Oh boy, do I have a treat for you today! There’s just something magical about the combination of chicken, creamy sauces, and fresh herbs that gets me every time. This Simple Italian Basil Chicken is one of my go-to recipes, especially when I want to impress friends and family without spending all day in the kitchen. It’s creamy, flavorful, and all-around delightful!
I remember the first time I made this dish for a dinner party. I was a bit anxious, feeling the pressure to dazzle my guests. But as the chicken simmered and the aroma wafted through the house, I knew I was on the right track. Everyone couldn’t stop raving about it! It’s one of those recipes that always gets people asking for seconds, or in my case, asking for the recipe to take home. So, let’s dive into what makes this dish so special!
What’s in Simple Italian Basil Chicken?
– Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of our dish! They’re lean, versatile, and soak up the delicious sauce beautifully.
– Olive oil: A staple in Italian cooking, it gives everything a lovely richness and depth.
– Sun-dried tomatoes: These little flavor bombs add a touch of sweetness and a punch of umami. I prefer the jarred ones in oil – they’re easy to use and taste divine!
– Onion: Finely chopped for that savory base; it adds a lovely sweetness when sautéed.
– Garlic: Because what’s an Italian dish without garlic? It brings all the flavors together and gives our sauce that scrumptious aroma.
– Chicken broth: This adds richness and a bit of depth to our creamy sauce.
– Heavy cream: The creaminess factor is key to this dish, making it feel indulgent without being overly heavy.
– Fresh basil leaves: The bright, fresh flavor of basil is quintessentially Italian. Be generous with it!
– Dried oregano: A classic herb that pairs well with tomato and chicken.
– Red pepper flakes: Optional, but I say go for it if you like a bit of heat!
– Salt and pepper: To taste, of course – seasoning is essential.
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish: Because we eat with our eyes first!
Is Simple Italian Basil Chicken Good for You?
Let’s talk about the health benefits—after all, food should be both delicious and nourishing!
– Chicken breasts: These are a great source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. Plus, they’re low in fat!
– Olive oil: Packed with healthy fats, it can help reduce heart disease risk. Just make sure not to overdo it!
– Sun-dried tomatoes: They include antioxidants and can support heart health.
– Fresh basil: This herb is not just tasty; it also has anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, it adds a burst of vitamins A, K, and C to your meal.
Now, while heavy cream does add richness, it can also amp up the calorie count. So if you’re watching your intake, you can swap it with a lighter cream or even a coconut milk alternative for a dairy-free option. Balance is always key!
Ingredients List
This recipe serves about 4 hungry people:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (diced)
– 1 small onion (finely chopped)
– 3 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
How to Make Simple Italian Basil Chicken?
Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps for a delicious meal:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Grab your chicken breasts and give them a good sprinkle of salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Carefully add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken, and just leave it aside for a moment – it will rejoin the party later!
3. In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion and let it sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Ahh, the smell!
4. Now, add the minced garlic and the sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet, cooking for another minute until the garlic is fragrant.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring everything together like a pro. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
6. Stir in the chopped basil, dried oregano, and—if you like a kick—add the red pepper flakes. Let this luscious sauce cook for another 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
7. Return those wonderful chicken breasts back to the skillet, spooning the sauce lovingly over the top. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes so the chicken heats back up.
8. Serve up your beautiful chicken, garnishing with extra fresh basil leaves. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Serving Suggestions for Simple Italian Basil Chicken
Now that you’ve made this delicious dish, what should you serve it with? I absolutely love pairing it with a fluffy risotto or a side of garlic bread to soak up that amazing sauce. A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette complements it perfectly! And of course, wine is always a nice touch—perhaps a chilled pinot grigio?
In summary, I hope you’re as excited to try this Simple Italian Basil Chicken recipe as I was when I first whipped it up. It’s perfect for family dinners, a casual gathering, or even a cozy night in. So get in the kitchen, give it a shot, and let me know how it turns out! Happy cooking!
