Tomato Basil Chicken

This creamy Tomato Basil Chicken recipe is full of comforting flavor, made with juicy chicken pieces simmered in a tomato basil sauce that's both hearty and fresh. It combines fresh ingredients like ripe tomatoes, garlic, shallots, basil and a swirl of heavy cream with tender chicken breasts for one simple skillet meal.

If you're looking for an easy dinner recipe for busy weeknights or a cozy dish for the weekend, this chicken delivers with layers of flavor, from the browned bits in the pan to the fresh basil stirred in at the end.

If you want more easy dinner ideas, you have to try our Marry Me Chicken Pasta or Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes.

Ingredients

With just a quick trip to the grocery store, you will be ready to make this simple recipe.

See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken stays juicy when simmered in sauce.
• Seasonings: Ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and salt are used to add additional flavor to the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and developing those flavorful browned bits.
• Tomato Paste: Adds depth and helps thicken the sauce.
• Shallots: Adds subtle onion flavor to complement the tomato. A yellow onion can be used instead for a stronger flavor.
• Minced Garlic: Brings the base of the tomato basil sauce to life.
• Canned Crushed Tomatoes: A simple way to build up the sauce. Broth and fresh juicy tomatoes cooked down for a longer time work well.
• Fresh Tomatoes: Many tomato varieties work well but we use grape for this recipe.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but great for adding a gentle heat.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and turns this into a truly creamy tomato basil chicken recipe.
• Fresh Basil: Stirred in just before serving as a garnish and to add a fresh flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Used as a garnish, can be omitted if necessary.

For this easy chicken recipe, you'll want to have on hand a large skillet, spatula, measuring cups and spoons and a meat thermometer (we love this one from ThermoWorks).

Variations

• Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs work well for this recipe, adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Add Vegetables: Spinach, zucchini, mushrooms or chopped bell peppers work well stirred in during the simmer.
• Lighten It Up: Replace heavy cream with whole milk. For a dairy-free option use a broth or white wine.
• Keep It Light: Serve over brown rice, zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of a traditional pasta.
• Tomato Change Up: Mix it up or use Roma, heirloom varieties or cherry tomatoes.
• Use Canned Tomatoes: When tomatoes aren't in season you can use extra canned tomatoes.

How to Make Tomato Basil Chicken

This chicken dish comes together quickly with just one pan and simple ingredients.

If needed, pound the chicken breasts down to ½-inch thickness. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, garlic powder, ground black pepper and onion powder. 

Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon oil and sear chicken on both sides for about 3-4 minutes each; do not overcrowd the pan (if needed work in batches and add more oil).

Remove from heat and set aside on a plate.

Make tomato sauce by adding 2 tablespoon oil and cook tomato paste, shallots and garlic for 1 minute while scraping down brown bits. 

Add crushed tomatoes, grape tomatoes and red pepper flakes.

Cook until the tomatoes soften and use a potato masher to crush them. 

Add heavy whipping cream and stir until blended. 

Place the chicken back to the skillet and bring to a simmer until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F (about 15 minutes). 

Garnish with chopped basil and parmesan shavings.

Serve chicken with a scoop of tomato sauce over a bowl or spaghetti or on its own.

Hint: For quicker, more even cooking, lightly pound thicker parts of the chicken breast before seasoning.

Recipe Tips

• Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Sear chicken in a single layer to get that golden crust; working in batches adds a few more minutes but is worth it!
• Deglaze: Lift the browned bits for added flavor in your sauce.
• Toast the Tomato Paste: Cooking the tomato paste briefly with the shallots and garlic deepens the flavor and adds a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
• Use a Potato Masher: Crushing the grape tomatoes right in the pan creates a rustic texture and helps them break down into the sauce.
• Finish with Basil: Always use fresh basil for best results, it's worth the extra step.

Another one that people always come back to, is our Red Curry Lentils, it is fast, flavorful and family friendly.

More Main Dishes

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooled chicken and sauce for up to 2 months in a freezer save container. I like to use freezer bags and remove all the air, then store in a freezer container for added freshness.
• Reheating: Thaw in the fridge overnight then warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed throughout.

Serving Suggestions

• More Easy Dinners: Stove Top Chili, Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes, Pork and Beef Chili, Homemade Hamburger Helper and our Sweet Potato Skillet.

Basil Tomato Chicken Recipe FAQs

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