Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe is our current favorite one-pan back-to-school dinner! Tender seasoned chicken combined with creamy tomato garlic sauce for a restaurant-worthy meal that’s ready in minutes. 

Looking for more showstopping chicken recipes? Try our Chicken Fajita Pasta and Simple Chicken Cacciatore Recipe. 

chicken breast topped with tomato cream sauce in a saute pan. this recipe
Jump to:

Tomato Basil Chicken

We have chicken nearly every week, often multiple times in the week. A lot of the time we stick with simple, family-friendly options like Grilled Chicken Drumsticks and Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders. 

However, sometimes I prefer something a little on the fancier side. That said, I don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen (or have the time). That’s when this tomato basil chicken recipe comes in to save the day! 

Savory, rich, and full of flavor, it tastes like it came from the kitchen of a five-star Italian restaurant. However, all the ingredients combine in a single skillet and cook in less than 20 minutes. 

It’s fancy enough for a date night in yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. It serves well over any starchy side or crusty bread to soak up the tasty sauce.

Basil Chicken Recipe Ingredients

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

ingredients for basil chicken recipe.
  • Oil: Use avocado oil or any other high-heat oil. 
  • Chicken: I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts as they take on the flavor of the rest of the ingredients. If preferred, boneless, skinless chicken thighs will also work. 
  • Tomatoes: Look for Roma tomatoes. They are plum, firm tomatoes with a sweet taste and low water content.
  • Garlic: Gives the dish a delicious, fragrant taste. Use whole cloves, not pre-minced varieties for the best results.
  • Seasonings: Salt, pepper, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes create a savory flavor with a touch of heat. 
  • Chicken broth: The base of the creamy sauce. Vegetable broth will also work. 
  • Heavy whipping cream: Enhances the rich flavor and creamy consistency of the sauce. 
  • Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes. 
  • Parmesan cheese: Buy a block of parmesan, and grate it yourself for the best results. 

How to Make Tomato Basil Chicken

Check out the recipe card below for detailed instructions. 

seared chicken breast in a pan.

Step 1: Cook chicken over medium-high heat until nearly cooked through. Then, transfer the chicken to a plate, and cover it with foil. 

diced tomatoes in cream in a saute pan.

Step 2: In the same pan, cook tomatoes, garlic, and oregano until softened. Stir in the chicken broth, heavy whipping cream, red pepper flakes, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

chicken breast with cream sauce in a pan.

Step 3: Return the chicken to the pan, and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly. 

seared chicken breast in a cream sauce topped with fresh basil and parmesan.

Step 4: Stir in Parmesan cheese and basil.

Tips for Making this Chicken Tomato Recipe with Basil

  • Pound the chicken into thin, equal-sized pieces for quick, even cooking. 
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan. Arrange the chicken cutlets in a single layer, leaving space in between each piece. Otherwise, they won’t cook evenly. 
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. 
  • Do not boil. Be careful not to bring the sauce to a boil as you simmer. Reduce the heat as needed, cooking just until it warms through and thickens. 

What to Serve with Tomato Chicken

We love to serve this recipe with pasta, rice, or crusty sourdough garlic bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. You can also add an antipasto salad platter, zucchini with mozzarella, or roasted asparagus as a side dish. 

And don’t forget dessert! Finish your meal with caramel toffee cookies or mini lemon cheesecake for a true restaurant experience. 

chicken breast in tomato cream sauce over orzo in a bowl.

Storing Leftover Tomato Basil Chicken

Once cooled, you can transfer leftovers to an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for 2-3 days. I do not recommend freezing this recipe as the sauce does not thaw well!

How to Reheat Basil Chicken

Reheat your tomato basil chicken in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat on the stove. Add a splash of broth or cream as needed to freshen the sauce back up. 

More One Pan Meals

One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Chicken with Zucchini Recipe

Creamy Tomato Chicken Recipe

Easy Chicken Vegetable Curry

If you try Tomato Chicken with Basil, please leave a star rating and a comment letting us know how you liked the recipe.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
chicken in sauce in a pan.

Tomato Chicken With Basil

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Katya
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 20 min
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Category: Main
  • Cuisine: Italian
Print Recipe

Description

I love making this Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe towards the end of the summer when you can still find in-season tomatoes. This one-pot wonder with creamy tomato garlic sauce is a great meal for weeknights or even a date night at home!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 Tbsp. avocado oil or other high-heat oil, divided
  • 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick
  • 4 Roma tomatoes, chopped, about 2 cups
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 tsp. sugar, cane or granulated
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, preferably freshly grated
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil, plus extra for garnish
  • Kosher salt and fresh black pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat in a large non-reactive saute pan, such as enamel coated cast-iron or stainless-steel pan. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper, to taste. Make sure to season both sides of the chicken.

  2. When the pan is hot and the oil is shimmering, add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side undisturbed or until just about cooked through. Cook time will depend on the thickness of the breast. For smaller pieces of chicken, the time may be more like 2-3 minutes per side. Remove to a plate and cover lightly with foil to keep warm.

  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. When the oil is hot, add tomatoes, garlic, and oregano with a pinch of salt. Cook tomatoes, stirring occasionally until softened, about 2-3 minutes.

  4. Stir in chicken broth, heavy whipping cream, red pepper flakes, and sugar.  Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer, while scraping down the bottom.

  5. Return chicken to the pan and simmer with sauce, partially covered, for about 1-2 minutes or until sauce slightly thickens. Stir in Parmesan cheese and basil. Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Notes

  • Chicken: Boneless, skinless, chicken thighs can also be used in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  • Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
  • Calories: 457
  • Sugar: 3.2 g
  • Sodium: 310.7 mg
  • Fat: 23.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5.5 g
  • Protein: 54.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 186.6 mg