Description
Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce is a flavorful Italian-inspired main course featuring juicy chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a savory tomato butter sauce infused with garlic and fresh basil. This easy skillet recipe delivers tender, golden-brown chicken paired with a rich, glossy sauce made from cherry tomatoes, tomato paste, and butter, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Grated Parmesan for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to enhance their flavor before cooking.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the tomatoes soften and begin to break down.
- Add Tomato Paste and Broth: Stir in the tomato paste and chicken broth (or water). Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish Sauce and Combine: Reduce the heat to low and add cubed butter, stirring until it melts and the sauce becomes glossy and smooth. Stir in fresh chopped basil, then return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the chicken to coat it well.
- Serve: Serve the garlic basil chicken hot, optionally topped with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Notes
- Great served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Use fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes for the best natural sweetness and flavor in the sauce.
- Adjust the amount of garlic to your preference for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
