Creamy Basil Chicken Skillet {One Pan}

This Creamy Basil Chicken Skillet is an easy one-pan meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes with the yummiest basil and parmesan sauce.

Everyone I make this for asks for the recipe – trust me, you’ll be wanting to eat the sauce with a spoon! Bonus: it’s an amazing romantic dinner idea that’ll impress any date.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• One pan wonder: Everything is made in one pan for easier prep (and easier cleanup).
• Yummy sauce: The creamy basil sauce with sundried tomatoes is sooooo good.

Ingredients and substitutions

• Olive oil – use any neutral cooking oil like avocado oil.
• Chicken cutlets ­– chicken thighs would also work.
• Butter – or a butter alternative like margarine.
• Garlic – fresh minced garlic is best but jarred minced garlic will work in a pinch.
• Sun-dried tomatoes – roasted red peppers would also be good here.
• Heavy cream – use half and half for a lower-calorie alternative.
• Parmesan cheese ­– nutritional yeast is the best dairy-free substitute.
• Fresh basil – you can use dried basil, but the taste won’t be the same.
• Broccoli – or another veggie like cauliflower.

How to make creamy basil chicken

Step 1: Brown the chicken.

Sear the chicken until browned, then set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the tomatoes.

Sauté the garlic and sundried tomatoes in butter.

Step 3: Make the sauce.

Add the cream, bring to a boil, then stir in the parmesan.

Step 4: Add the chicken.

Add the basil, cook until wilted, then add the chicken. Serve and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions

How do you thicken the sauce?

To make the sauce even thicker, add in a cornstarch slurry and let the sauce simmer.

Can you use another kind of protein?

This recipe would also be good with chicken thighs or shrimp! Keep in mind cooking time will vary.

What kind of basil should you use?

Fresh basil is key to the best flavour. Dried basil just won’t taste as good.

Serving suggestions

Here are some different ways to serve this chicken skillet:

• On its own with steamed broccoli
• Over brown rice or quinoa for a healthy option
• Over your favourite pasta noodles drizzled with a bit of olive oil
• With a side of cauliflower fried rice for a low-carb option

Storing and reheating

Storing: Store the leftovers in the fridge for 5 days.

Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 mins or in a skillet on the stovetop.

Freezing: I wouldn’t recommend freezing this recipe, since the cream will curdle when it thaws.

Meal prep tools

• Grab some glass meal prep bowls if you plan on turning this recipe into your weekly lunches.
• I get all my free-range chicken from Butcher Box, conveniently delivered to me frozen.
• Get a meat thermometer to make sure your chicken is cooked through.