This Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is a rich, comforting dinner that’s surprisingly easy to make. Juicy pan-seared chicken is simmered in a silky tomato cream sauce with garlic, fresh basil, and Italian herbs for a restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re serving it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice, this creamy chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 30 minutes.
- Rich and creamy with fresh tomato flavor.
- Tender pan-seared chicken in every bite.
- Made in one skillet for easy cleanup.
- Perfect for family dinners.
- Pairs well with pasta, rice, or vegetables.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Flour, for dredging
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 small handful fresh basil, chopped or torn
Instructions
- Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create four thin cutlets.
- Season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Lightly dredge each cutlet in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard and chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir until smooth.
- Add the chopped tomato, Italian seasoning, and fresh basil.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over each piece.
- Simmer for another 5–7 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Taste and adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken immediately with your favorite side dishes.
Tips & Tricks
- Pound the chicken to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Fresh basil provides the best flavor and aroma.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an even richer sauce.
- Cherry tomatoes can replace chopped tomatoes.
- Add baby spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: High-Protein
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts.
- Half-and-half can replace heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Serve over fettuccine, mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or roasted vegetables.
- Garnish with extra basil and freshly grated Parmesan before serving.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 495
- Protein: 39g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fat: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 430mg
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a delicious substitute and stay especially juicy.
Can I make Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken ahead of time?
Yes. Store it in the refrigerator and gently reheat before serving.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, although cream sauces may separate slightly after thawing. Reheat slowly while stirring to restore the texture.
What should I serve with Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken?
It pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.
Can I add cheese to the sauce?
Absolutely. Freshly grated Parmesan adds even more richness and flavor.
Storage
Store leftover Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep the sauce smooth. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
Similar Recipes
Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Flour for dredging
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 medium tomato chopped
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 small handful fresh basil chopped or torn
Instructions
- Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create four thin cutlets.
- Season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Lightly dredge each cutlet in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard and chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir until smooth.
- Add the chopped tomato, Italian seasoning, and fresh basil.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over each piece.
- Simmer for another 5–7 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Taste and adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken immediately with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts.
- Half-and-half can replace heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Serve over fettuccine, mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or roasted vegetables.
- Garnish with extra basil and freshly grated Parmesan before serving.
Conclusion
This Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is everything you want in a comforting homemade dinner. Juicy golden chicken, fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a silky garlic cream sauce come together in one skillet for a meal that’s both elegant and effortless. Whether you’re preparing a quick family dinner or serving guests, this creamy chicken recipe is guaranteed to impress every time.