I often get asked for quick and delicious weeknight dinner ideas, especially ones that feature chicken. Today, I’m excited to share two of my favorite easy chicken recipes, both highlighting the comforting flavors of creamy tomato and fresh basil.
These dishes are simple to make, perfect for busy evenings, and I’m sure they will become go-to meals in your home. Get ready to cook up some fantastic easy chicken dinners!
Jump to Recipe:
Easy Chicken With Creamy Tomato Basil Sauce
This chicken recipe brings together tender chicken with a rich, creamy tomato and basil sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal when you want something comforting but quick.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Creamy Tomato Chicken
- Chicken Thighs: Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs keeps the meat juicy in this easy chicken dish. You can use chicken breast too, just cook it a little less to keep it tender.
- Fresh Basil: Don’t skip fresh basil at the end! It really brightens up the whole creamy tomato sauce and makes the flavors pop.
What You Need for This Chicken Dinner
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2-3 servings
How to Make This Easy Creamy Chicken
Step 1: Prepare and Cook Chicken
Pat your chicken pieces dry with paper towels, then season them generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the hot skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until it’s golden brown and cooked all the way through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 2: Make the Tomato Sauce
Add the chopped onion to the same skillet (no need to clean it!) and cook until it’s soft, which usually takes about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic for just 1 minute more until it smells fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and let it cook for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Finish and Serve
Stir in the heavy cream and the chopped fresh basil into the sauce. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, placing it into the sauce. Spoon some of the delicious sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, just until everything is heated through and the flavors have blended well.
📝 Final Note
This dish tastes great with a side of pasta, rice, or some crusty bread to soak up all that wonderful creamy tomato basil sauce.
Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet
This easy chicken skillet recipe offers a comforting meal with chicken, a creamy tomato sauce, and fragrant basil, all cooked in one pan. It’s a fantastic option for a speedy family dinner.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Your Chicken Skillet
- One Pan Cooking: This easy chicken skillet recipe is designed for a single pan, which means less cleanup for you! Make sure your skillet is large enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A tiny pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice, subtle warmth to the creamy tomato basil sauce without making it too spicy. Adjust to your liking.
What You Need for This Easy Skillet Meal
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup half-and-half
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- Salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: 3-4 servings
How to Make This Creamy Chicken Skillet
Step 1: Brown Your Chicken Pieces
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your chicken pieces, season them with salt and pepper, and cook until they are browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 2: Build the Skillet Sauce
Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until it’s softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their liquid) and the chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet. Stir in the half-and-half and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring every now and then, until the sauce thickens a little and the chicken is fully cooked. Stir in the fresh basil right before you serve it.
📝 Final Note
Leftovers from this creamy chicken skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
