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To make Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken, gather these items: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish You can swap some ingredients if needed. Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor. For a lighter dish, try half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Canned tomatoes work well, but fresh tomatoes add a nice touch. If you don't have fresh basil, dried basil can work in a pinch. Just use less, as dried herbs are stronger. Choosing the right ingredients matters. Look for chicken that is pink and firm. Avoid any chicken that looks discolored. For tomatoes, pick ones that feel heavy and smell sweet. Fresh basil should be bright green and fragrant. If you can, smell the basil before buying; it should have a strong, fresh scent. When selecting garlic, choose bulbs that are firm and dry. This ensures you get the best flavor in your dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While the oil warms, season four boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet once the oil is hot. Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add two minced garlic cloves. Sauté them for about one minute until they smell great. Next, open a 14 oz can of diced tomatoes and pour them into the skillet, juice included. Stir to mix the garlic and tomatoes, then let it simmer for about five minutes. Now, pour in one cup of heavy cream and stir well. Add in one cup of chopped fresh basil leaves and one teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to make sure the chicken warms up. Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. To keep your chicken tender, avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The chicken should reach 165°F. Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking helps keep the juices inside. This makes the chicken juicy and flavorful when you cut into it. Also, using fresh ingredients, especially chicken, ensures better taste and texture. For a lovely meal, serve this creamy tomato basil chicken over pasta or rice. The sauce pairs well with both! You can also add some steamed vegetables on the side for color and nutrition. A simple green salad with a light dressing is another great option. Lastly, don’t forget to sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor! To make your creamy tomato basil chicken shine, use fresh basil. Fresh herbs pack a punch that dried ones can’t match. Also, taste as you cook. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. A splash of lemon juice can brighten the dish too. Don’t rush the simmering time. Letting the sauce cook brings out the flavors. One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. Cook it just until it’s golden brown. It should be juicy and tender, not dry. Another mistake is skipping the garlic. Sauté it briefly to unlock its full flavor. Finally, don’t forget to stir the sauce often. This helps prevent it from sticking to the pan and burning. To create a smooth sauce, stir in the heavy cream slowly. This helps it mix well with the tomatoes. Keep the heat on medium-low when adding the cream. High heat can cause it to separate. Make sure to add the basil at the end. This keeps its vibrant flavor and color fresh in the sauce. Pro Tips Use Fresh Basil: Fresh basil adds a vibrant flavor that dried basil simply can't match. Add it at the end of cooking for the best aroma and taste. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: To ensure your chicken breasts are juicy, don't overcook them—aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Thicken the Sauce: If your sauce isn't thickening as desired, let it simmer a bit longer. You can also add a cornstarch slurry for a quick thickening boost. Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad to soak up the delicious sauce. {{image_2}} You can change up Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken in fun ways. Try adding spinach for a fresh twist. It cooks quickly and adds nice color. You can also swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu. Both work well with the sauce and give new flavors. If you love spice, add red pepper flakes. This will give your dish a nice kick. The sauce is flexible and easy to change. Instead of heavy cream, use coconut milk for a lighter taste. You can also use chicken broth if you want a thinner sauce. For a richer flavor, try adding sun-dried tomatoes. They will add depth and sweetness. You can even mix in some pesto for a unique twist. This will give your sauce a vibrant green color and a fresh taste. Making this dish fit your dietary needs is simple. To make it gluten-free, ensure any added ingredients are labeled as such. Most of the main ingredients are already gluten-free. For a dairy-free version, replace heavy cream with cashew cream or almond milk. Both options work well and keep the dish creamy. Always check labels for hidden dairy in sauces. This way, you can enjoy Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken without worry. Store leftover Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. Place it in the fridge where it can stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat, you can use the stovetop or microwave. If using the stovetop, place the chicken in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to keep it moist. Heat until warm, stirring often. In the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a lid or wrap. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. You can freeze this dish, but it's best to do so before adding the cream. Cool the chicken and sauce, then transfer to a freezer bag. Press out air and seal tightly. It can last for about three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, heat it on the stove and stir in the cream just before serving for the best taste. You can serve Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken with many tasty sides. Here are a few great options: - Pasta: Spaghetti or fettuccine pairs well with the creamy sauce. - Rice: White or brown rice soaks up the sauce nicely. - Vegetables: Roasted or steamed veggies add color and health. - Salad: A fresh garden salad balances the dish's richness. Feel free to mix and match! Yes! You can use different proteins in this dish. Here are some ideas: - Pork: Pork chops or tenderloin work well with the sauce. - Turkey: Thin chicken breast slices or ground turkey are good choices. - Shrimp: Cook shrimp quickly in the sauce for a seafood twist. - Tofu: For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu. Just adjust cooking times. Experiment with your favorite protein! To thin the sauce, you can add a few simple ingredients: - Chicken broth: Stir in a little chicken broth for extra flavor. - Milk: Adding a splash of milk lightens the sauce. - Water: For a simple fix, just add a bit of water. Start with a small amount, then stir and adjust to your liking. We covered a lot about Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken. You learned the best ingredients and how to choose fresh ones. I shared a clear cooking method, tips for texture, and serving ideas. We also looked at ways to enhance the flavors and avoid common mistakes. Don't forget the variations and how to store leftovers. Try these tips in your kitchen, and enjoy this dish!

Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

A delicious and creamy chicken dish with tomatoes and fresh basil.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz) with juice
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • for garnish grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
  • Add the diced tomatoes (with juice) to the skillet and stir to combine with the garlic. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Add in the chopped basil and Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  • Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Allow to simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  • Serve the chicken hot, garnished with additional chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

Serve with pasta or rice for a complete meal.
Keyword basil, chicken, creamy, tomato