Description
Tender chicken breasts in a rich, aromatic cream sauce with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. Ready in 30 minutes for an elegant weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves for garnish
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- 1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Remove and tent with foil.
- 2. Reduce heat to medium, add 1 tablespoon butter. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 3. Add wine, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 2-3 minutes until reduced by half.
- 4. Add heavy cream, bring to gentle simmer. Cook 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- 5. Stir in Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, and remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- 6. Return chicken to skillet with juices. Simmer 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- 7. Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers up to 3 days refrigerated. Reheat gently over low heat, adding cream if needed. Fresh basil is essential for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g