This yummy chicken in a creamy tomato and basil sauce is super easy to make. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner and pairs well with pasta or rice!
I love how the creamy sauce hugs the chicken just right. Plus, who can resist the smell of fresh basil while cooking? It makes everything feel fancy! 🌿
Cooking this dish is a breeze. Just sauté the chicken, whip up the sauce, and you’re all set. It’s a cozy meal that makes you feel like a chef with minimal effort!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best here for quick cooking. If you prefer, you could use chicken thighs for more flavor or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a wonderful tangy sweetness. If you can’t find them, you can use fresh tomatoes sautéed until soft, or even canned diced tomatoes if you drain them well.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, try half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative. Just remember it may change the flavor slightly.
Fresh Basil: Fresh is always best, but if you’re out, dried basil can work in a pinch. Use about 1 tablespoon dried instead of 1/4 cup fresh.
How Do I Get the Chicken Cooked Perfectly?
The key to juicy chicken is cooking it properly. Here’s how to do it right!
- Start with chicken that is at room temperature; it cooks more evenly.
- Use medium-high heat to get a nice golden sear. Don’t overcrowd the pan!
- Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes. Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should be 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest after cooking; this keeps it juicy.
With these tips, your chicken will turn out delicious every time! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Easy Chicken in Tomato Basil Cream Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably packed in oil)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (or roughly torn)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious chicken dish requires about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook, totaling approximately 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step adds great flavor to the chicken!
2. Cooking the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sautéing the Garlic:
In the same skillet that you used for the chicken, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic becomes fragrant but not burned—watch it closely!
4. Adding Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and sauté for another 1-2 minutes. This will infuse the dish with delicious flavors!
5. Creating the Cream Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine everything. Allow it to simmer gently.
6. Adding Parmesan and Herbs:
Next, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Then add the fresh basil leaves and dried oregano if you’re using it. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
7. Bringing It All Together:
Return the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes so that the chicken absorbs all the rich flavors.
8. Serving Up:
Finally, serve the chicken hot, spooning extra sauce over the top. This dish is fantastic with pasta, rice, or some crusty bread for soaking up that delicious sauce!
Enjoy your creamy, flavorful chicken in tomato basil cream sauce!
FAQ for Easy Chicken in Tomato Basil Cream Sauce
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can, but make sure to fully thaw it first! Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight or swiftly using a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Pat it dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the pan.
What If I Don’t Have Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
No problem! You can substitute them with fresh tomatoes that have been sautéed until soft or canned diced tomatoes, just make sure to drain them well. This will still give you a nice flavor without the tanginess of sun-dried tomatoes.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of cream if the sauce thickens too much.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so on low to avoid drying the chicken out, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
