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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar - Optional: Red pepper flakes for extra heat The chicken breasts are the main star of this dish. I love using boneless and skinless chicken for a tender bite. Season them simply with salt and pepper. This helps bring out their natural flavor. Next is the sauce, which is the magic in this recipe. I start with olive oil for cooking. It adds flavor and helps brown the chicken. The onion and garlic create a sweet base. They soften quickly, making your kitchen smell amazing. Crushed tomatoes bring tanginess and richness to the sauce. I use a can because it saves time. Heavy cream makes the sauce creamy and smooth. For freshness, I add chopped basil. This herb gives a bright taste that pairs well with tomatoes. Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs. It adds depth to the sauce. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a nice salty touch and thickens the sauce. Balsamic vinegar adds a hint of sweetness and acidity. If you like a little heat, red pepper flakes are perfect. I often add them for an extra kick. Each ingredient plays a key role, making this dish a savory delight. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This adds flavor right from the start. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear them for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown and cooked through. When done, remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Sauté it for about 3 minutes until it becomes soft. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. This step makes your kitchen smell amazing! Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes. Stir to mix everything well and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Next, lower the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, chopped basil, Italian seasoning, and balsamic vinegar. Let the sauce simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken just right and combine all the flavors. Now, return the chicken to the skillet. Make sure to coat it well with the creamy tomato basil sauce. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Let everything cook together for about 3 to 5 minutes. This heats the chicken through and melts the cheese. If you want some extra heat, add red pepper flakes for a kick! Serve it hot, and enjoy your delicious meal. To avoid dry chicken, consider a few key steps. First, always season the chicken breasts before cooking. Salt and pepper add flavor and help tenderize the meat. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. This helps keep the chicken juicy. For best searing, heat the olive oil on medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear them for 5-6 minutes on each side. Look for a golden-brown color. This gives flavor and texture. Don't crowd the skillet. Cook in batches if needed. You can boost the flavor of your sauce with some simple additions. Try adding a splash of white wine for depth. A teaspoon of sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes too. If you want some heat, mix in red pepper flakes. To thicken the sauce, let it simmer longer. The heavy cream will help, but patience is key. You can also mix in a cornstarch slurry. Combine one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water. Stir it in and let it cook until thick. Garnishing makes your dish look great. Add fresh basil leaves on top for color. You can also sprinkle more grated Parmesan for a rich finish. For serving, consider a side of pasta or rice. These pair well with the creamy sauce. You can also serve it with a fresh salad for a light touch. Enjoy your meal with friends or family for a special night! Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Chicken: To ensure your chicken breasts are juicy and tender, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Fresh Basil Flavor: For the best flavor, add the fresh basil at the end of cooking. This preserves its bright taste and vibrant color. Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, allowing more moisture to evaporate. Adjusting Spice Levels: If you enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or even a splash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce. {{image_2}} You can switch up the proteins in this dish easily. Using shrimp is a great option. The shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice touch of flavor. Just sauté them for a few minutes until they turn pink. Another choice is pork. Thinly sliced pork tenderloin works well. It cooks quickly and pairs nicely with the creamy sauce. If you prefer a vegetarian meal, try using mushrooms or tofu. Both absorb flavors well. Sauté the mushrooms until they are golden brown and tender. For tofu, choose firm tofu and cube it before cooking. Want to add some heat? Toss in red or green peppers. They bring a nice crunch and spice. You can sauté them with the onions for extra flavor. If you want to change the herbs, consider using thyme or oregano. They both add unique tastes to the dish. Fresh herbs work best, but dried ones are fine too. For those who need gluten-free options, simply check the labels on your ingredients. Most crushed tomatoes and seasonings are gluten-free. Just ensure that your broth, if using, is also gluten-free. If you want a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk. It keeps the dish creamy and adds a hint of sweetness. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy. To store leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to enjoy it again, reheat it on the stove over low heat. Stir often to keep it from sticking. You can add a splash of cream or broth if it seems too thick. To freeze this dish effectively, let it cool completely first. Then, transfer it into a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This can help prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove, stirring regularly to warm it evenly. Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Thawing them is key for best results. I recommend placing them in the fridge overnight. If you are short on time, you can also thaw them in cold water. Just make sure to keep the chicken in a sealed bag. This method takes about an hour. Once thawed, you can season and cook them as usual. If you want a lighter sauce, there are a few easy ways. First, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream. Try using half a cup instead of a full cup. Another option is to add more crushed tomatoes. This keeps the flavor rich without all the cream. You can also swap in low-fat milk or a non-dairy milk for a lighter touch. For a balanced meal, consider serving this dish with a side of rice or pasta. These options soak up the delicious sauce well. You might also try a fresh salad with greens and a light dressing. Roasted vegetables add a nice touch too. They bring color and nutrition to your plate. Don’t forget some crusty bread for dipping! In this blog post, we covered how to make a delicious creamy tomato basil chicken. You learned about the key ingredients, from the chicken to the tasty sauce. We went through step-by-step instructions to prepare and cook the dish. I shared tips to perfect the chicken and elevate the sauce. You saw variations for protein and dietary needs, plus storage tips for your leftovers. Now, you can confidently create this dish at home. Enjoy the flavors and happy cooking!

Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet

A delicious and creamy chicken dish with fresh tomatoes and basil.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • to taste Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for about 5-6 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine, and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, chopped basil, Italian seasoning, and balsamic vinegar. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  • Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it well with the creamy tomato basil sauce. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
  • Allow everything to cook together for about 3-5 minutes, until heated through. If desired, add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
  • Serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Add red pepper flakes for extra heat if desired.
Keyword basil, chicken, creamy, skillet, tomato