Italian Basil Chicken Recipe
If there’s one dish I find myself craving time and time again, it’s Italian Basil Chicken. Bursting with bright basil, juicy tomatoes, and tender chicken all brought together in a fragrant, savory sauce, this recipe is my go-to weeknight hero that somehow feels like a special-occasion treat every time. Whether you’re gathering friends for a cozy dinner or simply want a fast, flavor-packed meal, Italian Basil Chicken brings the heart of Italy right to your table—and every bite is pure comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The real beauty of Italian Basil Chicken lies in its handful of simple, super-fresh ingredients. Each one has a starring role, working together to build deep flavor, vibrant color, and dreamy texture. Here’s what you’ll need, along with my favorite tips and reasons for using them:
- Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for lean, juicy bites that soak up all the saucy goodness. You can swap in chicken thighs for extra richness if you’d like!
- Olive oil: Essential for creating that golden sear on your chicken and infusing everything with a distinctly Mediterranean aroma.
- Garlic: Four cloves give the sauce its savory backbone—don’t skimp if you want that Italian kitchen aroma wafting through your house.
- Yellow onion: Finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth, beautifully balancing the acidity from the tomatoes.
- Cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness and burst of juice add a fresh, summery feel; halve them for even cooking and maximum flavor.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: These bring a tangy, concentrated tomato flavor and a chewy contrast to the fresh tomatoes—an absolute must for depth.
- Chicken broth: It helps create a gorgeous, savory sauce that brings all the flavors together; homemade or low-sodium is best!
- Fresh basil leaves: The star of Italian Basil Chicken—tear or chop for maximum fragrance and an incredible pop of green.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional, but they add a gentle kick that wakes up all the other flavors (add more or less to suit your heat preference!).
- Salt: Vital for bringing out all the best in your ingredients—taste and adjust at the end for a perfectly seasoned dish.
- Black pepper: Just enough to add warmth and depth without overpowering that basil brightness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Completely optional, but a generous sprinkle at the end melts into the sauce for a creamy, nutty finish.
How to Make Italian Basil Chicken
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start your Italian Basil Chicken adventure by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and finely chopped onion, sautéing them for 2 to 3 minutes. As soon as the kitchen starts smelling like a little trattoria, you know you’re on the right path. Softening the onion and blooming the garlic sets a deeply flavorful base for your sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Now, add your bite-sized chicken pieces to the pan. Let them cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want each bite to develop a bit of golden color for maximum flavor. The chicken doesn’t need to be totally cooked through at this point—it’ll finish cooking in the sauce and stay perfectly tender.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes
Next up, it’s time to stir in the cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes. Let everything cook together for another 2 minutes. The cherry tomatoes will soften slightly, releasing their juices, while the sun-dried tomatoes thread their sweetness throughout the pan.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt, black pepper, and (if you like things a bit spicy) red pepper flakes. Bring it all to a gentle simmer. Now, reduce the heat and let the Italian Basil Chicken bubble away for 5 to 7 minutes. The chicken will finish cooking and the sauce will reduce to luscious perfection, filled with layers of vibrant flavor.
Step 5: Add the Fresh Basil
Right at the end, stir in the fresh basil leaves. Cook for just 1 more minute, which is all it takes for the basil to release its heady aroma and turn the sauce a beautiful shade of green. Trust me, this is where the magic happens!
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Take your skillet off the heat and, if you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle on the grated Parmesan cheese. It melts into the sauce, making every bite just that little bit creamier. Serve your Italian Basil Chicken warm, and get ready to receive plenty of compliments.
How to Serve Italian Basil Chicken
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped basil or more Parmesan right before serving turns this dish into something truly eye-catching. Fresh basil on top makes the flavors pop, and just a hint of black pepper gives that last little kick.
Side Dishes
Italian Basil Chicken is fantastic alongside a fluffy bed of jasmine rice, classic al dente pasta, or a big chunk of crusty Italian bread to mop up all that sauce. Pair it with a simple green salad or some roasted veggies for an easy, balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling the chicken atop garlic toast for a twist on classic bruschetta, or serve over creamy polenta for cozy dinner vibes. For a low-carb option, spoon over sautéed zucchini noodles or roasted cauliflower steaks—a creative spin that keeps that Italian Basil Chicken front and center.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Italian Basil Chicken keeps beautifully in the fridge. Just transfer any extras to an airtight container and chill for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to!
Freezing
You absolutely can freeze Italian Basil Chicken. Let it cool completely, then store in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. I recommend leaving out fresh basil and Parmesan until you reheat, so those flavors stay bright and fresh.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your Italian Basil Chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce. A quick zap in the microwave also works well—just cover to keep the chicken juicy!
FAQs
Can I make Italian Basil Chicken dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply skip the Parmesan cheese at the end or use your favorite dairy-free alternative. The dish will still have plenty of fresh, herbaceous flavor thanks to the basil and tomatoes.
Is it possible to substitute chicken thighs for breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in Italian Basil Chicken. They add a little more richness and tenderness, and cook just the same—all you have to do is keep an eye out for doneness.
What other vegetables can I add to this recipe?
Bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini all complement the existing flavors. Just add them with the tomatoes so they cook through and soak up those savory juices.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
While fresh basil provides unbeatable fragrance and flavor in Italian Basil Chicken, you can use a smaller amount of dried basil in a pinch. Just add it earlier in the simmer so the flavor has time to develop.
Is Italian Basil Chicken gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family who avoid gluten. Just be sure to pair with a gluten-free side if needed.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a fuss-free dinner that still dazzles, Italian Basil Chicken is the answer. It’s quick, vibrant, and loaded with flavors that make every night feel a little more special. Give it a try—you’ll fall in love with how simple and satisfying homemade Italian can be!
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Italian Basil Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Italian Basil Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy dish that combines tender chicken pieces with fragrant basil, sweet cherry tomatoes, and savory sun-dried tomatoes in a delicious sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
For the Italian Basil Chicken:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic and onion: Add garlic and onion, sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Cook chicken: Add chicken pieces and cook for 5–7 minutes, until browned.
- Add tomatoes: Stir in cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes, cook for 2 minutes.
- Simmer: Pour in chicken broth, season, and simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Add basil: Stir in fresh basil and cook for 1 minute.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with Parmesan, and serve warm with preferred sides.
Notes
- You can substitute boneless chicken thighs for added richness.
- For a creamy variation, stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese before adding the basil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
