This Creamy Garlic Basil Chicken is a flavorful and comforting one-pan meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken is seared with a touch of basil, then tossed with crisp asparagus in a silky garlic-infused cream sauce made from milk, butter, and just a bit of flour for light richness. Finished with fresh basil for a fragrant, herbaceous pop, this dish is simple to prepare but full of satisfying flavor. Serve it as-is for a low-carb option, or over rice or pasta for a heartier meal.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION / MACROS

Makes: 5 servings

Serving size: 288g

Calories: 296

Macros: 40.7p / 8.6c / 10.8f

INGREDIENTS

• Boneless, skinless chicken tenders
• Asparagus
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Lightly dried basil
• 2% milk
• Butter
• Flour
• Garlic paste
• Fresh basil

SUBSTITUTIONS

Here are some easy and practical substitutions you can use for Creamy Garlic Basil Chicken while keeping the flavor and consistency close:

Protein Substitutions:

• Chicken tenders (2 lbs) →
  • Chicken breast or thighs (cut into strips or cubes)
  • Turkey breast strips
  • Tofu or tempeh (for vegetarian version)

Vegetable Substitutions:

• Asparagus (1 lb) →
  • Green beans (trimmed and steamed)
  • Broccolini or broccoli florets
  • Zucchini (cut into half-moons and lightly sautéed)
  • Spinach (stirred in at the end to wilt)

Oil Substitution:

• Extra virgin olive oil (1 tbsp) →
  • Avocado oil or canola oil
  • Butter (for richer flavor)

Herb Substitution:

• Lightly dried basil (1/2 tbsp) →
  • 1 tbsp fresh chopped basil
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (for a mix of herbs)

Milk Substitutions (1 cup 2% milk):

• Whole milk (for richer sauce)
• Unsweetened almond milk or oat milk (dairy-free option)
• Half and half (if you want a creamier texture)
• Evaporated milk (more shelf-stable and thick)

Butter Substitution (2 tbsp):

• Ghee or plant-based butter
• Olive oil (in a pinch)

Flour Substitution (1.5 tbsp):

• Cornstarch (use 1 tbsp mixed with cold milk or water first)
• Arrowroot powder
• Gluten-free all-purpose flour (1:1)

Garlic Paste (1 tbsp) Substitution:

• 3–4 fresh garlic cloves, minced or grated
• 1 tbsp jarred minced garlic
• 1 tsp garlic powder (if no fresh or paste available)

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SUPPLIES USED

Cast Iron Skillet – I used my 12″ cast iron skillet for this recipe, they have lots of sizes and are such a great cooking staple to have in your kitchen!

Storing & Reheating Instructions for Creamy Garlic Basil Chicken:

Storing:

• Refrigerator: Transfer the chicken, asparagus, and sauce to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:

• Stovetop (recommended): Add a splash of milk or water to a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the chicken and sauce, and heat gently, stirring occasionally until warmed through (5–8 minutes).
• Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, loosely cover, and microwave on 50–70% power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
• Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken tender and the sauce creamy. Add a spoonful of milk if the sauce thickens too much during reheating.

What Can I Serve it With?

Your Garlic Basil Chicken with Asparagus has rich, creamy, herby flavors, so pairing it with something simple and complementary works best. Here are a few great serving ideas:

Carbs to Serve With It

• Parmesan Rice or Buttered Rice – Soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes – A comforting, hearty base.
• Orzo or Couscous – Light and quick-cooking options that pair well with basil and garlic.
• Creamy Polenta – Adds another cozy, slightly sweet element.

Breads for Sopping Up Sauce

• Crusty Sourdough or Baguette
• Garlic Bread (for a bold garlic-on-garlic combo!)

Light Side Salads

• Lemon Arugula Salad – Peppery greens with a bright vinaigrette balance the richness.
• Tomato Mozzarella Salad – Keeps the basil theme going and adds juicy freshness.

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