Quick & Savory Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe For Weeknight Dinners

Tender chicken breasts shine in this simple tomato basil chicken recipe that brings Italian countryside flavors right to your kitchen.

Mediterranean sunshine seems to burst through every bite of this delightful dish.

Fresh herbs dance alongside ripe tomatoes, creating a symphony of taste that feels both comforting and exciting.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become special when you craft this uncomplicated yet elegant meal.

Minimal ingredients combine to produce maximum flavor, proving that simplicity can be truly extraordinary.

Crisp basil leaves and juicy tomatoes will transport you to a charming trattoria with just one forkful.

Dive into this recipe and let your culinary adventure begin!

Simple Tomato Basil Chicken Dinner Made Easy

• Enjoy a burst of tangy tomato, aromatic basil, and rich balsamic vinegar that transform simple chicken into a restaurant-worthy experience with just a few ingredients.
• Minimize kitchen cleanup by preparing the entire meal in a single skillet, making this recipe a time-saving and efficient choice for home cooks who value convenience.
• Adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels, adding extra herbs, or serving with your favorite sides like pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a customizable dining experience.

Gather Ingredients for Tomato Basil Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender meat that serves as the main protein in this simple and flavorful dish.

• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil that helps cook the chicken and adds a smooth, rich base to the recipe.

• Crushed Tomatoes, Balsamic Vinegar, Sugar: A combination that creates a balanced, slightly sweet and tangy tomato sauce with depth of flavor.
• Garlic: A aromatic ingredient that provides a robust and savory base for the sauce.

• Basil: A fresh herb that adds a bright, sweet, and slightly peppery flavor to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken and sauce.
• Garlic Powder: A concentrated seasoning that provides a deeper garlic flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: An optional ingredient that adds a subtle heat to the sauce.

• Parmesan Cheese: A salty and nutty cheese that can be sprinkled on top for extra richness.

How to Cook Tomato Basil Chicken in Minutes

Step 1: Season Chicken Breasts

Grab your chicken breasts and generously coat them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.

Make sure each piece is evenly seasoned for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Sizzle Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot pan and cook until a beautiful golden brown develops.

Flip the chicken and continue cooking until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Transfer the cooked chicken to a waiting plate and loosely cover with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Craft Vibrant Tomato Sauce

In the same skillet where chicken was cooked, add minced garlic and sauté until aromatic.

Pour in crushed tomatoes and stir to combine.

Let the sauce simmer and develop rich flavors.

• Balsamic vinegar
• Sugar
• Fresh basil leaves
• Red pepper flakes

Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Marry Chicken with Sauce

Gently return the chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the bubbling tomato sauce.

Spoon sauce over the chicken and let everything heat through for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

For an extra touch of deliciousness, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

Plate and serve immediately while hot and aromatic.

Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Tomato Basil Chicken

• Use a sharp knife and cut chicken breasts horizontally for even cooking and tender results.
• Simmer sauce uncovered to thicken naturally, or add a splash of chicken broth if too thick.
• Toast dried basil or red pepper flakes briefly in the skillet before adding tomatoes to enhance their aromatic qualities.
• Replace chicken with tofu, turkey, or fish for a versatile meal that suits different dietary preferences.
• Choose low-sodium crushed tomatoes and adjust salt levels gradually to maintain delicious taste without excess sodium.

Storing and Warming Tomato Basil Chicken

• Transfer leftover chicken and sauce to an airtight container. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Keep the chicken and sauce together to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring sauce halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Warm chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Stir gently and heat for 3-4 minutes until thoroughly warmed, ensuring even temperature throughout.

Best Sides to Serve with Tomato Basil Chicken

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complements the bright tomato sauce, cutting through the richness with its refreshing acidity.
• Serve with Herbed Focaccia: Crusty, herb-infused bread becomes the ideal sidekick, helping to soak up the delicious tomato-basil sauce and adding textural contrast.
• Match with Zesty Arugula Salad: A light, peppery salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette balances the warm chicken dish, providing a fresh, clean counterpoint to the rich flavors.
• Complement with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, smooth potatoes create a perfect base that absorbs the flavorful sauce while adding a comforting element to the meal.

Variations on Simple Tomato Basil Chicken

• Low-Carb Zucchini Chicken: Replace crushed tomatoes with spiralized zucchini and reduce cooking time. Use fresh herbs instead of sugar for added flavor.
• Dairy-Free Mediterranean Adaptation: Omit Parmesan cheese and add kalamata olives to the sauce. Use coconut oil instead of olive oil for cooking.
• Spicy Caribbean Version: Add jamaican jerk seasoning to chicken instead of garlic powder. Incorporate diced mango or pineapple into tomato sauce for tropical heat.
• Gluten-Free Italian Style: Confirm all ingredients are gluten-free certified. Replace balsamic vinegar with apple cider vinegar and add dried oregano for authentic Italian taste.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly in this recipe. They’re often more flavorful and stay juicier than chicken breasts. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they reach 165F internal temperature.

• Is balsamic vinegar necessary for the sauce?

Balsamic vinegar adds depth and slight sweetness, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. The sauce will still taste delicious.

• How spicy are the red pepper flakes?

Red pepper flakes add a mild heat that’s not overwhelming. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a small pinch. You can always add more to taste or skip them entirely.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your crushed tomatoes and any additional seasonings don’t contain hidden gluten ingredients.

Simple Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken breasts dance with garden-fresh basil and ripe tomatoes in this classic Italian-inspired simple tomato basil chicken recipe. Delightful herbs and tangy flavors meld together, promising a quick weeknight dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Cooking Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon / 5 milliliters dried basil)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes

Aromatics and Optional Toppings:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken breasts by generously seasoning both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot pan, cooking for 5-7 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and loosely tent with foil to retain warmth and moisture.
4. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for approximately 60 seconds until aromatic, releasing its intense flavor profile.
5. Pour crushed tomatoes into the skillet, stirring to incorporate the residual garlic and pan drippings. Allow sauce to simmer for 5-7 minutes, developing rich depth.
6. Enhance the sauce by incorporating balsamic vinegar, sugar, fresh basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to create a balanced taste.
7. Gently return chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces into the vibrant tomato sauce. Spoon sauce over the chicken and let it warm through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
8. For a final touch of indulgence, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the dish before serving, adding a luxurious, nutty dimension.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is pounded evenly to achieve consistent cooking and prevent dry spots.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help create a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in moisture.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal spice tolerance, adding gradually for controlled heat.
• Allow sauce to reduce and thicken naturally for deeper, more concentrated tomato flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg