Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce

Featured in: Family-Friendly Dinners Everyone Will Love

Juicy chicken cutlets are coated in breadcrumbs, seared until golden, and gently finished in the oven. Meanwhile, a basil-infused cream sauce with Parmesan and garlic is prepared on the stovetop, thickened to perfection. Once ready, the cutlets are generously topped with the creamy basil sauce, resulting in a deliciously savory main course. Serve warm to enjoy the blend of textures and aromatic flavors that highlight fresh basil and rich cream—ideal for an easy, comforting dinner any night.

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Updated on Mon, 07 Jul 2025 10:58:23 GMT
A plate of food with a sauce on it. Pin it
A plate of food with a sauce on it. | cookingkitchn.com

Chicken in basil cream sauce instantly elevates any weeknight dinner or special occasion meal with its rich flavor and silky texture It is a dish I come back to again and again because it tastes restaurantworthy yet comes together surprisingly easily at home

I cooked this once for a date night at home and my husband still raves about it The leftovers were somehow even better next day which sealed this dish as a top favorite

Essentials Ingredienrs

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: these turn juicy and tender with the right cook time look for thick even breasts and slice in half for even cooking
  • Milk: helps the breading stick and keeps chicken moist use whole milk if possible for richness
  • Dried Italian breadcrumbs: gives a crisp flavorful coating choose a fine crumb for best coverage
  • Butter: brings richness and allows the breading to brown deeply opt for real dairy butter
  • Garlic: adds a savory note fresh minced is best for its potent flavor
  • Chicken broth: gives the sauce depth and savory foundation use a low sodium broth to control salt
  • Heavy cream: makes the sauce silky and indulgent cold cream thickens faster
  • Fresh Parmesan cheese: brings a salty nutty touch and natural thickening always grate from a block
  • Fresh basil: infuses the dish with its sweet herby aroma choose bright green leaves without browning
  • Black pepper: for just a hint of heat freshly cracked for best taste

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:
Slice each chicken breast horizontally to make two even cutlets Pound each cutlet until it is a consistent half inch thick This ensures even cooking throughout
Bread the Cutlets:
Pour milk into one shallow dish and breadcrumbs into another Dip each chicken cutlet in the milk coating thoroughly then press into the breadcrumbs for an even layer on all sides
Brown the Chicken:
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat Lay breaded chicken cutlets in the skillet and cook until each side is golden brown Flip only once to avoid losing the crispness Watch closely so the breadcrumbs do not burn
Finish in the Oven:
Transfer the browned cutlets side by side into a prepared baking dish Place in a preheated 275 F oven This gentle heat finishes cooking the chicken through in about ten minutes The internal temperature should reach 165 F Use this oven step to keep chicken juicy while you make the sauce
Deglaze the Pan:
Return the skillet to medium heat Add minced garlic and sauté for thirty seconds until fragrant Pour in chicken broth scraping up any browned bits stuck to the pan Those bits are packed with flavor
Make the Basil Cream Sauce:
Slowly pour in the cream Bring to a gentle boil while stirring for just a few seconds Lower the heat and add grated Parmesan basil and pepper Stir constantly for about five minutes until the sauce thickens this happens quickly so do not walk away
Assemble and Serve:
Drizzle the basil cream sauce generously over the warm chicken on each plate Top with extra basil or cheese if you want an elegant finish
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A plate of food with a sauce on top. | cookingkitchn.com

When I first discovered the magic of stirring in fresh basil just before serving the aroma alone was enough to make everyone linger around the kitchen My kids always ask for extra sauce to sop up with bread and honestly I am just as guilty

Storage Tips

Leftover chicken in basil cream sauce keeps well in an airtight container for up to three days Reheat gently on the stovetop splash in a bit of extra cream or broth to revive the sauce The sauce will thicken in the fridge so loosening it with a spoonful of liquid helps bring back the silky texture If you want to freeze let the dish cool completely then freeze in single portions It will last about two months for best taste

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer chicken thighs swap them in for the breasts just flatten them to an even thickness for quick cooking For a glutenfree option use almond meal or glutenfree breadcrumbs Freshly grated pecorino romano cheese can stand in for parmesan The heavy cream is essential for richness but half and half works if you want to lighten the sauce a little

Serving Suggestions

Pile the chicken and basil cream sauce over a big plate of fettuccine or buttered noodles Offer crusty bread alongside for mopping up every drop of sauce Steamed green beans or a simple arugula salad make refreshing sides Sprinkle extra basil on top and a few grinds of black pepper for a bright finish

Cultural Context

Sauces like this one reflect the classic ItalianAmerican touch Creamy parmesan sauces with fresh herbs bring out the best in simple chicken and pasta The technique of browning meat first and then simmering it in sauce keeps the chicken succulent while building robust flavor with just a few steps

A piece of chicken with sauce on it. Pin it
A piece of chicken with sauce on it. | cookingkitchn.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do you ensure chicken cutlets stay juicy?

Pounding the chicken to even thickness prevents overcooking and helps retain moisture while pan-searing and baking.

→ Can I use fresh breadcrumbs instead of dried?

Yes, fresh breadcrumbs offer a softer texture, though dried Italian breadcrumbs provide more crunch and flavor.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk can be used, but the sauce may be less rich and slightly thinner in consistency.

→ How do you thicken the basil cream sauce?

Simmering the sauce after adding cream and cheese lets it reduce naturally, creating a thicker, velvety texture.

→ Is it possible to make this ahead?

The chicken and sauce can be prepared in advance and reheated gently, though the sauce is best served fresh for optimal texture.

Chicken Basil Cream Sauce

Tender chicken cutlets with creamy basil Parmesan sauce for a flavorful, satisfying main dish.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Sophia


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Yield: 4 Servings (4 cutlets with sauce)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Chicken Cutlets

01 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 120 ml whole milk
03 90 g dried Italian breadcrumbs
04 45 g unsalted butter

→ Basil Cream Sauce

05 2 garlic cloves, minced
06 120 ml chicken broth
07 240 ml heavy whipping cream
08 50 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
09 15 g fresh basil, chopped
10 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 135°C. Lightly grease a 23 x 33 cm baking dish with nonstick spray and set aside.

Step 02

Slice each chicken breast horizontally to yield four even cutlets. Pound each piece to a uniform 1.25 cm thickness.

Step 03

Pour the milk into a shallow bowl and the breadcrumbs into a separate shallow bowl. Coat each chicken cutlet in milk, then dredge thoroughly in breadcrumbs.

Step 04

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the breaded chicken cutlets until golden brown on each side, taking care to avoid burning.


A plate of food with a sauce on top.
Step 05

Arrange the seared cutlets side by side in the prepared baking dish. Bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C.

Step 06

Using the same skillet, sauté garlic over medium heat for 30 seconds. Add chicken broth, bring to a boil, and deglaze the pan. Stir in the cream, bring to a light boil for several seconds, then reduce heat to low. Incorporate Parmesan, basil, and black pepper, stirring until the sauce thickens, around 5 minutes.

Step 07

Plate the baked chicken cutlets and generously spoon basil cream sauce over each portion.


A piece of chicken with sauce on it.

Notes

  1. Ensure chicken is pounded evenly to promote consistent cooking and tenderness.
  2. Let the sauce rest for a minute to thicken further before serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • 23 x 33 cm baking dish
  • Oven
  • Meat mallet
  • Shallow bowls

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains milk and milk products.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) from breadcrumbs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 581
  • Total Fat: 38 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 17.5 g
  • Protein: 41 g