Healthy Creamy Tomato Chicken

When summer tomatoes are at their peak, this is one of the first dishes I make. It’s incredibly satisfying, bringing together tender seared chicken and a rich, velvety sauce made right in the same pan. I love how it delivers that cozy, comforting flavor without feeling heavy, making it a perfect meal for a warm evening.

This recipe is designed for busy weeknights when you want something impressive without the fuss. The sauce comes together quickly while relying on fresh, simple ingredients like ripe tomatoes, garlic, and basil. It’s a reliable 30-minute meal that feels special enough for guests but is easy enough for any night of the week.

Achieving Perfectly Tender Chicken

The key to juicy chicken is managing your heat and timing. When you first sear the chicken, focus on developing a deep golden-brown crust. This step isn’t about cooking it through; it’s about building flavor. Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet to rest while you build the sauce. This brief rest helps the muscle fibers relax and retain their juices. The chicken will finish cooking gently as it simmers in the sauce, ensuring it stays wonderfully tender and never dry.

Balancing Acidity in Tomato-Based Sauces

Fresh tomatoes give this sauce its bright, vibrant flavor, but their acidity can vary. If you taste the sauce and it seems a little too sharp, a small adjustment can make a big difference. The heavy cream will mellow the acidity significantly, but for an extra touch of balance, you can add a tiny pinch of sugar. This doesn’t make the sauce sweet; it just counteracts the sharp acidic notes, resulting in a rounder, more harmonious flavor profile. Always taste and adjust right at the end.

Flavor Infusion Techniques

Building layers of flavor starts with the aromatics. When you add the minced garlic to the skillet, keep the heat at a steady medium and watch it closely. You want to cook it just until it becomes fragrant, which usually takes about a minute. This process, called blooming, releases the garlic’s essential oils into the olive oil, creating a deeply flavorful base for your sauce. Avoid letting it brown, as browned garlic can turn bitter and overwhelm the delicate flavors of the tomato and basil.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Tomato Sauce

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 tsp (1g) dried thyme

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Sear the Chicken

   Pat the chicken breasts dry and season generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully place the chicken in the skillet. Sear for 5–7 minutes per side, until a deep golden-brown crust forms. The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this stage. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

   Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown. Add the chopped ripe tomatoes, dried thyme, and half of the fresh basil. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to soften and break down.

3. Simmer the Sauce and Chicken

   Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine everything. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C.

4. Finish and Serve

   Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Stir in the remaining fresh basil. Serve the chicken hot, with a generous spoonful of the creamy tomato sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with a light salad or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Substitutions & Variations

• Dairy-Free: Swap the heavy cream with an equal amount of full-fat coconut milk for a rich, dairy-free sauce with a subtle coconut flavor.
• Add Greens: Stir in a few large handfuls of fresh spinach during the last 5 minutes of simmering until it wilts into the sauce.
• Use Canned Tomatoes: If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, substitute with one 14.5-ounce can of crushed or diced tomatoes, undrained.
• Add a Tangy Finish: For a brighter flavor, finish the sauce with a drizzle of balsamic glaze just before serving.

If you enjoy this dish, try our Baked Chicken and Veggie Meal Prep for a perfect pairing or next-weeknight option.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheat

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce gently in a skillet over low heat until heated through. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the chicken tough.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
• Per Serving: 320 calories, 35g protein, 18g fat, 9g carbohydrates
• Per 100g: 140 calories, 15g protein, 8g fat, 4g carbohydrates
• Estimates only.

FAQ