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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt - 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish The main ingredients create the heart of this dish. The chicken breasts provide protein. Heavy cream adds richness, while fresh basil gives a burst of flavor. Cherry tomatoes contribute a touch of sweetness and color. Extra virgin olive oil is perfect for cooking the chicken. It adds a hint of fruitiness to the meal. Minced garlic brings aroma and depth to the sauce. Seasonings are key to enhancing the dish. Fine sea salt and freshly cracked pepper balance the flavor. Italian seasoning gives a classic taste to the chicken. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty finish when serving. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions to bring your Hearty Creamy Basil Chicken to life. First, season the chicken breasts. Use fine sea salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. This mix makes the chicken so tasty. Make sure to coat both sides evenly. For even seasoning, sprinkle the spices from a height. This will help spread them well. Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers. Then, add the seasoned chicken. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side. Look for a nice golden brown color. The chicken needs to reach 165°F (75°C) inside. Use a meat thermometer to check. Once done, remove the chicken and keep it warm on a plate. Now it's time for the sauce. Keep the skillet on the heat and add minced garlic. Sauté it for a minute, stirring often. You want it fragrant but not brown. Slowly pour in the heavy cream. Stir while scraping up the tasty bits stuck to the skillet. These bits add great flavor to your sauce. Add halved cherry tomatoes and chopped basil to the sauce. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. This will soften the tomatoes and thicken the sauce. Finally, return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend. For the complete process, check the Full Recipe. To cook chicken that is juicy and tender, start with quality chicken breasts. First, season them well. Use fine sea salt and pepper on both sides. This helps to lock in flavor. Next, heat your skillet to medium-high. Add olive oil until it shimmers. Place the chicken in the skillet without crowding. Cook for about 6-7 minutes. Flip and cook for the same time. The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. A meat thermometer is key for accuracy. It ensures safety and perfect doneness. Want to take your dish up a notch? Consider adding herbs like thyme or oregano. You could also sprinkle in some smoked paprika for depth. When it comes to cream, heavy cream works best for a rich sauce. It gives the dish a velvety texture. If you're looking for a lighter option, use half-and-half. But remember, it won’t be as creamy. For a stunning plate, arrange the chicken on a large platter. Drizzle the creamy basil sauce generously over each piece. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for vibrant color. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For a heartier meal, place the chicken over pasta or rice. This adds texture and makes the dish more filling. Explore these tips to make your Hearty Creamy Basil Chicken a real showstopper! Don't forget to check out the Full Recipe for more details. {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Shrimp or tofu works great. Shrimp adds a sweet touch, while tofu absorbs the flavors well. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, consider using coconut milk instead of cream. It gives a nice creaminess with a hint of sweetness. Add a kick to your dish with spicy elements. Red pepper flakes bring heat and depth. You can also play with different vegetables. Bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini can add color and nutrients to your plate. To make this dish gluten-free, avoid any sauces with gluten. Use gluten-free pasta or serve it with rice. If you need a dairy-free version, substitute the cream with cashew cream or a dairy-free alternative. For low-carb options, skip the pasta and add more veggies to your plate. Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your perfect meal. Each variation keeps the heartiness of the creamy basil chicken while adding your unique twist. And don't forget to check the Full Recipe for more tips and details! To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container. Place the chicken and sauce together. You can store it in the fridge for about three to four days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing may be best. To reheat without losing flavor, use the stovetop. Place the chicken and sauce in a pan over low heat. Stir occasionally until warm. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Check often to keep it moist. You can freeze the creamy basil sauce separately. This keeps the sauce fresh and flavorful. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For best results, reheat gently in a pan. This way, the sauce will taste fresh and creamy. If you want to try the Full Recipe, you can find it easily for all the details. You can tell chicken is done when it’s golden brown and the juices run clear. The best way is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. It should not be pink inside. Properly cooked chicken is juicy and tender. Yes, you can use dried basil. However, fresh basil has a brighter flavor. If you use dried basil, remember it is stronger. Use about one-third of the amount. So, if the recipe calls for one cup of fresh basil, use about one-third cup of dried. Add it earlier in the cooking process to let the flavors blend. This dish pairs well with many sides. Try serving it with: - Steamed green beans - Garlic bread - Mashed potatoes - A fresh garden salad - Pasta tossed in olive oil These sides balance the creamy sauce and enhance your meal. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the chicken and sauce, then store them separately in the fridge. This keeps the chicken from getting soggy. You can store them for up to three days. When ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken and sauce together in a skillet. To make the sauce creamier, add more heavy cream. You can also use cream cheese for a thicker texture. If you want less creaminess, reduce the amount of cream. You can add chicken broth to thin the sauce while keeping the flavor. You can find the Full Recipe in the section above. It provides detailed steps to make Hearty Creamy Basil Chicken. Hearty Creamy Basil Chicken combines simple ingredients with rich flavor. You learned how to prepare, cook, and serve this dish perfectly. Remember to use fresh herbs for the best taste. Feel free to make it your own with different proteins or dietary changes. Store leftovers properly so you can enjoy it later. Cooking should be fun and rewarding, and this recipe is a great start. I hope you are excited to try it out!

Hearty Creamy Basil Chicken

Indulge in the rich flavors of hearty creamy basil chicken, a dish perfect for any dinner table! This recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a luscious sauce of heavy cream, fresh basil, and cherry tomatoes. It's easy to make and ready in just 30 minutes! Click through to explore this delicious recipe that'll impress your family and friends while satisfying your taste buds. Don’t miss out on this delightful meal!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with fine sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and Italian seasoning. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.

    Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet, placing it on a plate and covering it to keep warm.

      Create the Sauce: In the same skillet where the chicken was cooked, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously and scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

        Add Tomatoes and Basil: Incorporate the halved cherry tomatoes and finely chopped basil leaves into the creamy mixture. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the tomatoes soften.

          Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, carefully spooning the creamy basil sauce over them. Let everything simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

            Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. To serve, plate each chicken breast and generously drizzle the creamy basil sauce over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 servings

                Presentation Tips: Arrange the chicken on a serving platter and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce or over a bed of pasta for a complete meal experience.