Chicken with Basil Cream Sauce ๐
Overview
Indulge in the savory delight of Chicken with Basil Cream Sauce, a delightful recipe that strikes the perfect balance between creamy richness and herbaceous freshness. This recipe, inspired by an advertisement and tweaked to perfection, promises a mouthwatering experience that pairs beautifully with a fluffy pilaf and vibrant green beans almondine. ๐ฟโจ
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this culinary masterpiece:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1/4 cup | Milk |
| 1/4 tsp | Garlic powder |
| 1/4 tsp | Pepper |
| 4 | Boneless, skinless chicken breasts |
| 3 tbsp | Butter |
| 1 tbsp | Olive oil |
| 1 cup | Chicken broth |
| 1/2 cup | Heavy cream |
| 1 jar (2 oz) | Diced pimentos |
| 1 cup | Parmesan cheese, grated |
| 1/2 cup | Fresh basil, chopped |
| 1/4 tsp | Salt |
| 1/8 tsp | Cornstarch |
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Prepare your workstation: Place milk in a shallow bowl, and in another shallow bowl, mix together the bread crumbs and garlic powder.
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Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken breast in the milk, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to coat it evenly.
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Sear the chicken: In a skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture is sizzling. Add the coated chicken breasts and brown them on each side until they develop a golden crust. This step locks in the juices and adds a delightful crunch to the chicken.
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Keep warm: Once the chicken is beautifully golden, transfer it to a preheated oven to keep warm while you prepare the luscious basil cream sauce.
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Create the sauce: In the same skillet, add the chicken broth, stirring and scraping up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This step adds layers of flavor to your sauce.
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Add creaminess: Pour in the heavy cream and diced pimentos, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir continuously for about 1 minute, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
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Infuse with flavor: Reduce the heat to low and add the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Stir gently, allowing the cheese to melt and the basil to infuse its aromatic essence into the sauce. This step is where the magic happens!
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Thicken if needed: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry. Slowly add this mixture to the sauce while stirring continuously until you reach your desired consistency.
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Final touch: Arrange the golden-brown chicken breasts on a serving platter, then generously ladle the velvety basil cream sauce over them. ๐ฝ๏ธ
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Serve and enjoy: Garnish with a few fresh basil leaves for a pop of color, and revel in the symphony of flavors as you savor each tender bite of chicken enveloped in the luxurious creaminess of the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This delectable Chicken with Basil Cream Sauce is a star on its own, but it truly shines when served alongside fragrant pilaf and crisp green beans almondine. The pilaf’s fluffy texture and nutty aroma perfectly complement the creamy sauce, while the green beans add a delightful crunch and a burst of freshness to your plate.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 546.9
- Total Fat: 40.3g
- Saturated Fat: 22.7g
- Cholesterol: 186mg
- Sodium: 547.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 10.2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1.6g
- Protein: 35.8g
Notes
- Don’t rush the browning of the chicken; this step adds incredible flavor and texture to the dish.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. Add a pinch more pepper for a bit of heat or sprinkle extra Parmesan for a cheesy kick.
- Leftovers? Lucky you! This dish reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it again the next day.
Now, gather your ingredients, sharpen your knives, and let the aroma of this Chicken with Basil Cream Sauce fill your kitchen with joy and anticipation. ๐ Serve it up with flair, and watch your guests’ faces light up with every unforgettable bite! ๐ Enjoy! ๐ฝ๏ธโจ
