Creamy Basil Chicken Skillet {One Pan}

This Creamy Basil Chicken is an easy one pan 30-minute dinner perfect for weeknights with a flavorful garlic parmesan basil sauce.

Everyone I make this for asks for the recipe, and once you try it, you’ll get why. The sauce is so good you’ll be tempted to eat it straight from the pan. It also makes such a great romantic dinner if you’re cooking for someone special.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Easy one pan dinner: This creamy basil chicken comes together in one skillet for minimal prep and easy cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Craveable sauce: The garlic parmesan basil sauce with sun-dried tomatoes is so flavorful and perfect for spooning over chicken and veggies.

Ingredients and substitutions

• Olive oil – use any neutral cooking oil like avocado oil.
• Chicken cutlets ­– chicken thighs work or shrimp would be nice.
• 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 – recommended. 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 in a large skillet, then set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the base

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: Finish and serve

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

Frequently asked questions

How do you thicken the sauce?

Make sure to let the cream and parmesan simmer for a bit so it thickens up before adding the chicken and basil. To make the sauce even thicker, add in a cornstarch slurry and let the sauce simmer.

Can I make this recipe lighter?

Yes! You can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half for a similar sauce. You could also use milk instead, but it won’t be as creamy. Use a little less cheese too, if needed.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

Fresh basil is really what gives this dish its flavour, so I highly recommend using it. 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.