This Creamy Basil Chicken is a quick, one-pan dinner with tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich, flavorful basil cream sauce. It delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients and minimal prep. Perfect for busy families, weeknight dinners, or anyone craving a comforting and satisfying chicken dish. Serve it with pasta, rice, or your favorite veggies for an easy complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1.5 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
- 1 tsp salt and pepper, to taste
For the Basil Cream Sauce
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1/4 cup red onions, chopped
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 tsp reserved seasoning mix (from above)
- 10 basil leaves, chiffonade
- Pinch garlic powder
- Pinch onion powder
- Couple pinches crushed red pepper
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken thighs stay juicy and flavorful; chicken breasts work too.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for the best flavor and texture.
- Parmesan helps thicken and enrich the sauce—fresh grated melts best.
- Add more cream or broth if you prefer a thinner sauce.
How to Make Creamy Basil Chicken
1. Season the Chicken
Combine onion powder, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Reserve 1/4 teaspoon of this seasoning, then season both sides of the chicken with the remaining mixture.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the red onions and cook for 3–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes and cook until fragrant. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and heat over medium-high. Add the chicken thighs and cook about 5 minutes per side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove chicken and set aside.
4. Make the Basil Cream Sauce
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter, then stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and simmer until slightly thickened. Stir in the Parmesan until melted and smooth.
5. Season & Add Basil
Add the reserved seasoning, plus a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper. Stir in the basil and simmer for 1–2 minutes until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Combine & Serve
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Warm through, then serve immediately with pasta, rice, or vegetables.
Variations & Substitutions
- Substitute chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer leaner meat.
- Add mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies and richness.
- Make it spicy by increasing the crushed red pepper.
- Lighten it up by replacing part of the cream with half-and-half.
- Dairy-free option: use coconut milk and skip the Parmesan.
Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months (sauce may separate; whisk when reheating).
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed.
What to Serve With Creamy Basil Chicken
- Pasta (fettuccine, penne, or angel hair)
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Rice or cauliflower rice
- Roasted broccoli or asparagus
- Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
Yes—chicken breasts work well, but monitor cook time so they stay tender.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store the chicken and sauce together, and reheat gently before serving.
How do I make this dish less spicy?
Reduce or omit the crushed red pepper for a milder, family-friendly dish.
Why is my sauce too thick?
Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it.
Nutrition (Estimated)
Calories: 568
Protein: 39g
Carbs: 13g
Fat: 41g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 7g
Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. For precise dietary advice, please consult a nutrition professional.
