This easy chicken dish features tender chicken cooked in a creamy tomato and basil sauce. It’s simple to make and perfect for weeknight dinners!
I love how the creamy sauce gives it a rich flavor, and the fresh basil adds a nice touch. Serve it over pasta or rice for a tasty meal that feels special! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish. You can use chicken tenders or thighs if you prefer darker meat. They tend to stay juicier and can add extra flavor!
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are flavorful and convenient. If they’re not available, you can use fresh tomatoes or even canned tomatoes, just be sure to drain extra moisture.
Heavy Cream: This is key for that creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could substitute half and half, but it will be less rich. Coconut cream is a great dairy-free option!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice nutty flavor. If you need a substitute, try Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil brings aromatic freshness. If you don’t have fresh, you can use dried basil, but use only 1/3 of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How Do You Cook the Chicken Just Right?
Perfectly cooked chicken is crucial for this recipe. Follow these tips for juicy results:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the olive oil; this helps to sear the chicken.
- Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side. Avoid moving it too much to get a good golden crust.
- Use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to keep the juices inside.
These steps will ensure your chicken is tasty and moist, making the dish even more enjoyable!
Easy Chicken With Tomato Basil Cream Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken tenders)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced (oil packed recommended)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced or chopped
- Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook, giving you a total time of about 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and tasty weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This adds flavor right from the start!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant but be careful not to let it burn!
4. Make the Cream Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring everything together. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, which means it should be bubbling lightly.
5. Add the Tomatoes and Cheese:
Add the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and grated Parmesan cheese to the cream mixture. Stir often and let it cook for about 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens up nicely.
6. Finish with Basil:
Stir in the fresh basil leaves and, if you like a bit of heat, the red pepper flakes. This adds a fresh flavor and a little kick!
7. Combine Chicken with Sauce:
Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the pieces. Allow everything to heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Transfer the chicken to serving plates and spoon more of that lovely sauce on top. This creamy tomato basil chicken pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or some crusty bread to soak up the sauce!
Enjoy your creamy, flavorful chicken with tomato basil cream sauce! It’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table.
FAQ for Easy Chicken With Tomato Basil Cream Sauce
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative as they tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as they may take a few minutes longer to cook through. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
Yes, you can use half and half, which will result in a lighter sauce, or coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Keep in mind that these substitutes may yield a slightly different texture and flavor.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
Certainly! If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes (about 1 cup, diced) or canned diced tomatoes (drained) for a different flavor. Just note that using fresh will change the texture slightly.
