Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a luscious tomato-based cream sauce infused with garlic and fresh basil. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions and pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a comforting and satisfying meal.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken breastssalt and pepperolive oilgarlic clovescherry tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes)heavy creamparmesan cheesefresh basildried oreganochicken broth

directions

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.

In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant.

Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they begin to burst and release their juices.

Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

Reduce heat to medium and add heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Return the chicken to the pan and simmer for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.

Add fresh basil and a pinch of dried oregano. Stir and cook for another minute.

Serve hot, garnished with extra basil if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 20-25 minutesTotal time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

Use sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense tomato flavor.

Swap chicken breasts for thighs for juicier meat.

Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.

Use coconut cream instead of dairy for a dairy-free version.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much upon reheating.

FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, canned diced tomatoes work well and save time.

Is this dish spicy?

Not inherently, but you can add red pepper flakes for heat.

Can I freeze Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken?

Yes, but the cream sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. Stir well when reheating.

What can I serve this with?

It pairs wonderfully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

Fresh basil is recommended for best flavor, but dried basil can be used in a pinch.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Let it simmer uncovered to reduce or add more Parmesan for thickness.

What type of Parmesan should I use?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives the best flavor.

Is this keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s low in carbs and suitable for keto with a side of vegetables.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, just use a larger skillet or pot to accommodate the extra volume.

What oil is best for cooking the chicken?

Olive oil adds great flavor, but you can also use avocado or canola oil.

Conclusion

Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is a comforting and delicious dish that brings together simple ingredients in a rich, satisfying sauce. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing a cozy dinner for two, this recipe is sure to impress with its balance of creamy texture and fresh basil-tomato flavor.