Chicken in Basil Cream

Here’s a recipe I had stored in my personal collection of recipes—Chicken in a Creamy Basil Sauce.  My mom used to make a dish similar to this, but without the pimientos.  I really enjoy preparing dinners that are simple and quick, but then again, who doesn’t!  This is one of those meals I don’t get stressed out about cooking.  My family requests this one often, but since I love trying new things, I don’t make it as often as they request!  It’s a very versatile recipe.  This can be served with rice, egg noodles and other kinds of pasta, or even over some nice, flaky biscuits. If you go the biscuit route, I would recommend a larger quantity of sauce, so they can soak up all of that wonderful flavor!  My daughter likes this sauce as an accompaniment to her fresh veggies, like broccoli and baby carrots. If your sauce comes out too thin, add a little flour ‘til you get your desired consistency.  

I personally love the recipe as is, but if you don’t have a certain ingredient or don’t like something in it, try some of these substitutions.  If you don’t have chicken, pork cutlets work just as well.  Switching out regular heavy cream for light heavy cream doesn’t make much of a difference in taste.   Out of chicken broth, but just happen to have white wine?  Some recommend this recipe tastes so much more delicious with using the white wine in place of the chicken broth.  If you’re not too big on the idea of pimientos, try some finely chopped red bell pepper.

Enjoy!

Photo: Real Mom Kitchen

¼ cup milk

1 cup dry bread crumbs

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (4 oz. each)

3 Tablespoons butter

½ cup chicken broth

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1 jar (4 oz.) sliced pimientos, drained

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

¼ cup minced fresh basil

⅛ Teaspoon pepper

Directions:

Place milk and bread crumbs in separate shallow bowls.  Dip chicken in milk, then coat with crumbs.  In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook chicken in butter on both sides until juices run clear, about 10 minutes.   Remove and keep warm. 

Add broth to the skillet.  Bring to a boil over medium heat; stir to loosen browned bits.  Stir in the cream and pimientos; boil and stir for 1 minute.  Reduce heat.  Add the Parmesan cheese, basil, and pepper; cook and stir until heated through.  Pour over chicken. 

Makes 4 servings