are gluten-free. Check labels to be sure. If you want a lighter option, try using coconut milk or almond milk mixed with a bit of cornstarch. Another option is Greek yogurt, which adds creaminess and protein. You can also use half-and-half for a less rich taste while still keeping the dish creamy. Yes, you can prep Hearty Creamy Basil Chicken in advance. Cook the chicken and sauce, then store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the chicken and sauce together in a skillet. This way, the flavors blend nicely again. For best results, eat it within three days. For the full recipe, check the recipe section above! This recipe for Hearty Creamy Basil Chicken showcases simple ingredients. It combines chicken, fresh basil, and rich cream for a tasty meal. You learned how to cook the chicken and make the sauce. We shared tips to enhance flavor and presentation. You can try protein swaps and dietary changes for variety. In conclusion, this dish is both easy and flexible. Enjoy making it for family or friends. Your cooking will impress with its rich flavors and vibrant colors.

Hearty Creamy Basil Chicken

Discover the ultimate comfort dish with this Hearty Creamy Basil Chicken recipe! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a delicious meal featuring tender chicken breasts in a rich cream sauce, bursting with fresh basil and cherry tomatoes. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this dish will impress your family and friends. Click through for the full recipe and transform your dinner table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.

    Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

      Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

        Add Tomatoes and Basil: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped basil leaves into the cream sauce. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

          Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken breasts back to the skillet, coating them in the creamy basil sauce. Let it simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.

            Serve: Remove from heat and plate the chicken, generously drizzling the creamy basil sauce over the top. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese to taste.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 servings