If you’re looking for a delicious meal that feels just like dining at your favorite restaurant, you’re in for a treat with my Tomato Basil Chicken recipe! It’s packed with flavour, super easy to make, and perfect for any night of the week. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking—your taste buds will thank you!

Cook Time: 25

Prep Time: 15

Yields: 6

Calories: 344

Simple ingredients for Delicious Tomato Basil Chicken

To create a mouthwatering Tomato Basil chicken, you’ll need a few straightforward ingredients that combine to make this dish truly special. Each ingredient plays a vital role in crafting the rich flavors that make it standout. Here’s what you’ll need:

1½ pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts – This is the star of the dish, providing protein and a tender base.
1 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
1 teaspoon paprika – Adds a subtle warmth and color to the chicken.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that brings a classic Italian flavor.
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil – This gives the chicken a beautiful golden crust while sautéing.
1 shallot, chopped – For a milder onion flavor, shallots are a perfect choice here.
4 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic adds a lovely aroma and depth to the sauce.
2 tablespoons tomato paste – Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens the sauce.
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes – The base of the sauce, bringing acidity and sweetness.
½ cup chicken broth – Adds richness and helps the sauce achieve the right consistency.
½ teaspoon Calabrian chili paste – Introduces a touch of heat; feel free to adjust according to your spice preference.
Salt to taste – Adjusting salt at the end ensures the flavors are just right.
¼ cup fresh basil, roughly chopped – Fresh basil elevates the dish with a burst of herbaceous flavor.
½ cup half-and-half – Adds creaminess to the sauce, making it luxurious.

Gather these ingredients, and you’re on your way to creating a delightful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and tomatoes will fill your kitchen with an amazing aroma!

Step-by-step Instructions to Make Tomato Basil Chicken

Let’s dive into the cooking process of this Tomato Basil Chicken that’s both simple and satisfying.Follow these steps closely for a delicious meal:

Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create cutlets. This helps them cook evenly.

Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken cutlets with salt, paprika, and Italian seasoning.this step infuses the chicken with flavor right from the start.

Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and brown on both sides for about 3 minutes each, or until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm on a plate.

sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, then toss in the chopped shallot. Sauté for about 3 minutes until soft. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Make the sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.Then, add the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let this simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Season the Sauce: Add the Calabrian chili paste and salt to taste,followed by the fresh basil and half-and-half. Stir to combine.

Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with any juices from the plate. Simmer in the sauce for about 3 to 5 minutes,or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for perfect doneness.

Once done, you can serve your Tomato Basil Chicken as is, or over your favorite pasta for a complete meal. Enjoy the layers of flavor in every bite!

Serving and Storage Information for Tomato Basil Chicken

Once your Tomato Basil Chicken is ready, it’s critically importent to know how to enjoy it and store any leftovers properly. This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served in several delightful ways.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Tomato Basil Chicken hot and steaming, ideally over a bed of pasta, like spaghetti or fettuccine, to soak up all that delicious sauce. You can also enjoy it with zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a lighter option or alongside fluffy rice for a heartier meal. Don’t forget to sprinkle a bit more fresh basil on top for extra flavor and presentation!

Storage Tips

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers,the good news is that this dish stores well. Here’s how:

Refrigeration: Allow the chicken to cool entirely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Freezing: You can also freeze this dish for longer storage. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, and it will last for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before warming it gently on the stovetop.

Reheating the chicken not only retains its flavors but also allows the sauce to meld even more, making it taste just as good the second time around.

Recipe Notes and Troubleshooting for Tomato Basil Chicken

While making Tomato Basil Chicken is straightforward, a few tips can definitely help you perfect the dish and avoid common pitfalls.

Cooking Tips

Chicken Thickness: If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, it can lead to uneven cooking. To solve this,you might want to pound them gently to an even thickness before seasoning. This ensures they cook evenly and remain juicy.

Adjusting the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, feel free to reduce the amount of Calabrian chili paste or omit it altogether. You can always serve it on the side for those who enjoy a little kick.

Sauce consistency: If your sauce turns out too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer to thicken.

Common Issues

Overcooked Chicken: If the chicken turns out dry,this usually means it was cooked for too long. Using a meat thermometer to check for 165°F ensures it’s done without being overcooked.

Flavor Balance: If your sauce tastes a bit flat, it may need a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Keeping these notes in mind will help you create a perfect Tomato Basil Chicken every time. Enjoy the process, and don’t hesitate to make adjustments to suit your personal taste!