If you’re craving a dinner that bursts with fresh flavors and feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce Recipe is your new best friend. Tender chicken breasts are seared to a gorgeous golden brown and then bathed in a luscious tomato butter sauce, brightened with fragrant garlic and fresh basil. It’s the perfect way to transform simple ingredients into a dish that tastes like it belongs in a cozy Italian trattoria, yet it’s so easy you can whip it up on any weeknight. Get ready to fall in love with every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple, fresh ingredients, each playing a key role to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the juicy cherry tomatoes to the creamy butter and fragrant basil, every component is essential to making this dish truly special.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness): Helps the chicken cook evenly and stay tender.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor right from the start for richness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken to a golden crust without sticking.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates the velvety base for the tomato butter sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic garlic goodness.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat that wakes up the palate.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved): Bursting with sweetness and bright color for the sauce.
- 1/3 cup chicken broth: Helps build a flavorful, light sauce that keeps the chicken moist.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped): Adds a fresh, herbaceous note that ties everything together.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brings a fresh acidity that balances the butter and tomatoes beautifully.
How to Make Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat will get you that lovely golden crust. Sear the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes per side until it’s cooked through and perfectly golden. This step locks in the juices and sets the stage for the flavorful sauce to come.
Step 2: Build the Tomato Butter Sauce
With the chicken resting, reduce the skillet heat to medium and melt the butter. Toss in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, sautéing just until the garlic is fragrant—around 30 seconds. Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook them until they soften and start bursting, releasing their juicy sweetness—this usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes. This fresh tomato base is the heart of your sauce.
Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Let this simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, which allows the sauce to thicken slightly and develop a beautiful balance of richness and brightness.
Step 4: Return Chicken and Finish with Basil
Slide the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning the tomato butter sauce over each piece. Let everything simmer together for another 2 minutes to marry the flavors and ensure the chicken is warmed through. Just before serving, sprinkle the fresh chopped basil over the top for an herbaceous, vibrant finish that makes this Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce Recipe truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a few extra basil leaves not only adds a pop of color but layers of flavor that will make each bite sing. If you want a little extra zing, a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right at the end is spectacular.
Side Dishes
This dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it over a bed of fluffy pasta to soak up all that luscious sauce, or alongside buttery mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. Crusty bread is also a dream for mopping up every last bit of the tomato butter goodness. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, consider plating each chicken breast on a large spoonful of polenta or creamy risotto, then drizzle the tomato butter sauce artfully over the top. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens can elevate the dish’s visual appeal to restaurant-worthy levels. This Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce Recipe really shines when presented with a bit of flair!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce and chicken together helps the flavors stay vibrant and the meat stay tender.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well! Freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water while reheating prevents the sauce from thickening too much and keeps the chicken moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will bring a richer, juicier experience to this dish. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through and tender.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the butter?
You can use olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute to keep this recipe dairy-free. The flavor will be slightly different but still deliciously rich.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
Dried basil can be used in a pinch, but fresh basil truly makes the Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce Recipe sing. If using dried, add it earlier in the cooking process for better infusion.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes! Increasing the red pepper flakes or adding a dash of cayenne pepper will add more heat. Adjust according to your spice tolerance for the perfect kick.
How do I keep the chicken moist?
Even cooking at medium-high heat helps form a crust without drying out the chicken. Resting the chicken briefly after searing and simmering it gently in the sauce also locks in moisture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Trying out this Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce Recipe is like inviting a burst of sunshine into your kitchen. It’s comfortable yet impressive, simple but full of flavor, and perfect for any night you want to treat yourself or loved ones to something special. Once you make it, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals. Give it a try and savor every delicious moment!
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Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce is a flavorful and easy-to-make Italian-American main course. Tender boneless chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection and then simmered in a luscious sauce made from butter, garlic, cherry tomatoes, chicken broth, lemon juice, and fresh basil. The result is a savory, aromatic dish with just a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, perfect for a weeknight dinner served alongside pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Tomato Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to infuse flavor throughout the meat.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Prepare the sauce base: Reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Cook the tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to burst and release their juices, creating a chunky, flavorful base.
- Deglaze and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to deglaze the pan by loosening any browned bits stuck to the bottom, which adds depth to the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes to heat the chicken through and allow it to absorb the sauce.
- Add fresh basil and serve: Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves to add a bright, herbal note. Serve immediately with your choice of pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, making for a versatile meal option.
- For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of grated Parmesan cheese at the end of cooking.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the quantity.
- To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning.
