Creamy Basil Chicken with Pimientos: An Easy & Flavorful Weeknight Recipe

Indulge in the exquisite flavors of this Creamy Basil Chicken with Pimientos, a dish renowned for its rich, velvety sauce and perfectly sautéed chicken breasts. This recipe brings together tender, breaded chicken enveloped in a luscious cream sauce, infused with the sweet, vibrant notes of pimientos and the fresh, aromatic essence of basil. It’s a culinary masterpiece that promises comfort and satisfaction, making it an ideal choice for a memorable weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Basil Chicken Recipe

This creamy basil chicken dish stands out not only for its incredible taste but also for its accessibility to home cooks of all skill levels. It was one of the first cherished recipes featured in our meal plans, quickly becoming a favorite due to its elegant simplicity and deeply satisfying flavors. The combination of succulent, breaded chicken breasts and a harmonious cream sauce, brightened by fresh basil and diced pimientos, creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will delight your palate.

Beyond its deliciousness, this recipe offers several compelling reasons to become a staple in your kitchen:

• Speed and Efficiency: Designed as a stovetop meal, it comes together in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
• Rich & Comforting: The heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create a luxurious sauce that feels like a warm embrace, ideal for cozy dinners.
• Vibrant Flavors: Fresh basil and sweet pimientos add a burst of color and a complex aroma that elevates the entire dish.
• Versatile Pairing: While traditionally served over pasta, its adaptability means it pairs beautifully with various side dishes, from simple salads to steamed vegetables.
• Impressive Yet Easy: Despite its gourmet appeal, the steps are straightforward, ensuring a successful outcome even for novice cooks.

Prep and Cook Time: Making Dinner Easy

One of the many benefits of this Creamy Basil Chicken with Pimientos is how quickly it can be prepared without sacrificing flavor or quality. This is truly a quick stovetop meal, designed to fit into your busy schedule, being ready in approximately 35-40 minutes from start to finish. The efficiency comes from a smart workflow where different components can be prepared simultaneously.

A Quick Overview

• Prep Time: Roughly 15 minutes. This involves flattening the chicken, gathering and measuring ingredients, and mincing the fresh basil.
• Cook Time: Approximately 20 minutes. This includes browning the chicken and simmering the rich basil cream sauce.
• Total Time: Approximately 35-40 minutes. This makes it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner when time is often a luxury.

Smart Time-Saving Tips

To ensure your cooking process is as smooth and swift as possible, consider these helpful tips:

• Mise en Place: Before you even begin cooking, gather all your ingredients (this is known as “mise en place”). Measure out the milk, bread crumbs, broth, cream, and cheese. Mince your basil and pimientos. This organization will prevent frantic searching mid-cooking and significantly reduce your total time.
• Chicken Preparation: If your chicken breasts are not already thin-cut, spend a few minutes pounding them to an even thickness as outlined in our tips section below. This ensures they cook quickly and uniformly.
• Pasta Parallel Processing: Start your pasta water boiling as soon as you begin preparing the chicken. The pasta can cook in parallel with the chicken and sauce preparation, minimizing idle time.
• Keep Warm Function: Have a warm oven set to its lowest temperature or a microwave with a “keep warm” function ready. This allows you to transfer the cooked chicken and keep it perfectly warm while you finish the sauce, ensuring everything is served hot.

By following these guidelines, you’ll find that this flavorful dish is not only delicious but also remarkably efficient, proving that gourmet taste doesn’t always require hours in the kitchen.

Essential Ingredients for a Rich Basil Cream Sauce

The success of this Creamy Basil Chicken relies on a careful selection of quality ingredients that blend together to create its signature rich and aromatic profile. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and achieving the desired creamy texture. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some insights into each:

• Milk (¼ cup): Used for dipping the chicken, helping the breadcrumbs adhere. Whole milk is recommended for a richer initial coating.
• Dry Bread Crumbs (¼ cup): Provides a crisp, golden crust on the chicken. Panko breadcrumbs can be used for an extra light and airy texture.
• Thin Cut Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (1 pound): The star protein. Using thin-cut breasts or pounding regular breasts to an even thickness ensures quick and uniform cooking.
• Butter (3 tablespoons): Essential for sautéing the chicken and forming the flavorful base of the sauce, adding a rich, unctuous quality.
• Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Combined with butter for a higher smoke point during sautéing, preventing the butter from burning and adding a subtle fruity note.
• Chicken Broth (½ cup): Forms the liquid base of the cream sauce, deglazing the pan and incorporating the flavorful drippings. Opt for low-sodium to control salt levels.
• Heavy Whipping Cream (1 cup): The heart of the “creamy” in this dish. It provides luxurious richness and body to the sauce. Do not substitute with lighter creams, as they may curdle.
• Diced Pimientos (4 ounces, drained): These sweet, mild red peppers add a beautiful pop of color and a subtle, sweet, slightly tangy flavor that complements the richness of the cream and basil. Ensure they are well-drained.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese (½ cup): Introduces a salty, umami depth and helps thicken the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan will melt more smoothly and offer superior flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
• Minced Fresh Basil (¼ cup, or 1 tablespoon dried): The aromatic backbone of the sauce. Fresh basil provides a bright, peppery, slightly sweet anise-like flavor that is irreplaceable. While dried can be a substitute, fresh is highly recommended for the best results.
• Pepper (⅛ tablespoon): A touch of black pepper enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them. Adjust to your taste.
• Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Used as a thickening agent to give the sauce its perfect, silky consistency. It creates a stable emulsion without clumping if mixed properly.
• Spaghetti or Vermicelli (8 ounces): The ideal bed for the creamy chicken. Its long, thin strands catch and hold the sauce beautifully. Other pasta shapes like fettuccine or linguine can also work.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Mastering the Dish

Creating this delicious Creamy Basil Chicken with Pimientos is a straightforward process when approached systematically. Follow these detailed instructions to achieve a perfectly cooked chicken and a luscious, flavorful sauce.

Preparing the Chicken Breasts

1. Preheat and Prepare: Begin by planning for a warm holding area for your chicken. Set your oven to its lowest “keep warm” setting or prepare your microwave’s warming function. This ensures your chicken stays hot while you prepare the sauce.
2. Set Up the Assembly Line: Arrange your workstation for easy breading. You’ll need three stations:
   • First, a plate with your 1 pound thin-cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
   • Next, a shallow bowl containing ¼ cup milk.
   • Finally, another shallow bowl with ¼ cup dry bread crumbs.

   This setup streamlines the breading process.

3. Breading the Chicken: Take each chicken breast, one at a time. First, fully immerse it in the milk, allowing it to get completely coated. Lift it, letting any excess milk drip off, then transfer it to the bowl of bread crumbs. Press the chicken gently into the bread crumbs to ensure a thorough and even coating on both sides.
4. Sautéing the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, carefully place the breaded chicken breasts into the pan. Brown the chicken on both sides until golden, then continue cooking until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The thin cutlets should cook relatively quickly.
5. Keep Warm: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and transfer them to your preheated oven or microwave to keep them warm. Leave any delicious drippings in the skillet, as these will form the base of your sauce.

Crafting the Velvety Basil Cream Sauce

1. Start the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking or being kept warm, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook 8 ounces spaghetti or vermicelli according to package directions. Drain when al dente and set aside.
2. Deglaze the Pan: Return to the skillet with the chicken drippings. Measure out ½ cup chicken broth, reserving 3 tablespoons for later. Add the remaining broth to the skillet and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir and scrape the bottom of the pan, loosening any browned bits (fond) from the pan. These bits are packed with flavor.
3. Add Cream and Pimientos: Pour in 1 cup heavy whipping cream and add the 4 ounces of diced pimientos (ensure they are drained). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly for about one minute to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Infuse with Cheese and Basil: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup minced fresh basil (or 1 tablespoon dried basil), and ⅛ tablespoon pepper. Continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a smooth, aromatic sauce.
5. Thicken the Sauce: In a small jar or cup, combine the reserved 3 tablespoons of chicken broth with 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Seal the jar (if using) and shake vigorously, or whisk thoroughly in a cup, until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and no lumps remain. This creates a slurry.
6. Achieve Perfect Consistency: With the sauce still on low heat, slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering cream sauce while continuously stirring. Increase the heat to medium and continue stirring until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Bringing it All Together

1. Serve Immediately: Once the sauce and pasta are ready, arrange a portion of the cooked spaghetti or vermicelli on each serving dish. Place one or two warm, breaded chicken breasts over the pasta.
2. Garnish and Enjoy: Generously spoon the warm, creamy basil and pimiento sauce over the chicken and pasta. For an extra touch of freshness, you can garnish with a sprinkle of additional fresh basil or Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and savor every rich, flavorful bite!

Expert Tips for the Perfect Creamy Basil Chicken

While the recipe is already designed for ease and deliciousness, a few expert tips can elevate your Creamy Basil Chicken to an even higher level, ensuring perfect results every time.

The Magic of Fresh Basil

Basil is more than just an herb in this dish; it’s a star ingredient that defines the flavor profile.

• Always Go Fresh: “Fresh basil is always best!” This cannot be stressed enough, especially for a dish where basil is so prominent. Fresh basil delivers a bright, peppery, slightly sweet, and aromatic quality that dried basil simply cannot replicate. If possible, make it a priority to use fresh.
• Growing Your Own: Consider keeping 2-3 pots of basil in your brightest window all year long. It’s surprisingly easy to grow and provides a constant supply of fragrant leaves for your culinary adventures. Plus, having it readily available encourages you to use it more often.
• Mincing Matters: For the best release of flavor and even distribution throughout the sauce, ensure your basil is finely minced. A chiffonade (thin ribbons) can also work well if you prefer a slightly different texture.
• Add at the End: Fresh basil’s delicate flavor can diminish with prolonged cooking. For the brightest taste, add it towards the end of the sauce preparation, just before serving, allowing its aroma to fully bloom.

Achieving Evenly Cooked Chicken

Uniformly cooked chicken is key to a tender and juicy result.

• Buy Smart: Buying chicken cutlets or thin-cut breasts is a fantastic shortcut. They are already at an ideal thickness for quick and even cooking.
• Pound it Out: If you’re using regular, thicker chicken breasts, take the time to pound them. Place them between two sheets of wax paper or plastic wrap. Using the flat side of a meat mallet or a heavy rolling pin, gently but firmly pound the chicken to an even thickness (about ½ to ¾ inch). This ensures that the entire breast cooks at the same rate, preventing the thinner ends from becoming dry and overcooked while the thicker center finishes.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the skillet will lower the pan’s temperature, leading to steamed chicken rather than beautifully browned and crispy chicken. Give each piece space to breathe and brown properly.
• Check for Doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety and optimal tenderness.

Sauce Consistency Secrets

The texture of your cream sauce is just as important as its flavor.

• Constant Stirring: When adding the cream and bringing the sauce to a simmer, stir constantly. This prevents sticking and ensures a smooth, lump-free sauce.
• Cornstarch Slurry: The cornstarch slurry is your friend for thickening. Always mix cornstarch with a cold liquid (like the reserved broth) before adding it to a hot sauce. This prevents lumps. Shake it vigorously in a jar or whisk thoroughly in a cup until completely smooth.
• Gradual Addition: Add the cornstarch slurry gradually, stirring continuously. This allows you to control the thickness, ensuring the sauce reaches your preferred consistency without becoming too thick. If it gets too thick, you can thin it out with a splash more chicken broth or cream.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, they can be enjoyed later with a few considerations:

• Storage: Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Pasta can also be stored separately.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Reheat the sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, you can loosen it with a tablespoon or two of milk or chicken broth.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Creamy Basil Chicken

This Creamy Basil Chicken with Pimientos is a substantial and flavorful dish on its own, especially when served over pasta. However, choosing the right side dishes can elevate the meal experience even further, offering balance and complementing the rich flavors of the chicken and sauce.

Classic Pairings

• Fresh Green Salad: A vibrant, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is the perfect counterpoint to the richness of the cream sauce. The acidity of the dressing cuts through the creaminess, refreshing the palate with every bite. Consider adding mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and perhaps some shaved red onion.
• Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or homemade garlic bread is essential for soaking up every last drop of the delicious basil cream sauce. It adds a satisfying textural contrast and ensures no flavor goes to waste.

Vegetable Companions

If you prefer something other than a salad, simple vegetable sides work wonderfully without competing with the main dish’s flavors:

• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli florets offer a touch of earthy green and a pleasing crunch. A squeeze of lemon juice after steaming can further brighten its flavor.
• Buttered Peas: Sweet, tender buttered peas are a classic comfort food side that harmonizes beautifully with the creamy chicken. Their natural sweetness is a delightful contrast.
• Sautéed Sugar Snap Peas: For a slightly more gourmet touch, quickly sautéed sugar snap peas provide a vibrant color and a fresh, crisp-tender texture. A little garlic in the sauté adds another layer of flavor.
• Asparagus: Roasted or steamed asparagus spears, perhaps with a sprinkle of Parmesan, offer an elegant and nutritious accompaniment.
• Green Beans Almondine: Sautéed green beans with toasted almonds are a sophisticated choice that adds texture and a nutty flavor.

When selecting side dishes, remember the goal is to complement, not overpower, the star of the show – your Creamy Basil Chicken. Opt for lighter, fresher, or simply prepared vegetables that provide textural contrast or a refreshing counterpoint to the rich sauce.

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Chicken Recipe

This Creamy Basil Chicken with Pimientos is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. From the golden-brown breaded chicken to the rich, aromatic cream sauce, every element is designed to deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, thoughtfully combined, can create an extraordinary dish that’s both comforting and elegant.

Whether you’re looking for a quick yet impressive weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for guests, this recipe is a reliable choice. The vibrant basil and sweet pimientos cut through the creamy richness, creating a beautifully balanced meal that satisfies all your senses. We encourage you to try this recipe and discover why it holds a special place in our culinary repertoire. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and perhaps even make it a cherished part of your own meal plan for years to come!