Name: Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts; ½ cup milk; ¾ cup dried Italian breadcrumbs; 3 Tbsp butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; ¼ cup chopped fresh basil; ¼ tsp black pepper

This Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is one of those dishes that looks elegant on the plate but is incredibly easy to make. I love how it pairs juicy breaded chicken with a rich, creamy basil-Parmesan sauce—it’s perfect for both weeknight meals and special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it feels indulgent without being fussy. The chicken is coated in breadcrumbs and lightly pan-fried until golden, then finished in the oven to stay juicy. The real magic happens with the sauce—made with garlic, cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, and fresh basil—it’s silky, flavorful, and absolutely spoon-worthy. It comes together quickly and always impresses.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ cup milk
¾ cup Italian-style dried breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons butter

For the Basil Cream Sauce

2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy whipping cream
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 275°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create four cutlets. Pound them to about ½ inch thickness.
Dip the chicken pieces in milk, then dredge them in breadcrumbs until evenly coated.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden on both sides, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and place in the oven to keep warm.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the pan to deglaze.
Stir in the cream and bring the mixture to a light boil. Reduce the heat and mix in Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and black pepper. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the oven, ensure it has reached 165°F internally, and pour the basil cream sauce over the top. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and another 15 minutes to cook, making the total time around 30 minutes. It’s great for a quick dinner that feels like a treat.

Variations

I sometimes skip the breading and just sear the chicken for a low-carb version.
For a nutty twist, I like to sprinkle toasted pine nuts over the finished dish.
If I’m out of basil, I swap it with chopped parsley or even baby spinach.
I’ve also used boneless chicken thighs—they’re just as tasty and a little juicier.
Adding a splash of white wine to the sauce deepens the flavor beautifully.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I preheat the oven to 350°F and warm the chicken covered with foil for about 10 minutes. For a quicker method, I reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, I can prepare the chicken and sauce separately ahead of time. I just reheat both gently and combine them before serving.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

I sometimes use half-and-half or even evaporated milk. The sauce won’t be as rich, but it still works well.

How do I keep the chicken crispy?

After frying, I place the chicken in a warm oven uncovered to maintain its crisp texture while I make the sauce.

Can I freeze this dish?

I don’t recommend freezing it because the cream sauce can separate when thawed and reheated.

What should I serve with it?

I like to serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. The sauce pairs well with all of them.

Conclusion

This Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is one of my go-to meals when I want something comforting, flavorful, and a little fancy without much effort. It’s always a hit at the table and easy enough to whip up even on a busy night. The creamy basil sauce is what truly makes this dish unforgettable.