Creamy Basil Chicken Delight Recipe

Irresistible Creamy Basil Chicken Delight Recipe / Simply Divine

Basil chicken brings a burst of aromatic freshness that will tantalize your taste buds.

Our culinary journey explores a delightful combination of tender ingredients and vibrant flavors.

Imagine a dish that marries succulent proteins with smooth, herbaceous notes.

creamy textures blend seamlessly with bright green herb accents, creating a sophisticated meal that feels both comforting and elegant.

Balanced seasonings and carefully selected components promise a memorable dining experience.

Home cooks appreciate simple techniques that deliver maximum satisfaction without complicated preparation.

Rich and soothing, this recipe crafts ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

You can savor every single delectable bite of this incredible meal.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Basil Chicken Delight

  • This recipe delivers a luxurious, easy-to-make meal that transforms simple ingredients into a rich, satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights.
  • The method of layering ingredients – from browning chicken to simmering with aromatic herbs and creamy elements – creates a depth of taste that makes every spoonful incredibly delicious.
  • With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this one-pot wonder provides a gourmet-style meal that's manageable for home cooks of all skill levels, making dinner preparation stress-free and enjoyable.
  • The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil appeals to both adults and kids, making it an ideal family meal that can easily be served at casual gatherings or cozy family dinners.

Creamy Basil Chicken Delight Ingredient List

Protein Base:
  • Chicken: Tender meat providing the main protein and flavor foundation for the dish.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty depth and creamy texture to the recipe.
Aromatics and Herbs:
  • Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor builders that create a robust flavor base.
  • Basil: Fresh herb providing bright, peppery undertones and classic Mediterranean character.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated sweet-tangy element with intense tomato flavor.
Creamy Components:
  • Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: Convenient base that thickens and enriches the dish.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds liquid and enhances overall chicken flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, smooth texture and adds richness.
Seasoning Elements:
  • Salt: Essential for enhancing all other flavors.
  • Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and complements the chicken.
  • Olive Oil: Helps with initial cooking and adds smooth background flavor.

Cooking Creamy Basil Chicken Delight Made Easy

Step 1: Gather Culinary Companions

  • Chicken breasts
  • Onion
  • Garlic cloves
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Condensed cream of chicken soup
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese

Wash and prep all ingredients carefully. Slice chicken into tender bite-sized chunks. Dice onions finely. Mince garlic. Chop sun-dried tomatoes and basil leaves into small pieces.

Step 2: Sear Golden Chicken Pieces

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Gently place chicken into hot pan. Cook until each side develops a beautiful golden-brown crust, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 3: Infuse Aromatic Base

Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until onions become translucent and fragrant, stirring occasionally, around 4-5 minutes.

Step 4: Create Luscious Creamy Blend

Pour in these ingredients:
  • Condensed cream of chicken soup
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • Fresh basil leaves

Stir everything until ingredients combine smoothly and create a rich, creamy sauce.

Step 5: Simmer Flavor Magic

Reduce heat to low. Cover skillet and let mixture simmer gently for 15-20 minutes. Chicken should become completely tender and sauce will thicken beautifully.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasonings with additional salt and pepper if needed. Ladle into warm bowls. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil on top. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Tips to Perfect Creamy Basil Chicken Delight

  • Perfectly Sear Chicken: Brown the chicken on high heat to lock in juices and create a delicious golden exterior, which adds depth of flavor to the entire dish.
  • Slice Ingredients Uniformly: Chop onions, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes into consistent sizes to ensure even cooking and balanced texture in every bite.
  • Layer Flavors Strategically: Add Parmesan cheese and herbs gradually while stirring to distribute seasonings evenly and enhance the overall taste profile.
  • Control Simmer Carefully: Watch the heat closely during simmering to prevent burning or overcooking, maintaining a gentle bubble that allows ingredients to meld together smoothly.
  • Elevate Presentation Techniques: Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese just before serving to add a vibrant color and fresh aromatic finish to the creamy chicken dish.

Store and Reheat Creamy Basil Chicken Delight Properly

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Freeze: Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
  • Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying. Microwave as an alternative, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring between each to ensure even temperature distribution.

What Tastes Great with Creamy Basil Chicken Delight

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, refreshing Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy basil chicken's rich flavors and cut through its velvety texture.
  • Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Rustic, toasted bread becomes the perfect vehicle for soaking up the luxurious sauce, adding a crunchy contrast to the smooth chicken dish.
  • Match with Herbed Quinoa Salad: Create a bright, fresh side that balances the soup's richness with a zesty mix of herbs, lemon, and light grains, enhancing the overall dining experience.
  • Complement with Roasted Asparagus: Tender, slightly charred asparagus spears provide a earthy vegetable counterpoint that elevates the chicken's creamy basil profile and adds nutritional depth to the meal.

Recipe Variations for Creamy Basil Chicken Delight

  • Mediterranean Zest: Swap chicken with tender lamb pieces, add kalamata olives, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
  • Spicy Southwestern Kick: Replace basil with cilantro, incorporate diced green chilies, and use pepper jack cheese to create a bold, zesty flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Garden Blend: Substitute chicken with roasted cauliflower or white beans, increase vegetable broth, and add seasonal vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a hearty plant-based alternative.
  • Light Herbal Fusion: Use lighter coconut cream instead of heavy cream, introduce fresh thyme and rosemary, and top with toasted pine nuts for a refreshing herbal variation.

Creamy Basil Chicken Delight FAQs

  • Can I use chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe?

You can use either chicken breasts or thighs. Both work great, but thighs might provide a slightly more tender result due to their higher fat content.

  • How can I make this recipe lighter or lower in calories?

Try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, reduced-fat Parmesan, and low-sodium chicken broth. You can also use skinless chicken for a leaner option.

  • Can I freeze this Creamy Basil Chicken soup?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove.

  • What can I serve as a side dish with this chicken soup?

Crusty bread, garlic toast, a simple green salad, or steamed rice are excellent companions to this creamy chicken soup.

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Creamy Basil Chicken Delight Recipe

Creamy Basil Chicken Delight Recipe


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4.8 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savor Mediterranean-inspired Creamy Basil Chicken Delight, where tender chicken meets silky herbed sauce in a culinary symphony. Elegant flavors dance effortlessly, promising comfort and satisfaction with each delectable bite you’ll eagerly enjoy.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.25 grams) black pepper
  • ½ cup (75 grams) chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (10.75 ounce / 305 grams) can condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
  • ¼ cup (40 grams) sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
  • ¼ cup (15 grams) chopped fresh basil

Instructions

  1. Assemble ingredients meticulously, transforming chicken into uniform bite-sized cubes, finely dicing onions and garlic, and precisely chopping sun-dried tomatoes and fragrant basil leaves.
  2. Ignite a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high temperature, seasoning chicken pieces with salt and pepper before introducing them to the sizzling surface, searing until a golden-brown exterior develops.
  3. Introduce finely minced onions and garlic into the skillet, gently sweating them until translucent and aromatic, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  4. Incorporate creamy condensed chicken soup, rich chicken broth, velvety heavy cream, nutty Parmesan cheese, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and vibrant chopped basil, whisking thoroughly to create a harmonious blend.
  5. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, allowing the mixture to quietly bubble and meld flavors, covering the skillet and letting the chicken become perfectly tender for 15-18 minutes.
  6. Conduct a final flavor assessment, adjusting seasonings with a delicate touch, then ladle the luxurious mixture into warm serving bowls, crowning with additional Parmesan shavings and fresh basil leaves for an elegant presentation.

Notes

  • Prep Like a Pro: Chop all ingredients uniformly for consistent cooking and beautiful presentation.
  • Quick Flavor Boost: Season chicken generously with salt and pepper before browning to enhance overall taste profile.
  • Cream Chemistry: Stir ingredients thoroughly when combining to prevent separation and ensure smooth, creamy texture.
  • Temperature Trick: Maintain low simmer to prevent cream-based sauce from breaking or becoming grainy.
  • Customization Corner: Easily swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for lighter version.
  • Leftover Love: Store in airtight container for up to 3 days, gently reheating to preserve creamy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 660
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 930mg
  • Fat: 54g
  • Saturated Fat: 30g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 155mg
Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life. 

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

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