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Garlic tomato basil chicken is an incredibly fresh and vibrant dish that is packed flavor! Seared chicken breasts alongside blistered tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil make this dish simple and satisfying.
Summertime in my area means the freshest produce start to show up. I live for juicy, sweet tomatoes and fresh basil every summer. The combination is heavenly and so perfect together. This tomato basil chicken recipe is as easy as they come. Minimal ingredients so you can really enjoy those fresh ingredients without all the other stuff. You truly get to taste the star ingredients.
Tender chicken breasts are seared to perfection then onions, garlic, and tomatoes are blistered and simmered just slightly until the fragrant basil is added in to really infuse this dish with fresh flavor. The juicy chicken breasts are then added back in for a quick moment and a pad of butter is thrown in to tie everything together in a mildly rich yet light sauce.
Why You’ll Love This
- Bursting with flavor. The combination of onion, garlic, tomatoes, and basil create the perfect balance of tastes that will make your tastebuds sing! The robust flavor of the onion and garlic infuses the chicken with a depth of flavor, while the tangy sweetness of fresh plump tomatoes adds a vibrant twist. The addition of fresh basil brings a refreshing and aromatic note that elevates the dish to new heights.
- Short ingredient list and beginner level cooking. They say that sometimes the most simplest dishes are the ones that have you coming back for more. I can definitely say that this dish is just that. With just a handful of simple ingredients, this recipe is a breeze to make and it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The straightforward steps ensure that even beginner cooks can master this recipe with ease. Plus, it’s a one-pot dish which minimizes cleanup, making it a convenient choice for hassle-free cooking on an already busy day!
- Versatile and crowd-pleasing. A simple dish can always be amped up a bit if you’re feeling like you want something more. Serve it over a bed of pasta or rice or mashed potatoes for a satisfying and complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with crusty bread, allowing you to soak up every last bit of the flavorful sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
We love a short ingredient list especially with fresh ingredients. Here’s all you need to make this one pan garlic tomato basil chicken! Make sure to scroll down to view the full recipe for exact measurements.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – I sliced them in half to create thinly sliced ones that help it cook faster.
- Grape tomatoes
- Onion
- Garlic
- Fresh basil
How To Make Garlic Tomato Basil Chicken
Here is a general overview of the steps involved to make garlic tomato basil chicken. Be sure to scroll to the bottom of this post for the full recipe.
Sear the chicken on both sides. Over medium-high heat in a large skillet, add some olive oil then once the oil is hot sear the chicken on both sides until it’s nice and browned. This took me about 6 minutes on each side.
Cook the aromatics. Once the chicken is browned and mostly cooked through, remove from the skillet and set on a plate. In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic and cook until softened and fragrant. Remove the skillet from the heat for about 2 minutes then add in the tomatoes. Allow tomatoes to soften a bit then add the basil.
Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the chicken back into the skillet and let it warm back up with the “sauce.” Spoon the onion, tomato, basil mixture on top of the chicken then add butter (if using). Remove from heat and serve.
Recipe Tips, Substitutions, and Variations
As I previously mentioned, simple and short ingredient list dishes can create room for variations. Here are some ideas, including some tips and tricks for this chicken recipe:
- Add a pad of butter. I ended up adding a pad of butter to the dish and it ended up making the sauce tighten up and give it a more creamy flavor.
- Use chicken thighs. I typically always cook with chicken thighs but this dish seemed like it needed to be chicken breasts since I was trying to keep it on the lighter side.
- Splash in some white wine. If you’re feeling saucy, add a splash of white wine before you add the butter.
- Drizzle balsamic vinegar or balsamic vinegar glaze on top to finish. Hands down I think this was the finishing touch to this dish and completely elevated the flavors. Yeah, you absolutely could go without it but I swear the taste difference was noticeable when I tasted with and without it.
- Allow pan to cool before adding tomatoes. Tomatoes have a lot of moisture/liquid so if you add it to the hot skillet, it’s going to splatter and hurt. By allowing the pan to cool slightly before adding the tomatoes, you are preventing this!
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure thoroughly cooked chicken. We don’t want any undercooked chicken! The best way to go about checking is using a cooking thermometer and ensuring the internal temperature is at 165 degrees Fahrenheit!
- Make it creamier and richer. Add a touch of richness and creaminess by stirring in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or half and half into the mixture. Sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese on top too!
- Don’t have fresh basil? Don’t opt for dried basil, instead, pesto can be used as a flavorful alternative to fresh basil. Stir in a tablespoon or two of pesto during the final stages of cooking.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Once the chicken has cooled to room temperature, put the chicken and tomatoes/topping into an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To reheat: heat on the stovetop in a skillet until warmed through or reheat in the microwave.
What to Serve with Garlic Tomato Basil Chicken
There are many side dish options to serve with this chicken dish! Here are some ideas.
- Grains. Quinoa, rice, couscous, or pasta.
- Vegetables. A great way to use up summer produce! Roasted Vegetables, Air Fryer Smashed Brussels Sprouts, Roasted Parmesan Carrots, or Zucchini Corn Fritters.
- Bread. Rosemary Olive Oil Bread, Air Fryer Pita Chips, or Garlic Herb Parker House Rolls.
One Pan Garlic Tomato Basil Chicken
Ingredients
- 18 ounces (526 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half for 4 thin pieces
- 216 grams grape tomatoes, sliced in half
- ½ large yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon (14 g) butter, optional
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Balsamic vinegar, for extra flavor (optional)
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts in half then season generously with salt and pepper.
- Over medium-high heat in a large skillet, add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil then once the oil is hot sear the chicken on both sides until it’s nice and browned. This took me about 6 minutes on each side.
- Once the chicken is browned and mostly cooked through, remove from the skillet and set on a plate. In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic and cook until softened and fragrant. Remove the skillet from the heat for about 2 minutes then add in the tomatoes. Allow tomatoes to soften a bit and the juices to burst then add the basil.
- Add the chicken back into the skillet and let it warm back up with the “sauce.” Spoon the onion, tomato, basil mixture on top of the chicken then add butter (if using). Remove from heat and serve! Drizzle balsamic vinegar glaze or regular balsamic vinegar on top for extra flavor.
