Summer dinners call for something simple, satisfying, and full of flavor—and this Tomato Basil Chicken fits the bill beautifully.
Juicy chicken breasts are pan-seared to golden perfection, then smothered in a fresh, garlicky tomato basil sauce and topped with Parmesan. It’s everything you love about Italian-inspired comfort food—lightened up and made for warm-weather enjoyment.
This dish is perfect on its own or served over pasta, rice, or a bed of fresh greens. Best of all, it’s ready in under 30 minutes and tastes like something you’d get at a cozy countryside bistro.
🥄 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Fresh & simple: Just a few whole ingredients bring big flavor.
-
Perfect for summer: Light and herby with no heavy cream.
-
Pantry staples: Chicken, tomatoes, garlic, basil—you probably have them!
-
Ready in 30 minutes: Quick enough for weeknights, elegant enough for guests.
-
Versatile: Serve it with pasta, grains, or low-carb options.
📝 Ingredients (6 Servings)
-
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced horizontally to make 4 thin cutlets)
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved (or 1 can diced tomatoes)
-
¼ cup chicken broth or white wine
-
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
-
½ cup freshly chopped basil
-
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
Optional: extra basil leaves for garnish
⏱ Prep & Cook Time
-
Prep Time: 10 minutes
-
Cook Time: 20 minutes
-
Total Time: 30 minutes
-
Yield: 6 servings
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Season & Sear the Chicken
Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic & Tomatoes
Add remaining oil to the skillet. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, broth (or wine), and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, until tomatoes soften and release their juices.
Step 3: Add Basil & Return Chicken
Stir in chopped basil and return chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce over top. Simmer 2–3 more minutes.
Step 4: Finish & Serve
Top with Parmesan and extra basil. Serve hot with crusty bread, pasta, or your favorite side.
🌞 Why It’s a Summer Essential
-
Fresh basil = summer in a bite: Aromatic, peppery, and bold.
-
Tomato-forward: Peak-season tomatoes bring juicy, sweet-tart brightness.
-
Minimal cooking time: Keeps your kitchen cool.
-
Flexible serving options: Works with pasta, zoodles, couscous, or grilled veggies.
💡 Tips & Variations
-
Use bone-in chicken thighs: For a more rustic, juicy result.
-
Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.
-
Add veggies: Toss in spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers with the tomatoes.
-
Boost flavor: Deglaze with dry white wine or add a squeeze of lemon juice.
-
Make it dairy-free: Skip the Parmesan or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy note.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
-
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
-
Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken with sauce for up to 2 months.
-
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave until hot. Add a splash of broth if needed to refresh the sauce.
🍅 Why Tomato & Basil Is a Timeless Pairing
Tomatoes bring sweetness and acidity, while basil offers an herbaceous, slightly peppery lift. Together, they form the base of countless Mediterranean and American summer recipes—and this one is no exception.
Add golden-seared chicken and a touch of garlic, and you’ve got a meal that feels both elevated and incredibly simple.