Description
This Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce is a flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a savory tomato butter sauce infused with fresh garlic, cherry tomatoes, and basil. Ready in just 30 minutes, this gluten-free main course is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook Cherry Tomatoes: Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they soften and begin to burst, releasing their juices.
- Add Tomato Sauce and Butter: Stir in the tomato sauce and unsalted butter. Cook while stirring until the butter melts and the sauce slightly thickens, creating a rich base.
- Incorporate Basil and Red Pepper Flakes: Mix in the chopped fresh basil and optional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat and herbal brightness.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the tomato butter sauce over them. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and well coated.
- Serve: Serve the chicken warm, garnished with the optional grated Parmesan cheese for an added savory finish.
Notes
- You can substitute canned diced tomatoes if cherry tomatoes are unavailable.
- For an extra depth of flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine before adding the tomato sauce.