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Creamy Tomato Chicken Skillet

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Keywords: Creamy tomato chicken, one-pan chicken dinner, quick chicken recipe, creamy skillet chicken, weeknight dinner, comforting chicken meal