Basil chicken with creamy polenta and fresh tomato sauce.
Plan meals, save this recipe, and sync ingredients to your list — free after sign-in.
Nutrition per Serving
Ingredients
Estimated total cost: €18.80 · €3.13/serving
- 4 cups rich and flavorful chicken stock or brothEst. price €0.80–€2.40
- 2 tablespoons premium extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) (swirl around the pan twice for even distribution)Est. price €0.40–€1.20
- 4 6-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breast halvesEst. price €8.00–€16.00
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to tasteEst. price €0.02–€0.05
- 1/4 teaspoon fiery crushed red pepper flakesEst. price €0.08–€0.15
- 1 large crimson red onion, thinly slicedEst. price €0.60–€1.20
- 5 cloves of fresh garlic, chopped (crush gently to release aroma)Est. price €0.25–€0.50
- 1 cup quick-cooking artisanal polenta (found in specialty foods aisles)Est. price €1.50–€3.00
- 1/2 cup luscious mascarpone cheeseEst. price €1.75–€3.50
- 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (a generous handful)Est. price €1.50–€3.00
Steps
- 1To achieve an extra creamy polenta, start by bringing 3 cups of chicken stock to a boil in a sauce pot. If the stock boils before you're prepared to add the polenta, simply reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer until needed.
- 2As the stock is heating up, prepare the fresh tomato and basil chicken. In a large nonstick skillet, warm up some extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Place the seasoned chicken in the skillet and sauté for approximately 3 to 4 minutes until it develops a light golden brown color. Push the chicken to one side of the skillet, then introduce the onions and garlic into the empty space. Sauté them all together for another 3 minutes. Pour in the remaining cup of chicken stock and simmer until it reduces by half, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes more.
Cultural note
Creamy Basil Chicken with Polenta Sauce is a modern twist on traditional Italian flavors. Mascarpone cheese and Parmigiano-Reggiano are classic Italian ingredients that add richness to the dish, reflecting the influence of Italian cuisine.
Seasonal note
Basil is best during the summer months when it's abundant and flavorful. Tomatoes are in season during late summer, making this dish ideal for that time of year.
Health note
This dish is a good source of protein and contains essential vitamins like A and C from the tomatoes and basil. However, it is high in saturated fat and sodium, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Want the full recipe?
Full steps, exact amounts, and cook mode with step timers. Chef AI knows this recipe and your context—diet, allergies, and taste—so you can ask for substitutions, scaling, or what to serve with it in chat. Plus AI meal plans, smart grocery lists, nutrition insights, and swipe-to-match recipe discovery in one app.
Open in ChefSphere
