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.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Olive oil – use any neutral cooking oil like canola or avocado oil.
- Chicken cutlets – you can also slice two boneless skinless chicken breasts in half lengthwise or use chicken thighs instead.
- Butter – substitute for your favourite butter alternative.
- 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 in this recipe.
- Salt & pepper – to taste.
- Heavy cream – use half and half for a lower-calorie alternative (just keep in the mind the sauce won’t be as creamy).
- Parmesan cheese – nutritional yeast is the best dairy-free substitute.
- Basil – fresh herbs are best. You can use dried basil but the taste won’t be the same.
- Broccoli – use frozen broccoli florets instead.
How to make creamy basil chicken
- Microwave the broccoli.
- Season the chicken breasts.
- Sear until browned.
- Sauté the butter, garlic and sundried tomatoes.
- Add the cream, parmesan and salt and pepper.
- Mix in the basil and chicken then serve!
What to serve on the side
Brown rice or quinoa are both delicious with creamy chicken dishes like this one. You could also serve it over pasta that has been drizzled with a little olive oil.
For a lower-carb option, you can serve it with mashed cauliflower or cauliflower fried rice, or just leave it as is with the broccoli on the side.
Frequently Asked Questions
This delicious dish is made up of chicken cutlets and a creamy basil parmesan sauce. The basil in the sauce adds the perfect amount of flavour to the chicken!
Since this recipe uses chicken cutlets, you don’t have to cook the chicken for very long. Just sear it for 3 to 4 minutes per side until browned.
There are 457 calories per serving in this creamy basil chicken skillet.
Storing and reheating
This chicken skillet dish will last in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. Store any leftovers in airtight glass containers and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Freezing this recipe
You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe bags or lidded containers and freeze it as one meal or separate it into individual portions. If you’re making this ahead of time to freeze for later, leave out the broccoli and make it fresh when you’re ready to eat.
Thaw the chicken and sauce in the fridge overnight, then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated all the way through.
More delicious skillet recipes
Meal prep tools for this recipe
- 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.
Creamy Basil Chicken Skillet {One Pan}
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken cutlets (4 cutlets, or 2 chicken breasts sliced in half lengthwise)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/4 tsp salt & pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 cup basil, roughly chopped
- 1 head broccoli, chopped into florets
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over med-high heat. Season chicken cutlets with salt & pepper, then add to pan, searing on each side for 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Meanwhile, add broccoli florets to a large bowl filled with water and microwave for 7-8 minutes. Drain water from broccoli and set aside.
- Add butter to the skillet, then add garlic and sundried tomatoes and saute for 30 seconds. Add cream, bringing to a boil, then stir in parmesan cheese and salt & pepper. Add basil leaves and cook for another 30 seconds until wilted, then add chicken back to skillet.
- Serve basil chicken alongside broccoli, garnishing with extra chopped basil and parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Kayelizarod says
Tasty and easy! I sliced it and served over rice. Definitely plan to make this again!
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so happy you enjoyed!
Marcia Bush says
It was easy and very good!
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so glad you enjoyed 🙂
Cindy Fairley says
Easy, fast and flavourful! Company worthy. Side note broccoli is a side and not part of the chicken dish. Use whatever veggie or side that works for you. I also served with rice. So so delicious.
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so happy you enjoyed, Cindy 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing your review!
Sarah says
What are some sides that would compliment this dish? ♡
Taylor Stinson says
Hi Sarah – I actually list some side dish ideas in the post under the heading “what to serve” 🙂
Sarah Hickey says
Oh! I totally missed that! Thank you!
Santa Woodcroft says
Best chicken recipe!! A family favorite!! Have shared this with so many and always a big hot with everyone!
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so happy it’s such a hit with you guys! 🙂