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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare chicken breasts by generously seasoning both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
- 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).
- Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and loosely tent with foil to retain warmth and moisture.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for approximately 60 seconds until aromatic, releasing its intense flavor profile.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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