Creamy Tomato Chicken Skillet
Creamy Tomato Chicken Skillet is a quick, one-pan dinner featuring juicy boneless chicken breasts simmered in a rich, velvety tomato and cream sauce with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting and satisfying meal is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Pantry Items & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Dairy & Herbs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon fresh basil or 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Prepare and Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts liberally with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken to a plate and let rest.
- Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes: Lower heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in diced tomatoes, stir, and simmer for 5 minutes to reduce and concentrate flavors.
- Add Cream and Herbs: Stir in the heavy cream and fresh basil or dried Italian herbs. Let the sauce bubble gently until it thickens into a smooth, velvety consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy tomato sauce. Spoon sauce over the chicken, cover loosely, and simmer together for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Finish with Parmesan: Just before serving, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the skillet for an added savory richness.
Notes
- Use room-temperature chicken for even cooking and juiciness.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook chicken in batches if necessary to achieve a good sear.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it tender and juicy.
- Choose quality canned tomatoes such as San Marzano or fire-roasted for enhanced sauce flavor.
- Adjust creaminess by using half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Creamy tomato chicken, one-pan chicken dinner, quick chicken recipe, creamy skillet chicken, weeknight dinner, comforting chicken meal