Chicken Pomodoro is a vibrant Italian-inspired dish that brings juicy, golden-seared chicken breasts together with a saucy burst of sweet cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and just a touch of garlic. It takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, but the playful medley of flavors and colors makes it taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. This is the kind of meal that brightens up a weeknight and satisfies everyone at the table, whether you serve it over pasta, tuck it next to veggies, or let it shine all on its own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Chicken Pomodoro lies in its short ingredient list—each one is essential and brings something special to the table. From the boldness of fresh basil to the sweetness of tomatoes and that classic Parmesan finish, every component builds delicious flavor and texture.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and provide a tender, juicy bite—the perfect canvas for our sauce.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor, from the chicken to the tomatoes, and brings out the savory notes.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild warmth and depth; freshly cracked is ideal.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken itself with gentle garlicky flavor even before it hits the pan.
- Olive oil: Gives a rich finish and helps brown the chicken beautifully—the foundation of so many Italian dishes!
- Fresh garlic: Minced garlic is sautéed to create an aromatic base for the sauce, making the kitchen smell irresistible.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved and sautéed, these burst into a naturally sweet, juicy sauce that feels like summer in a skillet.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch wakes up the tomatoes without overpowering the dish.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and helps transform the tomatoes and garlic into a silky sauce.
- Fresh basil leaves: Chopped basil is the soul of Chicken Pomodoro—use plenty for that herby aroma and bright green color.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): A final flourish adds salty richness and helps all the flavors unite.
How to Make Chicken Pomodoro
Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken
Start by generously seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This first step layers in flavor so that every bite of chicken tastes amazing—even before you add the luscious tomato sauce.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear until golden on both sides, about 5 to 6 minutes per side, depending on thickness. The goal is to develop a gorgeous crust while keeping the inside juicy. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, but keep those tasty bits in the pan—they’ll become the base of the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes
In that same skillet (without wiping it out!), add the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. Add in your halved cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a kick. Let everything cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and begin to burst into saucy goodness.
Step 4: Make the Sauce and Finish the Chicken
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom—they’re flavor gold! After 2 to 3 minutes, return the chicken to the skillet and generously spoon the tomato sauce over each piece. Let everything cook together for another couple of minutes, allowing the chicken to soak in the tomato-garlic-basil essence.
Step 5: Add Fresh Basil and Parmesan
Remove from heat and shower the skillet with chopped fresh basil. Sprinkle with parmesan if you’re using it—this final touch ties the dish together with richness and herby freshness. Serve immediately and get ready for compliments!
How to Serve Chicken Pomodoro
Garnishes
A bright finishing touch transforms Chicken Pomodoro from “yum” to “wow.” Fresh basil ribbons, a dusting of Parmesan, or even a few torn cherry tomatoes right before serving add both color and flavor. A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil brings a cheffy gloss and deeper aroma.
Side Dishes
This is a dish that begs for a side that can mop up all that incredible sauce. I love serving it over angel hair pasta, perfectly cooked rice, or fluffy mashed potatoes. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini make a light, vibrant pairing, but you could easily pair it with a simple green salad as well.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the chicken and serving it family-style over a generous platter of pasta, so everyone gets plenty of sauce. Or, for a fun twist, pile the saucy chicken onto toasted bread or a warm baguette for a rustic chicken Pomodoro sandwich. Layered in a bowl with fresh mozzarella and greens, it can even become a hearty salad!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any extra Chicken Pomodoro keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, so your leftovers will taste just as comforting—if not more so—than the day you made it.
Freezing
Yes, this dish freezes beautifully! Let everything cool completely, then package the chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container. When stored this way, Chicken Pomodoro will stay fresh in the freezer for up to two months. Just be sure to label and date your container.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently in a skillet over low heat, spooning the sauce over the chicken as it warms. Add a splash of broth if needed to loosen up the sauce. Microwave reheating works too—just cover and reheat in short bursts to keep the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Chicken Pomodoro?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and flavor to the dish, and they hold up beautifully to searing and simmering. Just add a minute or two to the cooking time if they’re thicker than the breasts.
Do I have to use cherry tomatoes, or can I swap in another kind?
Cherry tomatoes are ideal for Chicken Pomodoro because they’re naturally sweet and burst into a lovely sauce. However, grape tomatoes or even chopped heirloom or Roma tomatoes work well—just adjust the cook time so they break down nicely.
Is Chicken Pomodoro gluten-free?
Yes, as written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free—just be sure to check your chicken broth and seasonings to confirm they’re gluten-free brands. Pair it with gluten-free pasta or rice for a complete meal if needed.
How spicy does this dish get with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes are totally optional, and using just ½ teaspoon brings a gentle warmth rather than real heat. Feel free to leave them out or add more according to your own spice preference.
What’s the best way to cook the chicken evenly?
A tip for perfectly cooked Chicken Pomodoro: pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning and searing. This helps them cook at the same rate and stay juicy from edge to edge; if you skip this, keep a close eye and adjust cooking time if breasts are thinner or thicker in spots.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s bright, quick, and full of Italian soul, Chicken Pomodoro is truly a must-try. It’s warm, fresh, and so satisfying—perfect for family dinners, date nights, or impressing guests with minimal effort. Give it a whirl this week and see how quickly it becomes a star at your table!
Print
Chicken Pomodoro Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Chicken Pomodoro is a classic Italian dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a flavorful tomato and basil sauce. This quick and easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Chicken Pomodoro:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cook the tomatoes: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, cherry tomatoes, and red pepper flakes until tomatoes soften.
- Simmer: Add chicken broth, simmer, then return chicken to the skillet and simmer to blend flavors.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle with basil and Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Serve over angel hair pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
- Chicken thighs can be used for a juicier alternative.
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