Tired of dinnertime feeling mundane?
A handful of fresh basil and some chicken can add an herbal, savory punch to your go-to meals.
Basil’s flavor profile works especially well with the creamy richness of chicken—and it doesn’t get easier than these recipes!
Whether you’re looking for something fast and budget-friendly to make on busy weeknights or a restaurant-style dish that will dazzle even your most discerning dinner guests, you’ll love this collection of my favorite easy chicken and basil recipes.
1. Tomato Chicken with Basil Garlic Sauce
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/133489576447588740/When it comes to satisfying weeknight dinners that don’t require a long list of ingredients or complicated instructions, this Tomato Chicken with Basil Garlic Sauce is the way to go.
The basil garlic sauce is made with simple ingredients but has such an amazing depth of flavor you won’t believe it.
And there are few things as delicious and comforting as chicken cooked in tomato sauce.
Together, they make a meal that’s both easy enough for Monday night and special enough for Sunday dinner.
I serve mine over cauliflower rice, but feel free to substitute any grain you have on hand – quinoa would be great here!
2. CREAMY PARMESAN BASIL CHICKEN
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/93168286033259428/This Creamy Parmesan Basil Chicken is one of my favorite ways to enjoy chicken breasts!
The combination of parmesan, garlic, and basil makes it full of flavor, while the white wine imparts a subtle sweetness.
Plus the roasted red peppers add a little bit of smoky kick.
Seriously, you won’t believe how delicious this dish will be – and in just 35 minutes too!
Whether you’re throwing an intimate dinner or feeding a hungry family, this creamy parmesan basil chicken recipe will hit all the right notes.
Bon appetit!
3. Lemon Basil Chicken
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/472315079681474438/When it comes to quick and easy dinners, lemon basil chicken will always be my first choice.
The marinade is packed with flavor: tangy lemon juice, sweet honey, aromatic basil, herby oregano, and garlic—but the best part is that it only takes 15 minutes of marinating time!
Yes, you read that correctly!
This dish only requires a few minutes in order for all those lovely flavors to infuse together and do their magic.
So if you’re ready for some juicy goodness full of southern Mediterranean vibes—this recipe is for you.
4. Sticky Basil Chicken
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/562668547206182660/Eat something special tonight!
This sticky basil chicken is a restaurant-quality meal that can be on your table in just 15 minutes.
Crafted with an Asian flair and starring a tantalizingly tangy, garlicky, and sweet sauce, this chicken owes its unique flavor to such deliciously versatile pantry staples as honey, ketchup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil.
With those ingredients plus all-purpose flour for the crunch and cornstarch for the glossy finish plus plenty of fresh basil leaves to top it off — you’ll have dinner ready in no time.
5. Basil Chicken in Coconut Curry Sauce
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1407443626017317/This quick and easy Basil Chicken in Coconut Curry Sauce will blow your mind.
It takes just 30 minutes to make – did I mention that it’s packed full of flavor?
Think of bold hints of cardamom, cinnamon, and cumin.
A touch of turmeric gives the dish its pretty yellow hue while jalapenos kick up the heat.
Then there’s creamy coconut milk which helps to cool it all down with a rich, smooth finish you won’t soon forget!
Serve over fluffy brown rice and top with plenty of fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor.
6. Thai Basil Chicken
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/389350330297968716/When it comes to Thai basil chicken, you really can’t go wrong.
Whether you’re a newly minted home cook or a well-seasoned chef, this flavor-packed stir-fry is sure to hit the spot.
The fragrant sweet Thai basil pairs perfectly with the savory homemade stir-fry sauce.
Plus, all of the ingredients are pantry staples, so there’s no need for a grocery store trip.
From chopping and prepping veggies to assembling the sauce and stirring the dish together over heat – you can have a delicious meal in no time at all!
7. Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/11470174043123599/Not only can you whip up this dish in thirty minutes, but the bold and vibrant flavors will have everyone at the table asking for seconds!
This dish brings together a few of my favorites: juicy grilled chicken, tangy balsamic glaze, crisp cherry tomatoes, and fragrant pesto—all perfectly combined with gluten-free pasta tossed in parmesan cheese.
Each bite is bursting with flavor and texture that takes ordinary weekday dinner up a notch.
Best of all, it’s an easy meal to customize to anyone’s tastes – swap out the chicken for fish or steak if desired, add extra basil or parsley if needed – do whatever makes your taste buds sing!
8. 30-Minute One-Pan Caprese Chicken
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/89790586311964578/For those busy weeknights, this One Pan Caprese Chicken is a lifesaver.
And it’s definitely tasty enough to be served on special occasions!
Tender chicken breasts are served with a garden of cherry tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella slices all bathed in olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Plus, garlic adds an extra kick for good measure.
You will hardly believe how simple and inexpensive this dish comes together.
9. Creamy Tuscan Chicken
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/636063147387875393/Say goodbye to dull and flavorless dishes, because one bite of this will have you singing its praises!
Every mouthful is packed with vibrant, blended flavors that range from savory to creamy.
Bonus points: it’s so easy to make and only takes 30 minutes to whip up. Now that’s exciting!
10. Spicy Basil Chicken
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/144115256820350631/Calling all spice lovers!
Take your taste buds on a Thai adventure with this Spicy Basil Chicken.
This dish is downright delicious and totally addictive.
All it takes is combining chicken mince, garlic, eggs, basil leaves, chilies, and some traditional Thai sauces.
It’s super easy to make my friends!
You can adjust the spice levels by adding or taking away bird eye chili during prep time.
Plus you can sneak in extra veg like capsicums for added texture and flavor if you like.
Supper sorted!
11. Chicken Thighs with Creamy Tomato Basil Spinach Sauce
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/68742746370/This skillet chicken thighs with creamy tomato basil spinach sauce is an absolute winner.
In little time and with minimal effort, you’ll be enjoying tender seared chicken served in a rich and dreamy cheese-topped tomato basil cream sauce – amazing!
Add Parmesan cheese to the mix and let its salty deliciousness bring out all the essential flavors even more.
So good!
12. One Pan Tomato Basil Chicken & Rice
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/113715959333042687/Do you want the flavors of Italy right on your plate?
Then you must try this one pan tomato basil chicken and rice.
It’s packed with fresh ingredients that create a delicious sauce so good, it’ll make you wish you’d cooked more!
This dish is so simple to prepare that even beginner cooks can give it a go.
And when that’s done, all you have to do is wait for the magical mingling of tomatoes, garlic, basil, and peppers – which will fill your kitchen with an aroma like no other.
The best part?
Your oven does most of the work for you! Just pop everything in and let it do its thing – easy-peasy dinner ready in no time at all.
13. Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/5488830788531898/Treat your taste buds to something special with this creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta!
This delicious Italian-style meal takes only 30 minutes to make and is packed with flavor.
Boneless chicken breast, pasta, and a luscious cream and basil pesto sauce come together in one scrumptious dish that is sure to be a hit at the dinner table.
The aromatic garlic, onions, and herbs give it just the right amount of zing, while Parmesan cheese adds an extra layer of umami goodness.
And not to worry – this recipe is beginner-friendly! Just follow the simple instructions and you’ll have a truly memorable culinary experience on your hands.
14. Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes and Pine Nuts
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1759287345238855/This is a delicious dinner that comes together quickly for busy weeknights.
The best thing about this dish is its versatility as you can just switch up the main ingredients like adding different types of pasta or swapping out the chicken for shrimp, pork, or beef.
The roasted tomatoes give the meal an amazing aroma, which really compliments the creamy pesto sauce and chicken breast.
And to finish off all these amazing flavors, sprinkle some pine nuts on top!
This dish takes around thirty minutes to make and will leave your family asking for seconds (and thirds). So why not whip it up tonight?
All you need to do is get some tomatoes, any kind of pasta, olive oil and spices then bring together the creaminess from basil pesto, succulent chicken breast pieces plus flavor-packed pine nuts – YUM!
15. Spicy Thai Basil Chicken Fried Rice
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/152348399885441439/Bring out the bold flavors of Thailand with this deliciously Spicy Thai Basil Chicken Fried Rice!
It’s packed with a punch of garlicky chili and peppery basil flavor, great for meal prepping, and perfect for any given weeknight.
Start by marinating your chicken in a blend of soy sauce, fish sauce, and white pepper to lock in all that juicy goodness.
No need to worry if you don’t have fish sauce though – just adjust the amount of light soy sauce used instead.
Then whip up your own Thai-inspired stir-fry sauce using ingredients you may already have at home like oyster, light soy, and sweet dark soy sauces.
All it takes is whisking them together and adding a touch of sugar – that’s it!
And now you’re ready to get started on assembling this flavorful rice dish.
The cooking process is quick as lightning thanks to using cooked rice hence no waiting time needed.
16. Marry Me Chicken (Chicken in a Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce)
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/581597739386986783/Treat yourself and your family to a meal fit for royalty with Marry Me Chicken.
This delicious crowd-pleaser is made in one pan, combining juicy and tender chicken breasts, marinated in oil and seasonings.
They are married together with an incredible parmesan cream sauce that’s full of vibrant flavors from fresh basil, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spices!
The result is a rich dish that will leave everyone wanting more – the only difficulty you will have is remembering who the lucky person was who wanted to marry you first!
Just 45 minutes later you’ll be sitting down to a delicious chicken dinner topped off with fresh Parmesan cheese sure to make everyone ask for seconds.
17. Thai Basil Sesame Cashew Chicken with Coconut Rice
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/27232772737764056/Enjoy the bold flavors of Thailand in one easy-to-prepare dish with this Thai Basil Sesame Cashew Chicken with Coconut Rice.
Made in just 25 minutes and cooked on a single pan, it’s perfect for busy summer days.
- Start by marinating chicken thighs or breasts in fish sauce, soy sauce, honey, and ketchup until they are ready to be seared on the stovetop.
- Once golden brown, add bell peppers, garlic, and ginger before stirring them together with a flavorful combination of chili paste, chili powder, turmeric, and sesame seeds.
- Finally, add cashews for crunch before serving hot over coconut rice – delicious!
18. Baked Pesto Chicken
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/137219119887350117/This 3-ingredient pesto chicken is just the dinner you need to unwind after a long day.
The flavor profile is deliciously Italian – think basil, garlic, and mozzarella – while being simple enough to throw together in minimal time.
Perfect for busy weeknights!
It’s truly an effortless dinner.
Simply coat your chicken breasts with the pesto, top them with cheese, and pop them in the oven for about 27 minutes.
No fuss at all!
When it’s done baking, serve it up with a side of steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus and some crusty bread for dipping into that delicious cheese sauce on top.
19. One Pan Balsamic Chicken
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/419186677828557441/No matter how busy your day has been, this one-pan balsamic chicken dinner will have dinner on the table in no time!
Bursting with flavors and colors, it’s sure to be a crowd favorite.
- Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Then add garlic and oil to a large skillet over medium heat until fragrant.
- After that, place the chicken in an even layer in the pan and sear for 3 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add grape tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar mixture to the same pan while continuing cooking for another 4 minutes or so until tomatoes begin to soften.
- Serve topped with fresh mozzarella cheese slices, if desired.
The combination of sweet honey and tangy dijon mustard balance each other perfectly as they mingle in each bite of succulent chicken breast – making every plate full of deliciousness!
20. Better Than Takeout Sweet Thai Basil Chicken
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/270356783871918962/This one-pan meal is ready in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
And with its mix of nutritious ingredients like ground chicken, red or orange peppers, garlic, ginger, and mango — coupled with an unmistakably delicious sauce made from fish sauce, honey, soy sauce, or tamari—you can be sure that this dish will hit all the right notes in your taste buds.
Don’t forget to serve over steamed rice and top it off with a sprinkle of cashew nuts for added nutritional value!
With this recipe there’s no need to order takeout—this mouthwatering Thai basil chicken will have you running back into the kitchen again!
21. Honey Lemon Basil Grilled Chicken
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/31525266133867701/Go on a flavorful summer grilling adventure with this honey lemon basil grilled chicken!
It’s the perfect meal to enjoy when the weather is warm and you want something light yet satisfying.
This recipe combines some of the best flavors for a simple marinade, including fragrant basil, zesty lemon, and sweet honey.
Juicy boneless chicken thighs make it a tender and quick-cooking dish that even beginner cooks can pull off effortlessly – all you have to do is mix up the marinade and let the magic happen during grilling!
The combination of ingredients yields an aromatic, tangy dish your family will love.
Serve with your favorite side or serve simply with fresh vegetables for an incredibly delicious summer meal that’s healthy too!
22. Slow Cooker Thai Basil Chicken Curry
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/144607838022311836/This delectable dish is made with moist and tender chicken braised in a tasty curry coconut gravy.
The amazing combination of herbs like basil, cilantro, garlic, and ginger delivers an array of flavors that tantalize your taste buds.
The jalapeno adds the right amount of heat while the lime juice ensures its zesty goodness.
Just chuck everything into the pot and let it do its work, as you wait 8 hours to have your sumptuous dinner ready!
No need to slave away in the kitchen, just be sure to warm up some rice or noodles to go on the side — then you’ll have yourself an uncomplicated, yet soul-satisfying meal in no time.
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16 Mouthwatering Chicken and Cauliflower Rice Recipes
20 Irresistible Chicken and Brown Rice Recipes to Try Now
22 BEST Chicken and Basil Recipe Collection
Ingredients
- Tomato Chicken with Basil Garlic Sauce
- CREAMY PARMESAN BASIL CHICKEN
- Lemon Basil Chicken
- Sticky Basil Chicken
- Basil Chicken in Coconut Curry Sauce
- Thai Basil Chicken
- Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken
- 30-Minute One Pan Caprese Chicken
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken
- Spicy Basil Chicken
- Chicken Thighs with Creamy Tomato Basil Spinach Sauce
- One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken & Rice
- Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
- Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes and Pine Nuts
- Spicy Thai Basil Chicken Fried Rice
- Marry Me Chicken (Chicken in a Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce)
- Thai Basil Sesame Cashew Chicken with Coconut Rice
- Baked Pesto Chicken
- One Pan Balsamic Chicken
- Better Than Takeout Sweet Thai Basil Chicken
- Honey Lemon Basil Grilled Chicken
- Slow Cooker Thai Basil Chicken Curry
Instructions
- Pick your favorite recipe from this collection to serve for dinner.
- Prepare all of the required ingredients.
- Cook your meal in 30 minutes or less.
Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.