Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet
If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner, look no further than this Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet. With tender chicken cutlets simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with fresh basil, this dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also for the palate. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner, it combines pantry staples with fresh ingredients to create a luscious meal that everyone will love.
Why This Recipe Works
This Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet is a winner for many reasons. First, it features chicken breasts that are pounded thin, ensuring they cook quickly and evenly. Second, the crushed tomatoes provide a robust base for the sauce, while the heavy cream adds a velvety richness that elevates the dish. Finally, fresh basil gives it a burst of flavor that makes each bite simply irresistible. It’s a one-pan meal that’s quick to prepare and clean up, making it ideal for weeknight cooking.
What Goes In
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut or pounded to thin cutlets – The star of the dish, ensuring juicy bites.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder – Adds a subtle depth of flavor.
- 1/2 tsp salt – Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- 1/2 tsp pepper – A little kick to balance the creaminess.
- 1 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing the chicken and adding richness.
- 4 cloves garlic, pressed – Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic goodness.
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes (1 can) – The base of the creamy sauce, packed with flavor.
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning (dried) – A blend of herbs that complements the tomatoes perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp salt – To season the sauce.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – Creates the creamy texture of the sauce.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty, cheesy flavor that pairs beautifully with the tomatoes.
- 1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped – Freshens up the dish and adds vibrant color.
Tools & Equipment Needed
- Skillet or frying pan – A wide pan is ideal for cooking the chicken and sauce together.
- Meat mallet or rolling pin – For pounding the chicken to an even thickness.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – For stirring the ingredients as they cook.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure accurate measurements of ingredients.
- Knife and cutting board – For chopping the basil and preparing the garlic.
Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet Cooking Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them to an even thickness of about half an inch. This ensures they cook evenly. Once done, season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken cutlets in a single layer. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the pressed garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! Then, pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the Italian seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Once combined, add the Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and creamy. This creates a rich sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet, spooning the creamy tomato sauce over them. Let everything simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb some of the sauce. Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the top for a burst of flavor and color.
Allergy-Friendly Swaps
- Chicken: Substitute with turkey cutlets or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Heavy cream: Use coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative for a lighter version.
- Parmesan cheese: Nutritional yeast can be used for a dairy-free cheesy flavor.
- Olive oil: Avocado oil or another neutral oil can be used in place.
Recipe Notes & Chef’s Commentary
For the best flavor, use high-quality crushed tomatoes. San Marzano tomatoes are an excellent choice for their sweetness and low acidity. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer to reduce. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you enjoy a bit of heat. This Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat
This dish can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you’re looking to freeze leftovers, ensure it’s fully cooled before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to revive the sauce’s creaminess.
Questions People Ask
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! You’ll need about 3-4 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes. Blanch them to remove the skins for a smoother sauce, if preferred.
What can I serve with Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet?
This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or even crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad complements it beautifully.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cook the chicken fresh when you’re ready to serve.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture.
Make It Tonight
Now that you have all the details and tips for creating a delicious Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking! This dish is sure to become a family favorite, bringing smiles around the dinner table. With its creamy, savory sauce and tender chicken, you’ll find yourself dreaming about this meal long after the last bite. Enjoy the process of cooking and the joy of sharing it with loved ones. Bon appétit!
Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by placing your chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them to an even thickness of about half an inch. This ensures they cook evenly. Once done, season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken cutlets in a single layer. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the pressed garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! Then, pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the Italian seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Once combined, add the Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and creamy. This creates a rich sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken.
- Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet, spooning the creamy tomato sauce over them. Let everything simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb some of the sauce. Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the top for a burst of flavor and color.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use high-quality crushed tomatoes. San Marzano tomatoes are an excellent choice.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer to reduce.
- You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you enjoy a bit of heat.
- This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or a simple side salad.
