Discover the ultimate recipe for Chicken Pomodoro, a classic Italian dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy tomato basil sauce. This easy-to-make recipe combines fresh garlic, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic basil to create a comforting, flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
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Whether you’re looking for a quick one-pan dish or a crowd-pleasing family meal, Chicken Pomodoro is the answer. Serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete, satisfying dinner. Packed with protein, wholesome ingredients, and bold flavors, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Juicy chicken breasts are smothered in a rich, creamy tomato basil sauce in this comforting and flavorful Chicken Pomodoro recipe. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is easy to prepare and packed with delicious Italian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ lbs)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup fresh basil, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Work in batches if necessary. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. - Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. - Build the Sauce:
Stir in the dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2 minutes. - Cook the Chicken:
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). - Thicken the Sauce:
Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and keep warm. Simmer the sauce uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. - Serve:
Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked without drying out.
- For a deeper flavor, use fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
- Feel free to use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier alternative.
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a richer flavor.
- Incorporate veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for added texture.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative.
What can I use instead of fresh basil?
Dried basil can be used in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon dried basil.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.
- Pair with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
- Complement the dish with garlic bread for an authentic Italian experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights but elegant enough for guests.
- Rich and Flavorful: A creamy tomato sauce infused with garlic and fresh basil.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Enjoy the delightful taste of Chicken Pomodoro, a classic Italian-inspired dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Chicken Pomodoro Recipe
4
servings5
minutes30
minutesIngredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ lbs)
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 tbsp olive oil, divided
1 onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
⅓ cup heavy cream
¼ cup fresh basil, finely chopped
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Work in batches if necessary. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Build the Sauce:
- Stir in the dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Thicken the Sauce:
- Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and keep warm. Simmer the sauce uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve:
- Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
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