Creamy Parmesan Basil Chicken
A delightful dish combining tender chicken breasts with a rich, flavorful cream sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound chicken breast (2 large breasts)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
For the Sauce
- 4 large garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 yellow onion (finely minced)
- 3-4 ounces roasted red peppers (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves plus more for garnish
- 1 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup white wine (or substitute chicken stock)
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces. Pound them out to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
Searing the Chicken
- In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side, until just cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Sautéing the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced onion, garlic, roasted red peppers, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions are softened.
Deglazing the Pan
- Pour in the white wine (or chicken stock) to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer until the liquid is reduced by half.
Making the Cream Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, then add the heavy cream, stirring until a creamy sauce forms. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Finishing the Sauce
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted into the sauce. Add the fresh basil leaves and let them wilt in the sauce for 1-2 minutes.
Combining and Serving
- Return the chicken to the skillet, allowing it to warm up briefly in the sauce. Serve hot, garnished with additional basil if desired.
Notes
Fresh basil can be replaced with dried basil in a pinch, though the flavor may differ slightly. Consider adding veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition.