If you’re looking for a restaurant-quality dinner that’s surprisingly easy to make, this Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is the perfect choice. Tender pan-seared chicken breasts are simmered in a rich garlic cream sauce with juicy tomatoes and fresh basil, creating a comforting meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes. It’s an elegant yet simple recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy chicken recipe is packed with rich, savory flavors and comes together with everyday ingredients. The golden, pan-seared chicken stays juicy while the creamy tomato basil sauce adds freshness and depth to every bite. It’s a one-skillet meal that’s easy to prepare, family-friendly, and pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Flour, for dredging
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 small handful fresh basil, chopped or torn
Instructions
Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create four thin cutlets. Season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, then lightly coat each piece with flour, shaking off any excess.
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the pan is hot, add the chicken cutlets. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Reduce the heat slightly and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the Dijon mustard, scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Add the heavy cream, chopped tomato, Italian seasoning, and fresh basil. Stir well and allow the sauce to gently simmer for a few minutes until it begins to thicken.
Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over each piece. Continue cooking for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is rich and creamy.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed. Serve immediately with your favorite side dish.
Tips & Tricks
Lightly dredging the chicken in flour creates a golden crust and naturally thickens the sauce.
Use freshly grated garlic and fresh basil for the best flavor.
Allow the cream to simmer gently instead of boiling to prevent it from separating.
For extra flavor, add freshly grated Parmesan cheese during the final few minutes of cooking.
Cherry tomatoes can be substituted for chopped tomatoes if preferred.
Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes: High Protein, Gluten-Free Option (use gluten-free flour)
Notes
Serve this creamy chicken over fettuccine, angel hair pasta, steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles.
A side of roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans makes this a complete meal.
Fresh spinach can be stirred into the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for added color and nutrition.
Nutrition
Approximate per serving:
Calories: 485
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fat: 33g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 430mg
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and remain extra juicy. Simply adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Store the cooked chicken and sauce in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently over low heat.
Can I freeze Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken?
Cream-based sauces can change texture after freezing, but the dish can be frozen for up to two months. Reheat slowly while stirring to help restore the sauce.
What can I serve with this recipe?
This dish pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or warm crusty bread.
Can I make the sauce thicker?
Yes. Let the sauce simmer a few extra minutes or stir in a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese for a thicker consistency.
Storage
Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days.
Freeze for up to two months if desired, although the cream sauce may separate slightly after thawing.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce becomes too thick.
Similar Recipes
Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Flour for dredging
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 medium tomato chopped
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 small handful fresh basil chopped or torn
Instructions
- Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create four thin cutlets. Season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, then lightly coat each piece with flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the pan is hot, add the chicken cutlets. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Reduce the heat slightly and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the Dijon mustard, scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the heavy cream, chopped tomato, Italian seasoning, and fresh basil. Stir well and allow the sauce to gently simmer for a few minutes until it begins to thicken.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over each piece. Continue cooking for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is rich and creamy.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed. Serve immediately with your favorite side dish.
Notes
Conclusion
This Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is the perfect combination of juicy pan-seared chicken and a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce filled with fresh tomatoes and basil. It’s an easy one-pan recipe that’s elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for busy weeknights. Pair it with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal that your family will request again and again.