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
Step 1: Microwave the broccoli.
Add broccoli florets to a large bowl filled with water and microwave for 7-8 minutes. Drain water from broccoli and set aside.
Step 2: Season the chicken.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over med-high heat. Season chicken cutlets with salt & pepper, then add to pan.
Step 3: Sear until browned.
Sear on each side for 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté the butter, garlic and sundried tomatoes.
Add butter to the skillet, then add garlic and sundried tomatoes and saute for 30 seconds.
Step 5: Make the sauce.
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.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy!
Serve basil chicken alongside broccoli, garnishing with extra chopped basil and parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
What to serve with basil chicken
Here are some ideas on what you can serve this creamy basil chicken recipe with:
- 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
- With air fryer sweet potato fries
- With corn on the cob
Frequently Asked Questions
You can serve this basil chicken with any side dish or vegetable of your choice! It'd be delicious with steamed veggies, corn on the cob or even some cauliflower fried rice.
The sauce should already be pretty thick thanks to the heavy cream and parmesan, but if you want it to be even thicker, you can stir in a cornstarch slurry and let it simmer.
While this recipe is for basil chicken, you could also try making it with shrimp. Just keep in mind that cooking time will be different for shrimp versus chicken.
You can make this creamy basil chicken up to 5 days in advance. I'd recommend reheating in on the stovetop for the best results!
Storing and reheating
This creamy basil chicken will last in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. Store any leftovers in airtight glass containers with the sauce and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Freezing this recipe
You can freeze this basil chicken recipe for up to 3 months without the broccoli. Use freezer-safe bags or lidded containers and freeze it as one meal or separate it into individual portions.
When you’re ready to enjoy, let it defrost in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave then serve with fresh broccoli!
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- Grab some glass meal prep bowls if you plan on turning this recipe into your weekly lunches.
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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!
Comments & Reviews
Randi says
Simple and delicious!! My husband is not a fan of Parmesan but loved this chicken dish and requested it become a “regular”!
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so glad you both love it!
Deb says
This is a great dish. The basil in my garden is flourishing right now so I’m making it tonight. I’m pairing it with corn on the cob instead of broccoli. Maybe a romaine salad, too.
Thanks for this delicious summer dish
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so glad you tried and enjoyed 🙂
Ashley says
I made this last night. OMG! Hands down in the official meal prep rotation from now on. So yummy!
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so happy you enjoyed 🙂
Elle says
This was delicious and easy! Love how fast it was. I actually even had to substitute the dried tomatoes for cherry tomatoes that were blistered in the pan, and it was still perfect.
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so happy you enjoyed 🙂
Sarah says
We loved this dish and I love how quick it was to cook (great for weekday night). Served with a side of garlic Parmesan cauliflower rice (in addition to the broccoli). Perfect!
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so happy you enjoyed!
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! 🙂