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Tomato Basil Chicken is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels effortless yet tastes like something special. Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts are smothered in buttery blistered tomatoes, fresh basil, and a hint of garlic for a dish that’s as aromatic as it is satisfying. This garlic tomato basil chicken recipe shows just how simple ingredients can create bold flavor, and you can even turn it into a creamy tomato basil chicken variation if you’re craving extra richness.
What Makes This Recipe Work
This Tomato Basil Chicken is all about fresh, bold flavors coming together in under 30 minutes. Juicy chicken breasts are pan-seared until golden, then paired with garlic, sweet blistered tomatoes, and plenty of fresh basil to create a dish that feels both comforting and light. It’s a simple yet elevated tomato basil chicken recipe you’ll keep on repeat.
What really makes this dish shine is its versatility. You can enjoy it as a classic garlic tomato basil chicken with a buttery sauce or add cream to transform it into a decadent creamy tomato basil chicken that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. Either way, it’s a no-fuss meal that looks and tastes like it took far more effort than it did.
What Goes Into Tomato Basil Chicken
This Tomato Basil Chicken recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that bring out the best of fresh summer flavors.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken fillets are the hearty base of this dish, seared until golden and juicy.
- Grape Tomatoes: When cooked, they blister and release their natural sweetness, creating a buttery sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
- Fresh Basil: Adds a fragrant, peppery freshness that balances the richness of the chicken and tomatoes.
- Garlic: Whether minced or in larger slices, garlic infuses the dish with bold, savory depth that makes every bite irresistible.
Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements.
How To Make Tomato Basil Chicken
- Prep and Pound: Place chicken breasts between two sheets of parchment paper and pound them lightly until even in thickness. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high. Cook the chicken for 6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, then transfer to a plate.
- Cook the Garlic: Add the remaining oil and butter to the pan and let melt together. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Blister the Tomatoes: Add the grape tomatoes and cook for two minutes, stirring occasionally. They should just begin to soften and release some of their juices.
- Combine Everything: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the tomato and garlic mixture over the top. Stir through the basil and season with a little more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the chicken to plates with plenty of the tomato basil sauce on top. Serve with rice, pasta, salad, or garlic bread, and add a drizzle of balsamic glaze if desired.
A slice of Shrimp Avocado Garlic Bread makes an unexpected but irresistible side. The creamy avocado and tender shrimp add richness that soaks up the buttery tomato basil sauce perfectly, giving you a restaurant-worthy pairing that still feels simple and comforting at home.
If you’d rather keep things light, pair the chicken with Spinach and Ricotta Zucchini Cannelloni or a refreshing Avocado Tomato Corn Salad. Both sides echo the freshness of the blistered tomatoes while adding their own creamy, vibrant textures that balance the savory garlic flavors in the dish.
Recipe FAQ’s
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this tomato basil chicken recipe. They’re juicier and more forgiving, just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they cook through.
Cook the tomatoes in butter and olive oil over medium-high heat until they just begin to soften and burst. This gives your garlic tomato basil chicken its signature sweetness and depth.
This dish pairs well with spaghetti, penne, or even creamy orzo. The sauce clings beautifully to pasta, making it a complete meal without much effort.
Garlic Tomato Basil Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts fillets skinless and boneless
- 1 pinch salt to season
- 1 pinch pepper to season
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon butter divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil divided
- 2 cups grape tomatoes halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil shredded
- 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic minced, or 6 large cloves of garlic
Instructions
- Lightly pound chicken breasts between 2 sheets of parchment paper until they are all the same thickness. Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
- Heat 2 teaspoons of oil and 2 teaspoons of butter in a skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Fry breasts on both sides until golden browned and completely cooked through (about 5-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of your fillets). Once cooked, transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
- Heat remaining butter and oil in the pan. Fry garlic until fragrant (about one minute). Add the tomatoes and cook for two minutes, or until they just begin to soften. Turn off the heat and stir through basil.
- Season with any extra salt and pepper, if needed. Add the chicken back into the pan, and spoon the pan juices and tomato/garlic mixture all over the chicken!
- Perfect to serve with a salad, garlic bread, rice or pasta! Serve with balsamic glaze for extra flavour! (Use store bought, or bring 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar to a simmer over low heat until thickened.)
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Simple and tastes great.
I was looking for a chicken recipe that used tomatoes, basil, and garlic and thankfully the search results returned this one – it was exactly what I was looking for, and so quick and easy! Will definitely be adding this to my regular menu rotation.
My first impression was that there weren’t enough ingredients to be “great”. It’s GREAT. I never would’ve made it if I didn’t have an overabundance of grape tomatoes. My breasts were oversized so it took forever to cook those even though I pounded them. Next time I will cut them in half!
Made it tonight. Both my wife and son commented how good it was.
I was looking for a new dish in which to use basil. We were blown away by this delicious recipe. So simple yet packed with flavor. I made the balsamic glaze too. Delightful. Followed your recipe. Thank you!
This was so delicious! I added some asparagus while cooking the tomatoes. I will definitely be making it again!
Winner, winner, chicken dinner! The only thing I did differently was add a dash of balsamic vinegar to the pan after I added the tomatoes. My husband said this is a keeper (and it was so easy). I served it with an arugula salad.
My husband and I thought this was good, but we also thought it was missing something. I added some shredded mozzarella cheese when it was plated, and, OMG, it made all of the difference. I will make this again with the cheese.
I added the juice of half a fresh lime….yum!!
Easy and delicious.
This dish was delightful and great way to help me stay on top of the bounty of tomatoes from my garden. Thanks. I will make this again.
I just made this tonight- it’s fantastic!!! I halved 2 large chicken breasts and adjusted the recipe. I also added a touch of fresh lemon juice when cooking the chicken. This is a definite “keeper” and will make it again! I served it with fresh summer squash and zucchini with slivered Vidalia onion, lemon, and a touch of garlic, and some brown rice. Perfect!!!