Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet Flavorful and Easy Meal

Looking for a quick and tasty dinner? Try this Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet! It’s simple to make and packed with flavor. You’ll combine juicy chicken, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil in just one pan. This meal is perfect for any night of the week. Follow my step-by-step guide, and you’ll impress everyone at your table! Let’s dive into the delicious details together!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– 1 cup vibrant cherry tomatoes, halved

– 1 cup fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped

Seasonings and Add-ins

– 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)

Suggested Accompaniments

– 2 tablespoons high-quality olive oil

– 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

– 1 cup creamy mozzarella cheese, shredded

The main ingredients in this dish make it pop with flavor. The chicken breasts are the star. They soak up all the tasty juices. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and a burst of color. Fresh basil brings a bright, herbal note that complements the dish.

When it comes to seasonings, garlic is key. It adds aroma and depth. Dried oregano gives an earthy flavor that balances the dish. Red pepper flakes can add heat. If you like spice, sprinkle them in!

Now, for the suggested accompaniments. High-quality olive oil is a must for cooking. It helps the chicken brown nicely and adds richness. Chicken broth creates a savory base for the sauce. Lastly, mozzarella cheese makes the dish creamy and comforting.

For the full recipe, check the details above. You’ll love how easy and delicious this Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet is!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

Seasoning chicken breasts

First, take your four chicken breasts. Season each one with sea salt and black pepper. Make sure to cover both sides. This step is key for flavor.

Heating the skillet

Next, grab a large skillet. Pour in two tablespoons of olive oil. Heat the skillet over medium heat until the oil shimmers. This means it’s ready for cooking.

Cooking the Chicken

Searing the chicken until golden brown

Carefully place the seasoned chicken in the hot skillet. Cook each side for 5 to 7 minutes. You want them to turn golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Removing the chicken from the skillet

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet. Set it aside on a plate. This keeps it warm while you make your sauce.

Making the Sauce

Sautéing garlic and tomatoes

With the skillet still on medium heat, add three minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 30 seconds. Stir often, so it doesn’t burn. Then, add one cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes. They should soften and release juices.

Adding chicken broth and seasonings

Carefully pour in one cup of chicken broth. Sprinkle one teaspoon of dried oregano and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Increase the heat a bit and let the sauce simmer.

For the Full Recipe, you can check the complete steps for making this delicious dish!

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

– To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. This guarantees your chicken is safe to eat and juicy.

– Manage skillet temperature by keeping it at medium heat. Too high can burn the garlic and chicken, while too low may leave the chicken undercooked.

Flavor Enhancements

– Adding more herbs can elevate the dish. Try fresh thyme or parsley for a new twist.

– Using different cheese varieties can change the flavor profile. Consider adding parmesan for a sharper taste or goat cheese for creaminess.

Presentation Tips

– Serve this dish directly from the skillet for a rustic and inviting look.

– Garnishing ideas include a sprinkle of fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil. This adds color and enhances the visual appeal.

For more details on making this dish, check the Full Recipe.

Variations

Different Proteins

You can switch out chicken for shrimp. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice twist. Just sauté them for 2-3 minutes until pink. This gives you a light, fresh meal. You can also use tofu if you want a vegetarian dish. Press the tofu to remove water, then cube it. Sauté the cubes like chicken for a tasty option.

Flavor Profiles

Want to spice things up? Add olives for a Mediterranean flair. They bring a salty flavor that pairs well with the tomatoes and basil. Another fun option is to mix in jalapeños. They add heat and make the dish exciting. Just chop them finely and add to the sauce while it simmers.

Dietary Modifications

If you need a gluten-free meal, it’s simple! Ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free. Most brands are safe, but always check the label. For a dairy-free version, skip the mozzarella cheese. You can use nutritional yeast instead for a cheesy flavor. This keeps the dish creamy without dairy.

Storage Info

Refrigerator Storage

To keep your Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet fresh, cool it quickly. Let it sit out for no more than two hours after cooking. Use an airtight container for storage. This helps keep the moisture in and the flavors locked.

Freezing Guidelines

You can freeze leftovers if you want to enjoy this dish later. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Heat it gently on the stove or in the microwave until it’s hot all the way through.

Shelf Life

For the best taste, eat your dish within three days if stored in the fridge. If frozen, it can last up to three months. Check for signs of spoilage. Look for off smells, discoloration, or changes in texture. If something seems off, it’s best to toss it out. Enjoy your cooking journey with the Full Recipe!

FAQs

How long does it take to make Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet?

Making this dish is quick and easy. It takes about 30 minutes total. Here’s how the time breaks down:

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

You can have a tasty meal on the table in no time.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the chicken and sauce and store them separately. Place them in airtight containers. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet. This method keeps all the flavors fresh.

What can I serve with Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet?

This dish pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options:

– Fluffy rice

– Crusty bread

– Roasted vegetables

– A fresh green salad

Each of these sides complements the chicken’s rich flavors.

How spicy is the recipe?

The recipe has a hint of spice from the red pepper flakes. You can adjust the heat to your liking. For less heat, skip the red pepper flakes. If you want more spice, add extra flakes. This flexibility makes the dish enjoyable for everyone.

This blog shared a simple recipe for Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet. You learned about key ingredients like chicken, tomatoes, and basil. I provided step-by-step cooking instructions and helpful tips to enhance flavor. Variations allow room for creativity, so feel free to adapt the recipe. Proper storage tips keep leftovers fresh and tasty.

Cooking should be fun and easy. I hope you try this dish and enjoy it!

- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup vibrant cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped - 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick) - 2 tablespoons high-quality olive oil - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup creamy mozzarella cheese, shredded The main ingredients in this dish make it pop with flavor. The chicken breasts are the star. They soak up all the tasty juices. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and a burst of color. Fresh basil brings a bright, herbal note that complements the dish. When it comes to seasonings, garlic is key. It adds aroma and depth. Dried oregano gives an earthy flavor that balances the dish. Red pepper flakes can add heat. If you like spice, sprinkle them in! Now, for the suggested accompaniments. High-quality olive oil is a must for cooking. It helps the chicken brown nicely and adds richness. Chicken broth creates a savory base for the sauce. Lastly, mozzarella cheese makes the dish creamy and comforting. For the full recipe, check the details above. You'll love how easy and delicious this Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet is! - Seasoning chicken breasts First, take your four chicken breasts. Season each one with sea salt and black pepper. Make sure to cover both sides. This step is key for flavor. - Heating the skillet Next, grab a large skillet. Pour in two tablespoons of olive oil. Heat the skillet over medium heat until the oil shimmers. This means it’s ready for cooking. - Searing the chicken until golden brown Carefully place the seasoned chicken in the hot skillet. Cook each side for 5 to 7 minutes. You want them to turn golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F. - Removing the chicken from the skillet Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet. Set it aside on a plate. This keeps it warm while you make your sauce. - Sautéing garlic and tomatoes With the skillet still on medium heat, add three minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 30 seconds. Stir often, so it doesn’t burn. Then, add one cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes. They should soften and release juices. - Adding chicken broth and seasonings Carefully pour in one cup of chicken broth. Sprinkle one teaspoon of dried oregano and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Increase the heat a bit and let the sauce simmer. For the Full Recipe, you can check the complete steps for making this delicious dish! - To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. This guarantees your chicken is safe to eat and juicy. - Manage skillet temperature by keeping it at medium heat. Too high can burn the garlic and chicken, while too low may leave the chicken undercooked. - Adding more herbs can elevate the dish. Try fresh thyme or parsley for a new twist. - Using different cheese varieties can change the flavor profile. Consider adding parmesan for a sharper taste or goat cheese for creaminess. - Serve this dish directly from the skillet for a rustic and inviting look. - Garnishing ideas include a sprinkle of fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil. This adds color and enhances the visual appeal. For more details on making this dish, check the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can switch out chicken for shrimp. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice twist. Just sauté them for 2-3 minutes until pink. This gives you a light, fresh meal. You can also use tofu if you want a vegetarian dish. Press the tofu to remove water, then cube it. Sauté the cubes like chicken for a tasty option. Want to spice things up? Add olives for a Mediterranean flair. They bring a salty flavor that pairs well with the tomatoes and basil. Another fun option is to mix in jalapeños. They add heat and make the dish exciting. Just chop them finely and add to the sauce while it simmers. If you need a gluten-free meal, it’s simple! Ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free. Most brands are safe, but always check the label. For a dairy-free version, skip the mozzarella cheese. You can use nutritional yeast instead for a cheesy flavor. This keeps the dish creamy without dairy. To keep your Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet fresh, cool it quickly. Let it sit out for no more than two hours after cooking. Use an airtight container for storage. This helps keep the moisture in and the flavors locked. You can freeze leftovers if you want to enjoy this dish later. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Heat it gently on the stove or in the microwave until it's hot all the way through. For the best taste, eat your dish within three days if stored in the fridge. If frozen, it can last up to three months. Check for signs of spoilage. Look for off smells, discoloration, or changes in texture. If something seems off, it's best to toss it out. Enjoy your cooking journey with the Full Recipe! Making this dish is quick and easy. It takes about 30 minutes total. Here's how the time breaks down: - Prep time: 10 minutes - Cook time: 20 minutes You can have a tasty meal on the table in no time. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the chicken and sauce and store them separately. Place them in airtight containers. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet. This method keeps all the flavors fresh. This dish pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Fluffy rice - Crusty bread - Roasted vegetables - A fresh green salad Each of these sides complements the chicken's rich flavors. The recipe has a hint of spice from the red pepper flakes. You can adjust the heat to your liking. For less heat, skip the red pepper flakes. If you want more spice, add extra flakes. This flexibility makes the dish enjoyable for everyone. This blog shared a simple recipe for Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet. You learned about key ingredients like chicken, tomatoes, and basil. I provided step-by-step cooking instructions and helpful tips to enhance flavor. Variations allow room for creativity, so feel free to adapt the recipe. Proper storage tips keep leftovers fresh and tasty. Cooking should be fun and easy. I hope you try this dish and enjoy it!

Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet

Discover the mouthwatering Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet Delight, a perfect blend of juicy chicken, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil. This easy recipe takes just 30 minutes and is packed with flavor from garlic, herbs, and melted mozzarella. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to impress your family and friends—click through to explore this delicious recipe and elevate your cooking today!

Ingredients
  

4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 tablespoons high-quality olive oil

1 cup vibrant cherry tomatoes, halved

3 cloves fresh garlic, minced

1 cup fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup creamy mozzarella cheese, shredded

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Begin by thoroughly seasoning the chicken breasts with a generous pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper on both sides. This step ensures the chicken is flavorful throughout.

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear each side for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

      Keeping the heat at medium, add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning until the garlic is fragrant and golden brown.

        Toss the halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until they begin to soften and release their juices.

          Carefully pour in the chicken broth, and then sprinkle the dried oregano and red pepper flakes over the mixture. Increase the heat slightly and bring the sauce to a lively simmer.

            Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the juicy tomatoes. Reduce the heat to low and allow everything to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors marry beautifully.

              Just before serving, generously sprinkle the chopped basil over the chicken, followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover the skillet and let it rest for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a delightful, gooey layer.

                Remove the skillet from the heat. For an extra touch of flavor, garnish with additional fresh basil leaves right before serving.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve this delightful dish directly from the skillet for a rustic feel. Pair it with a side of fluffy rice or toasted crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, and finish with a drizzle of balsamic reduction for added elegance. Enjoy!

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