EASY TOMATO BASIL CHICKEN RECIPE

I’ll never forget the summer my little garden exploded with basil and tomatoes; I was practically giving them away, and this vibrant Tomato Basil Chicken became a weeknight staple – simple, satisfying, and a true taste of sunshine on a plate. Now, I want to share that same easy joy with you, and I promise, even if your thumb isn’t green, you’ll have a delicious, restaurant-worthy meal on the table in no time!

Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner: Tomato Basil Chicken

Hey there, friend! I’m so excited you’re here because we’re about to dive into a recipe that’s going to become a regular in your rotation. Tomato Basil Chicken is one of those dishes that’s incredibly versatile, bursting with flavor, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, I’m confident you’ll nail this one. We’ll walk through each step together, and I’ll share all my little tips and tricks along the way.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Seriously, this recipe is ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and tender chicken is a match made in heaven.
• Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, quinoa, or even with a side of crusty bread for soaking up that delicious sauce.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Even the pickiest eaters will love this dish!
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your liking with different cheeses, vegetables, or spices.

What You’ll Need: Gathering Your Ingredients

Okay, let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, you probably have most of these on hand already!

Ingredients List:

• Chicken Breasts: About 1.5-2 pounds, boneless and skinless. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer.
• Olive Oil: For searing the chicken and sautéing the garlic.
• Garlic: A few cloves, minced. Garlic is key for adding depth of flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes: One 28-ounce can, undrained. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a smoky sweetness.
• Tomato Paste: A few tablespoons. This helps to thicken the sauce and intensify the tomato flavor.
• Fresh Basil: A generous handful, chopped. Fresh basil is a MUST for that authentic Italian flavor.
• Dried Oregano: A teaspoon. This adds a warm, herbaceous note.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch (optional, for a little heat).
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded. Because everything is better with cheese, right?
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated (optional). For an extra layer of cheesy goodness.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Don’t be afraid to get creative! Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations:

• Chicken: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor.
• Tomatoes: If you don’t have diced tomatoes, you can use crushed tomatoes or even fresh tomatoes (just make sure they’re ripe and flavorful).
• Basil: While fresh basil is best, you can use dried basil in a pinch (use about 1 teaspoon).
• Cheese: Use provolone, fontina, or any other cheese that melts well.
• Vegetables: Add sliced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Spice: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking, or add a dash of cayenne pepper for even more heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Tomato Basil Chicken Like a Pro

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious Tomato Basil Chicken dinner on the table in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

First, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them to brown nicely when you sear them. Season them generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it’s what brings out the flavor!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown. You don’t need to cook them all the way through at this point – we just want to get a nice sear on the outside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic – burnt garlic tastes bitter.

Step 4: Make the Tomato Sauce

Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 5: Add the Chicken Back to the Skillet

Nestle the seared chicken breasts into the tomato sauce. Make sure they’re mostly submerged in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

Pro Tip: If the sauce starts to get too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out.

Step 6: Add the Basil and Cheese

Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the chopped fresh basil. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese (if using) over the chicken. Cover the skillet and let it sit for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Cheese Melting Tip: If you want the cheese to melt faster, you can place the skillet under the broiler for a minute or two. Just keep a close eye on it to prevent the cheese from burning!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

And that’s it! Your Tomato Basil Chicken is ready to serve. Serve it over your favorite pasta, rice, quinoa, or with a side of crusty bread. Garnish with extra fresh basil, if desired. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions: What to Serve with Your Tomato Basil Chicken

This Tomato Basil Chicken is incredibly versatile, and it pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Pasta: Serve it over your favorite pasta shape, such as spaghetti, penne, or linguine.
• Rice: Fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even wild rice are all great options.
• Quinoa: For a healthier option, serve it over quinoa.
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up that delicious tomato sauce.
• Salad: A simple green salad or a Caprese salad (with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil) would be a perfect complement.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are all delicious and healthy sides.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Tomato Basil Chicken

Here are a few extra tips and tricks to help you make the best Tomato Basil Chicken ever:

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the flavor. Use fresh basil, ripe tomatoes, and good-quality chicken.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken is dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season the chicken and sauce generously with salt, pepper, and other spices.
• Let the Sauce Simmer: Simmering the sauce for a few minutes helps to develop the flavors and thicken it slightly.
• Add a Touch of Sweetness: If the sauce is too acidic, add a pinch of sugar or a drizzle of honey to balance the flavors.
• Make it Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Other Delicious Chicken Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you loved this Tomato Basil Chicken recipe, here are a few other chicken recipes that you might enjoy:

• Try the incredibly flavorful Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken for an easy, hands-off meal.
• The Chicken Casserole Recipe is a comforting and classic dish that’s perfect for a family dinner.
• For a fun and cheesy twist, try the Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake.
• If you’re looking for a creamy and decadent pasta dish, you need to try Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
• The Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is another fantastic and easy recipe that’s sure to please.
• For a taste of the exotic, try the Basil Chicken Coconut Curry.

Troubleshooting: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen. Here are a few common mistakes that people make when making Tomato Basil Chicken, and how to avoid them:

• Dry Chicken: Overcooking the chicken is the most common cause of dry chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also try using chicken thighs instead of breasts, as they tend to be more forgiving.
• Bland Sauce: A bland sauce is usually the result of not using enough seasoning. Don’t be afraid to season the sauce generously with salt, pepper, and other spices. You can also add a pinch of sugar or a drizzle of honey to balance the flavors.
• Watery Sauce: A watery sauce can be caused by not simmering it long enough. Simmer the sauce for a few minutes to allow it to thicken. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour to the sauce to help thicken it.
• Burnt Garlic: Burnt garlic tastes bitter and can ruin the flavor of the dish. Sauté the garlic over medium heat and watch it carefully to prevent it from burning. If the garlic starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat or remove the skillet from the heat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to the skillet to prevent the chicken from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
• Can I add other vegetables to this recipe? Absolutely! Sliced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini are all great additions.
• Can I make this recipe in the slow cooker? Yes, you can! Sear the chicken breasts as directed, then place them in the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients (except for the basil and cheese). Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the basil and cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Can I freeze this recipe? Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw it completely before reheating.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Delicious Creation!

There you have it – your very own Tomato Basil Chicken masterpiece! I hope you enjoyed making this recipe as much as I enjoy sharing it with you. Remember, cooking should be fun and relaxing. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. And most importantly, enjoy your delicious creation!

Easy Tomato Basil Chicken

This Easy Tomato Basil Chicken is a flavorful and versatile weeknight dinner that’s ready in under an hour. Tender chicken breasts are simmered in a vibrant tomato sauce infused with fresh basil, garlic, and herbs, then topped with melted mozzarella for a satisfying and customizable meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian-American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional

Equipment

• large skillet
• knife
• cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Spatula or spoon
• paper towels
• Meat Thermometer

Method

 

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
5. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. Nestle the seared chicken breasts into the tomato sauce. Make sure they’re mostly submerged in the sauce.
8. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
9. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the chopped fresh basil.
10. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese (if using) over the chicken. Cover the skillet and let it sit for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Serve over pasta, rice, quinoa, or with crusty bread. Garnish with extra fresh basil, if desired.

Notes

Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Don’t overcook the chicken; use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C). Season generously. If the sauce is too acidic, add a pinch of sugar or a drizzle of honey. This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated. For variations, try using chicken thighs instead of breasts, or add sliced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.