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For this tasty dish, you will need the following main ingredients: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish) - 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice) These ingredients come together to create a rich and creamy sauce. The chicken stays juicy while soaking in the flavors. Besides the main ingredients, you can add some extra flavor with these seasonings: - Italian seasoning gives depth to the sauce. - Red pepper flakes add a nice kick if you like spice. - Fresh basil enhances the taste and adds freshness. Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. You can easily adapt this recipe for different diets: - For a lighter version, use chicken thighs or skinless chicken. - Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or a plant-based cream for dairy-free. - To make it vegetarian, replace chicken with tofu or hearty vegetables. These variations help everyone enjoy this creamy delight while fitting their diet. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil heats, season 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts on both sides. Use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. When the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear each side for about 6-7 minutes until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz) with their juices. Scrape any brown bits from the pan to add flavor. Let the tomatoes cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to simmer. Next, lower the heat to medium-low and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of chopped fresh basil, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and optional ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Mix everything well until it blends nicely. Gradually add ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts into a creamy sauce. Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon some of that rich creamy sauce over the chicken. Allow it to simmer for another 3-5 minutes. This lets the chicken soak up the delicious flavors. Once ready, you can remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the savory delight of your creamy tomato basil chicken! To cook chicken breasts well, start with even thickness. If needed, pound the chicken to ensure it cooks evenly. Season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper before cooking. Heat olive oil in your skillet until it shimmers. Add the chicken and don’t crowd the pan. This helps it brown nicely. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. Check for a golden color and make sure it's cooked through. Using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F. To amp up the creamy tomato flavor, use high-quality diced tomatoes. Look for ones packed in juice to keep the sauce rich. Adding fresh basil gives it a bright and tasty kick. Stir in heavy cream gently to avoid curdling. Incorporating grated Parmesan cheese adds depth and creaminess. If you like spice, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. This adds warmth without overpowering the dish. Let the sauce simmer to blend the flavors well. For a beautiful presentation, serve the chicken on a clean plate. Spoon a generous amount of creamy tomato sauce over the chicken. Add extra chopped basil on top for color. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese gives a nice touch. You can also use a drizzle of olive oil for shine. Consider serving with a side of pasta or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. This makes the dish look as good as it tastes! Pro Tips Use Fresh Basil: Fresh basil adds a vibrant flavor that dried basil simply can't match. Add it at the end of cooking to preserve its aromatic qualities. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before searing. This helps them cook uniformly. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute part of the heavy cream with chicken broth. This will still keep the sauce flavorful without being too rich. Garnish for Presentation: Always finish your dish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a few extra basil leaves. This not only enhances the flavor but also makes for an appealing presentation. {{image_2}} To make a lighter creamy tomato basil chicken skillet, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt. Both options keep some creaminess while cutting calories. You can also use skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They are tender and flavorful, adding depth without extra fat. Use low-sodium diced tomatoes to control salt levels. This keeps the dish tasty without feeling heavy. If you want a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. Both options absorb flavors well. Use vegetable broth instead of olive oil to sauté. You can also add more veggies, like spinach or zucchini. These fresh ingredients add nutrients and color. Keep the creamy tomato sauce the same, and you’ll have a delightful vegetarian meal. For spice lovers, add more red pepper flakes to the sauce. Start with one teaspoon and taste as you go. You can also mix in some chopped jalapeños for a fresh kick. If you prefer less heat, reduce the red pepper flakes or leave them out. Adjusting the spice level helps everyone enjoy this dish their own way. Feel free to experiment with these variations. Each one adds a unique twist to the classic creamy tomato basil chicken skillet. To store your leftover creamy tomato basil chicken, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, you can reheat them. I recommend using the stove for the best taste. Place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of cream or water to keep it moist. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often. You can also use a microwave if you prefer that method. Heat it in short bursts of 1-2 minutes. Stir after each burst to ensure even heating. If you want to save this dish for later, freezing is a great option. First, cool the chicken completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. This dish can be frozen for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it as explained above, and you will have a quick and tasty meal ready to go! Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to thaw them first. You can do this in the fridge overnight or use the microwave. Once thawed, season and cook them as the recipe states. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy. To add spice, you can include red pepper flakes. Start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to your taste. You can also add diced jalapeños or hot sauce. These options will give you that extra kick without changing the dish's creamy base. This dish goes well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Rice: White or brown rice soaks up the sauce well. - Pasta: Serve with fettuccine or penne for a hearty meal. - Salad: A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch. - Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into the sauce. These sides will make your meal balanced and delicious. Enjoy! In this blog post, we covered how to make a Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet. We explored main ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. You learned how to adjust the dish for your diet and how to store leftovers. This easy dish is tasty and flexible. You can make it fit your needs and preferences. I hope you enjoy cooking and sharing this meal with others!

Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet

A delicious and creamy chicken dish with tomatoes and fresh basil, perfect for a quick dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper on both sides.
  • Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear them for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to simmer.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream, chopped basil, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well until combined.
  • Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
  • Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over them. Allow them to simmer in the sauce for another 3-5 minutes to soak up the flavors.
  • Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve the chicken on a plate with a generous amount of the creamy tomato sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with extra chopped basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a beautiful touch.
Keyword basil, chicken, creamy, skillet, tomato