If you’re looking for a fuss-free, flavor-packed dinner that makes any night feel special, this Simple Italian Basil Chicken is your new best friend. Juicy chicken bites get pan-seared with aromatic garlic, Italian herbs, and bright cherry tomatoes, then finished with a burst of fresh basil and a squeeze of lemon. Every bite offers a rush of sunny Mediterranean flavors with minimal prep—perfect for busy weeknights, meal-prep Sundays, or impressing friends without breaking a sweat. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this beloved classic!
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s nothing complicated here—just a handful of fresh, quality ingredients working in harmony. Each one pulls its weight to bring out the best taste, color, and juicy tenderness in this Simple Italian Basil Chicken. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Chicken breasts: Lean and protein-rich, they soak up all the herbs and flavors beautifully; cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
- Olive oil: The base of every great Italian skillet, it gives the chicken a gorgeous golden crust and silky texture.
- Garlic: Four cloves infuse every bite with warm, aromatic Italian depth—don’t skip it!
- Salt & black pepper: Essential for rounding out all the flavors and giving your chicken life.
- Italian seasoning: A ready-to-go blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme—this adds that signature rustic flavor in seconds.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Great if you adore a little background heat or want to wake up your palate.
- Cherry tomatoes: Sweet, juicy, and bursting with color—they become beautifully tender in the pan.
- Fresh basil leaves: The star herb, added at the end for maximum freshness and that signature Italian fragrance.
- Parmesan cheese (optional): A sprinkle just before serving adds salty, nutty richness—highly recommended!
- Lemon juice: Squeezed at the finish for a bright, tangy lift that brings everything together.
How to Make Simple Italian Basil Chicken
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add your chicken pieces in an even layer. Don’t overcrowd—let them get golden on one side before stirring. Right away, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and the optional red pepper flakes. This ensures every cube is deeply seasoned. The chicken should sizzle; let it cook for about 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown on all sides and completely cooked through.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Tomatoes
Once your chicken is almost done, stir in the minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes. The garlic will quickly become fragrant, and you’ll notice the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices, mixing with all those delicious chicken drippings for a simple but stunning pan sauce.
Step 3: Finish with Basil and Lemon
Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately stir in the fresh chopped basil and a generous squeeze of lemon juice. This final step wakes everything up—the basil perfumes the kitchen, and the lemon brightens all the flavors. Taste and add more salt or lemon if you like.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
To make your Simple Italian Basil Chicken truly irresistible, scatter some grated Parmesan cheese over the hot skillet before serving. The cheese melts into a savory finish. Plate up while it’s still warm, spooning those saucy tomatoes and fragrant basil over each portion.
How to Serve Simple Italian Basil Chicken
Garnishes
A little fresh basil on top never hurts—in fact, it amps up the color and aroma. For extra flavor, a grating of fresh Parmesan or even a quick drizzle of good olive oil right before serving is absolutely wonderful. If you want a pop of vibrance, tuck a few lemon wedges on the side for squeezing at the table.
Side Dishes
This Simple Italian Basil Chicken is wonderfully versatile, so go with what you love. It’s perfect over al dente pasta or fluffy rice to soak up all those juicy, herby tomato pan juices. For something lighter, pair with roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or cauliflower rice to keep things low carb. Crusty bread makes for the easiest (and most satisfying) finish to mop up every drop.
Creative Ways to Present
Change up your presentation by serving the chicken family-style in a rustic skillet, or toss with cooked penne and extra basil for an effortless pasta dinner. Try spooning it into lettuce wraps for a fresh, hand-held party appetizer, or pile it onto toasted ciabatta for the best Italian sandwich ever. The colors and rich aroma always feel like a little celebration!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Simple Italian Basil Chicken is a meal prep dream. Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, and the chicken stays juicy thanks to the tomatoes and olive oil.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, simply portion the cooled chicken and tomatoes into freezer-safe bags or containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When reheating, expect the tomatoes to soften a bit more, but the flavor remains delicious.
Reheating
Gently reheat your Simple Italian Basil Chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce, or microwave in short bursts until just warmed through. Add a sprinkle of fresh basil or extra lemon after reheating for that just-cooked brightness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs add extra richness and stay extra juicy. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, just making sure they’re cooked through before adding the garlic and tomatoes.
How spicy is the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes are just enough for a gentle kick, but totally optional. If you prefer a milder dish, leave them out entirely—your Simple Italian Basil Chicken will still be full of flavor.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You sure can! Just skip the Parmesan cheese, or use your favorite dairy-free alternative. The chicken itself is naturally dairy-free, and all the flavors still shine bright.
What’s the best way to prep this for meal prep?
Simply cook out the full recipe, let it cool, and pack into individual containers with your favorite sides—rice, salad, or roasted vegetables. It reheats beautifully and makes lunches or dinners a breeze all week long.
Can I substitute sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes! Sun-dried tomatoes bring a concentrated tangy-sweet flavor. Just chop them up and add with the garlic in Step 2. Their texture is a little chewier, so consider hydrating them in hot water if you prefer them plumper.
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with Simple Italian Basil Chicken—quick to make, packed with sunny Italian flavors, and endlessly adaptable. Give this recipe a try whenever you crave classic comfort with a fresh twist, and don’t forget to share it with someone who’ll love it as much as you do!
Print
Simple Italian Basil Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and simple recipe for Italian Basil Chicken that is bursting with flavor from fresh basil, garlic, and cherry tomatoes. This skillet chicken dish is quick to make and perfect for a light and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- juice of 1/2 lemon
Chicken:
Additional:
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add garlic and tomatoes: Sauté garlic and cherry tomatoes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Finish dish: Remove from heat, stir in basil and lemon juice. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
- Substitute grape or sun-dried tomatoes for variation.
- Great for meal prep or light weeknight dinners.
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