Chicken Breast With Basil Sauce
Juicy chicken breasts topped with a rich basil-infused sauce, perfect for a sophisticated yet simple dinner that highlights fresh flavors and creamy textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bone, split, and skin the chicken breasts.
- Place the chicken in a skillet with white wine, cover, and cook over medium heat until done (approximately 10 to 12 minutes).
- Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, heavy cream, salt, 1/4 cup of cooking liquid, chopped parsley, and basil.
- Pour the mixture into a small saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
- Place the cooked chicken on a serving dish.
- Pour the basil sauce over the chicken before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in the white wine for an hour before cooking. If you don’t have heavy cream, half-and-half can be used, but the sauce may be slightly less rich. Fresh basil is ideal, but dried basil can work in a pinch—just use about a third of the amount. This dish also pairs wonderfully with Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad to balance the richness of the basil sauce. It also pairs well with Rice A La Grecque Casserole for a flavorful meal. Garnishing with additional chopped parsley adds a fresh touch before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or additional white wine to keep it moist. The sauce can be reheated in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Breast With Basil Sauce contains roughly 200 calories, with 13g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1518mg per serving (66% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts can be used and may reduce cooking time slightly. Ensure they are cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. This option is convenient and works well with the basil sauce.
What can I substitute for dry white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth or a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water can be substituted. The broth will add flavor, while the vinegar helps maintain acidity, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving. However, it's best to make the basil sauce fresh to maintain its creamy texture and vibrant flavor, as reheating may alter its consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).