I love making a simple chicken dinner that feels special. Today, I’m bringing you two wonderful recipes that feature creamy sauces and fresh basil, perfect for any weeknight meal. These chicken dishes are easy to prepare and truly satisfying.
Whether you prefer your chicken dish with melted mozzarella or just a rich, smooth sauce, I have a recipe here for you. Both are packed with flavor and come together quickly.
Jump to Recipe:
Easy Creamy Basil Chicken Dinner
This simple chicken dish is a fantastic way to enjoy tender chicken in a rich, herby sauce. It’s comforting and full of fresh basil flavor, making it a favorite for busy evenings.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Creamy Basil Chicken
- Use Fresh Basil: For the best flavor, I always recommend using fresh basil leaves. They really brighten the sauce.
- Chicken Thighs Work Well: Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender in the creamy sauce, but you can use breasts if you prefer.
- Don’t Overcook: Cook the chicken just until it’s done to keep it soft and moist.
What You Need for Creamy Basil Chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 4)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Creamy Basil Chicken
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place chicken in the hot skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Basil Sauce
Add minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Finish and Serve
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Stir in the chopped fresh basil and red pepper flakes (if using). Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to blend. Serve hot.
📝 Final Note
This creamy basil chicken pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or steamed green beans for a complete meal.
Easy Mozzarella Chicken In Creamy Basil Sauce
If you love cheese, this chicken recipe is for you! It combines a rich basil sauce with melted mozzarella for an extra layer of goodness. This dish is simple to make and tastes amazing.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Mozzarella Chicken
- Good Mozzarella Matters: Use a good quality fresh mozzarella that melts smoothly for the best results.
- Chicken Breast or Thighs: Both work well for this dish. I like to slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to make thinner cutlets that cook faster.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes (Optional): A small amount of chopped sun-dried tomatoes can add a nice tangy depth to the sauce.
What You Need for Mozzarella Chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large, sliced in half)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
⏱️ Time: 35 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Mozzarella Chicken
Step 1: Prepare and Cook Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook chicken for 4-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and almost cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Basil Sauce
Add minced garlic and optional sun-dried tomatoes to the same skillet, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the chopped fresh basil.
Step 3: Add Mozzarella and Finish
Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Place the slices or shredded mozzarella cheese over each piece of chicken. Cover the skillet or place it under a broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Serve Warm
Carefully remove the skillet from the heat (or broiler). Let it rest for a moment before serving. Garnish with extra fresh basil if you like. This is delicious served with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
📝 Final Note
If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the chicken and sauce to a baking dish before adding cheese and melting it in the oven.
