Sizzling Garlic Basil Chicken in Tomato Butter Sauce Recipe

Creamy tomato butter sauce elevates this garlic basil chicken into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece you can easily craft at home.

Mediterranean flavors dance across your plate with surprising elegance.

Fresh herbs and rich ingredients blend seamlessly in this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Weeknight cooking becomes an adventure when unexpected combinations spark culinary excitement.

Bold tomato notes intertwine with fragrant basil, creating depth that feels both comforting and unexpected.

Succulent chicken absorbs luxurious sauce nuances, promising a meal that delights every sense.

Discover how effortlessly gourmet cooking can happen in your own kitchen.

Garlic Basil Chicken in Tomato Butter Sauce Is Bold and Satisfying

• Packed with rich, creamy tomato sauce, aromatic garlic, and fresh basil, this recipe delivers a mouthwatering combination that will tantalize taste buds and impress dinner guests.
• Minimize cleanup with this simple skillet recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a gourmet meal, making cooking and washing up a breeze.
• Easily adapt the dish by adding or swapping ingredients – serve over pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables, and adjust spice levels to suit your preference.

Everything You Need for Garlic Basil Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that serves as the star of the dish, absorbing the rich flavors of the sauce.

• Garlic, Onion: These flavor-packed ingredients create a robust and fragrant base for the sauce.
• Oregano, Red Pepper Flakes: Herbs and spices that add depth and a subtle kick to the overall dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.

• Crushed Tomatoes: A rich and tangy base that provides a vibrant foundation for the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and deepens the savory profile of the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and velvety texture, softening the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Fresh Basil: A bright, herbaceous garnish that adds a fresh finish to the dish.

• Olive Oil, Butter: These fats help with searing the chicken and creating a smooth, rich sauce.

Garlic Basil Chicken Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Perfectly Brown the Chicken

Heat a large skillet with olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.

Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden crust forms and the meat is completely cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, toss in chopped onions and cook until they become soft and translucent.

Add minced garlic and let it release its aromatic magic for about a minute.

• Crushed tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Dried oregano
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Let the mixture simmer and bubble, reducing slightly for 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Enrich the Sauce

Stir in heavy cream and butter, watching the sauce transform into a luxurious, creamy texture.

Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Gently return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the rich sauce over each piece.

Allow everything to simmer together for 5-10 minutes, ensuring the chicken is heated through and completely coated in the velvety sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Delight

Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top.

Serve alongside pasta, fluffy rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that will make taste buds dance.

Tips to Master Garlic Basil Chicken in Tomato Sauce

• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in maximum flavor and moisture.
• If sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a splash of chicken broth or pasta water to maintain perfect consistency.
• Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lighter, lactose-free alternative that still delivers rich, creamy texture.
• Chop fresh basil just before serving to preserve its vibrant color and release maximum aromatic oils for an intense flavor punch.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked protein every time.

Store and Reheat Garlic Basil Chicken with Ease

• Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate chicken from sauce to maintain texture.
• Transfer cooled chicken and sauce to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent sticking and restore moisture. Stir gently until heated evenly, about 5-7 minutes.

Best Pairings for Garlic Basil Chicken in Tomato Sauce

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Choose a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Pinot Noir that complements the tomato butter sauce's richness and cuts through the creamy texture.
• Refresh with Crisp White: Select a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the dish's robust flavors and provide a light, zesty counterpoint to the heavy sauce.
• Perfect Carb Companion: Serve over al dente linguine or creamy polenta to soak up the delicious tomato butter sauce, adding extra depth and texture to each bite.
• Herb-Infused Side Suggestion: Prepare a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add a bright, peppery contrast that cleanses the palate between rich chicken bites.

Creative Twists on Garlic Basil Chicken Recipe

• Low-Carb Version: Replace pasta or rice with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining the rich flavor of the original recipe.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use olive oil instead of butter to create a creamy sauce without dairy products, perfect for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms, pressing and marinating them before searing to absorb the garlic and tomato flavors while keeping the core sauce ingredients intact.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Increase red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños to the sauce for those who enjoy a more intense heat level, complementing the existing tomato and garlic profile.

FAQs

• Why should I sear the chicken before making the sauce?

Searing locks in the chicken’s moisture and creates a delicious golden-brown exterior that adds rich flavor and texture to the final dish.

• Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?

While fresh basil provides the best flavor and aroma, you can substitute dried basil by using about 1/3 of the amount of fresh basil called for in the recipe.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes are optional, so you can control the heat level. Without them, the dish is mild and creamy with a rich tomato flavor.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, but you can also use chicken thighs for a slightly more tender result. Just ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Garlic Basil Chicken in Tomato Butter Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic basil chicken bathes in a luxurious tomato butter sauce, promising pure Mediterranean comfort. Rich herbal notes and silky textures invite home cooks to savor this elegant yet simple culinary experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Herbs and Spices:

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt & pepper to taste

Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large skillet and heat olive oil and butter over medium-high temperature until shimmering. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear for 6-7 minutes on each side until achieving a golden-brown exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking.
2. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate. In the same skillet, sauté finely chopped onions for 2-3 minutes until translucent and softened. Add minced garlic and quickly toast for 1 minute to release aromatic flavors.
3. Pour crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, and red pepper flakes into the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes, gradually reducing and concentrating the sauce’s intensity.
4. Incorporate heavy cream and additional butter into the sauce, stirring consistently to create a smooth, velvety texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed to enhance the overall flavor profile.
5. Gently return seared chicken to the skillet, carefully coating each piece with the luxurious tomato butter sauce. Allow the chicken to warm through for 5-10 minutes, ensuring complete integration of flavors.
6. Remove skillet from heat and generously garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves. Serve immediately alongside your preferred accompaniment such as pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

• Prevent chicken dryness by using a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F without overcooking.
• Reduce sauce thickness by simmering longer if you prefer a more concentrated tomato flavor and richer consistency.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or using alternative spices like smoked paprika for different flavor profiles.
• Transform into lighter version by substituting heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk, creating dairy-free and lower-calorie alternatives.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 95mg