Elevate Your Dining: Exquisite Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce

Introduction

Welcome to a culinary journey that brings the elegance of fine dining into your home. Our Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is a dish that balances simplicity with sophistication, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. This delectable recipe features tender chicken cutlets coated in crispy breadcrumbs and smothered in a rich, creamy basil sauce that is sure to impress.

Key Takeaways

• Elegant yet Simple: This dish combines the sophistication of fine dining with the simplicity of easy preparation.
• Flavorful and Tender: The crispy chicken cutlets and creamy basil sauce offer a perfect blend of textures and flavors.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Suitable for weeknight dinners and special events alike.
• Customizable: The recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve more people.

Photo byS.K Bach

Ingredients

For the Chicken Cutlets:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ cup milk
• 3/4 cup dried Italian breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons butter

For the Basil Cream Sauce:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Preparing the Chicken Cutlets:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create two even pieces, resulting in four cutlets. Pound each cutlet to an even 1/2-inch thickness.
3. Coat the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, pour the milk, and in a separate shallow bowl, place the breadcrumbs. Dip each cutlet in the milk, ensuring it is thoroughly coated, then dredge it in the breadcrumbs.
4. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Cook the breaded cutlets until golden brown on both sides, taking care not to burn them. Once browned, place the cutlets side by side in the prepared baking dish. Transfer the dish to the oven to finish cooking the chicken while you prepare the basil cream sauce.

Preparing the Basil Cream Sauce:

1. Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds over medium heat until fragrant.
2. Create the Sauce Base: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir to loosen any browned bits from the skillet.
3. Incorporate the Cream: Stir in the heavy whipping cream and bring the mixture to a slight boil, then reduce the heat to low.
4. Add the Final Touches: Mix in the Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, which should take about 5 minutes.
5. Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Serve the chicken cutlets with the basil cream sauce generously drizzled on top.

Photo byS.K Bach

Side Dish Ideas

This exquisite chicken dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes complements the richness of the basil cream sauce.
• Steamed Asparagus: Light and crisp asparagus adds a refreshing balance to the meal.
• Herb-Infused Rice: A simple yet flavorful rice dish can absorb the delightful sauce, enhancing every bite.

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 450
• Total Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 15g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 30g

Prep and Cook Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Photo byS.K Bach

Conclusion

Indulge in the flavors of an elegant Italian-inspired dish with our Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce. With its simple preparation and sophisticated taste, it’s a recipe that will undoubtedly become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the journey of cooking and savor every delicious bite