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EASY Tomato Basil Chicken


A simple one-pan meal that is sure to please everyone! This Easy Tomato Basil Chicken is savory, creamy, and bold with flavors. It is the perfect meal when you just want something simple! Pair with some pasta or rice, and you have a meal that won’t disappoint.

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Simple, Saucy, and Savory

I don’t know about you all, but I have never been the type of person who could eat the same thing over and over again. I always try to take the chance to try something new or change what I am eating weekly. But, sometimes, you have to work with what you’ve got in the house.

I’ve been trying to get rid of some of the proteins in my freezer. I have an abundance of boneless skinless chicken breasts and thighs. So, I’ve been trying to find different ways to use them. This recipe right here is one of them; and, if I do say so myself, it came out pretty good. My Simple Tomato Basil Chicken is super simple to make and extra saucy.

The Sauce is the Key

The star of this recipe is its creamy tomato sauce. It is savory and filled with fresh herbs. It also has a slight kick at the end of the red pepper flakes. Whenever making tomato sauce, I always suggest using quality and fresh ingredients. You will be able to taste the difference in the end.

Fresh Roma Tomatoes are always the best choice for tomato sauce. They are best when they are in season. If you cannot get fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes are the next best option. I usually go for crushed or diced tomatoes. They’ll cook down faster and come in a variety of can sizes.

The next thing you have to think about when it comes to this sauce is the seasoning. Salt, black pepper, garlic, onions, and fresh herbs are my go-to’s, especially the fresh herbs. The fresh herbs bring the sauce alive and help to mellow out some of the acidity from the tomatoes. I always suggest adding the fresh herbs closer to the end. This will help the herbs maintain their overall flavor.

Tomato basil chicken Ingredients

Let’s walk through each ingredient so you understand its importance. The real star of this recipe is the sauce! The other ingredients are enhanced by the flavor of the sauce. The sauce coats the tender chicken so nicely. Plus, the seasonings from the seared chicken will run off into the sauce. 

  • Chicken Breasts or Thighs: This is the main protein in the dish. Chicken breasts will cook faster. But, they will also dry out faster. Once the breasts are golden brown on each side, remove them immediately.

  • Paprika: The paprika adds some smokiness to the chicken. Plus it gives the chicken a little extra color when it’s seared. 

  • EVOO: The extra virgin olive oil is used for searing and flavor. I used about 4 tablespoons in total. 

  • Yellow Onion & Garlic: These two ingredients add a lot of flavor to the sauce. Plus they are stapled basics in many recipes.

  • Tomato Paste: The tomato paste adds some depth to the sauce while helping it to thicken.

  • Crushed Tomatoes: Crushed or diced tomatoes will work perfectly for this recipe. They both will cook down pretty fast. Plus, they are a great alternative to fresh tomatoes. Diced tomatoes will work as well.

  • Chicken Stock: I suggest using a good quality chicken stock. Chicken broth will work as well. It will help to thin out the sauce.  

  • Fresh Herbs: I used basil, oregano, and thyme in this recipe. Fresh is always better in my opinion, but dried can be used for this recipe. The conversions are in the recipe below.

  • Half & Half: I decided to use half & half to this recipe to cut some of the acidity from the tomatoes and make the sauce a little creamy. 

  • Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: These are the main seasonings in the recipe. I made the seasoning pretty simple because I decided to use fresh herbs. I did not want to overpower their flavor. 

  • Sugar: I added a small amount of sugar to the sauce for some balance. The sauce is still very savory even with the addition of the sugar.

  • Red Pepper Flakes: You only need a small pinch of red pepper flakes for a little spice in the sauce. 

How to Make Tomato Basil Chicken:

My Tomato Basil Chicken takes very little time to make. The recipe is made in one skillet which means that clean-up is a breeze! Be assured that with this recipe, you will always have a go-to recipe in your arsenal! The ingredients are cheap and very accessible pretty much anywhere. Plus, like any other tomato sauce-based dish, it will taste even better the next day.  

The full written recipe is below, but here’s an overview.

  • Step 1: Prep the Chicken & Oil. Trim excess fat or skin off of the chicken breasts or thighs. Heat 2 tbsp of EVOO in medium to large skillet on medium-high heat. Season the chicken well with kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika. 

  • Step 2: Sear the Chicken. When the oil is fully heated, brown the chicken on both sides until golden brown. The chicken will not be fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and hold it on a plate. Degrease the pan and add the other 2 tbsp of EVOO. 

  • Step 3: Saute the Vegetables. Add the onions and saute until soft (about 3 - 5 minutes). Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. 

  • Step 4: Make the Sauce. Add the tomato paste, mix, and cook for 2 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes and chicken stock. Mix and allow the mixture to simmer for 10 - 15 minutes. The tomatoes should be mushy and form a sauce.

  • Step 5: Season the Sauce. Season the sauce with 2 tbsp of kosher salt, 1½ tsp of black pepper, 2 tsp of sugar, 1 pinch of red pepper flakes, and the fresh herbs. Taste the sauce. Add additional kosher salt and black pepper if necessary depending on personal preferences or dietary needs.

  • Step 6: Finish the Sauce & Return the Chicken. Add the half & half and mix. Add the chicken back into the sauce. Allow the chicken to simmer on medium heat in the sauce until the chicken reaches 165 degrees (about 3 - 5 minutes).

  • Step 7: Serve & Enjoy. When the chicken is fully cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve and enjoy!

I’d love to hear your feedback about this Simple Tomato Basil Chicken. Leave me a message in the comments section below. Remember to share and enjoy! Follow Be Greedy Eats on Pinterest and Instagram as well!

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