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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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