Description
Chicken Pomodoro is a flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender, pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a vibrant tomato sauce made from crushed and cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and aromatic herbs. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner, delivering a balance of savory and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Tomato Sauce
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
To Serve
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking, preparing it to sear the chicken.
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Sauté the onion: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Prepare the tomato sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, halved cherry tomatoes, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors and thicken slightly.
- Meld chicken with sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the tomato sauce over the top. Cover the skillet and allow it to simmer for another 5 minutes to let the chicken soak up the sauce’s flavors.
- Add fresh basil: Remove the lid and stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves just before serving to preserve their bright aroma and flavor.
- Serve: Plate the chicken breasts topped with the rich tomato sauce and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, serving immediately for best taste.
Notes
- You can substitute boneless chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.
- Add a splash of white wine while simmering the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
- For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add fresh chopped chili.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when cooking chicken for even browning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
