Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken:

Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. If your chicken breasts are very thick, you can either pound them to an even thickness or slice them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This helps the chicken cook more evenly and quickly.

2. Heat the Skillet:

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. The combination of olive oil and butter gives the chicken a nice golden color while keeping it juicy inside.

3. Sear the Chicken:

Once the oil and butter are hot and shimmering, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate, keeping it warm under foil.

Step 2: Make the Basil Cream Sauce

1. Sauté the Garlic:

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out—you want all those delicious browned bits from the chicken to flavor the sauce), add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.

2. Deglaze with Chicken Broth:

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This process, called deglazing, adds a ton of flavor to the sauce. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly.

3. Add the Cream and Parmesan:

Lower the heat to medium and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Whisk continuously to avoid any lumps. Once the cream is well incorporated, add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce and it starts to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add Fresh Basil and Lemon:

Stir in the chopped fresh basil, lemon zest, and lemon juice. The basil adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor, while the lemon zest and juice bring brightness that cuts through the richness of the cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a bit of heat, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes at this point.

Step 3: Combine Chicken with Sauce

1. Return Chicken to the Pan:

Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the basil cream sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to absorb some of the sauce.

2. Serve:

Remove the skillet from heat. Spoon the sauce generously over the chicken. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and lemon wedges on the side for an added citrusy punch.

Step 4: Serving Suggestions

This dish is perfect as a main course, and you have plenty of options for side dishes. Here are a few ideas:

• Serve Over Pasta: Ladle the basil cream sauce and chicken over cooked pasta—linguine, fettuccine, or penne would all be great choices.
• With Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with fluffy mashed potatoes, soaking into the potatoes for an extra layer of indulgence.
• Alongside Rice: For a lighter option, serve the chicken with jasmine or basmati rice. The rice will absorb the sauce perfectly.
• Crusty Bread: If you’re in the mood for something simple, serve the chicken with a side of crusty bread to mop up the sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted asparagus, green beans, or a fresh garden salad complements the richness of the dish beautifully.