Easy Chicken with Tomato Basil Cream Sauce

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish. If you’re looking for a leaner option, chicken tenders work well too. For a quicker meal, try using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken—just toss it in at the end to warm it up!

Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its rich texture. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can swap it with half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Just be careful, as it may alter the flavor slightly.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: I absolutely love the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes in this sauce. If you can’t find them, substitute with fresh cherry tomatoes. Just sauté them until they’re soft and bursting with flavor.

Basil: Fresh basil is ideal, but dried basil can be a good substitute if fresh isn’t available. Remember, dried herbs are more concentrated, so use about a third of the amount called for in fresh.

How Do You Achieve the Perfect Creamy Sauce?

The sauce is the star of this recipe, and making it perfectly creamy requires some simple steps:

• After browning the chicken, make sure to use the same skillet for the sauce. This way, it picks up all those wonderful brown bits left behind, adding depth to your sauce.
• Let the sauce simmer gently to thicken. If it’s too thick, just add a splash of chicken broth or more cream until you reach your desired consistency.
• Incorporating the Parmesan cheese slowly helps it melt smoothly without clumping. Stir well while adding to create a silky texture.

Following these tips will give you a delicious sauce that beautifully coats the chicken. Enjoy your cooking! 🍽️

Easy Chicken with Tomato Basil Cream Sauce

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or tenders)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Cream Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced (preferably oil-packed)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (reserve some for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
• 1 tablespoon butter

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe should take about 30 minutes in total, including prep and cooking time. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal yet delicious enough to impress family or friends!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps them brown nicely. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.

2. Cook the Chicken:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken breasts (or tenders). Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside—don’t worry; we’ll be adding it back in soon!

3. Make the Garlic Sauce:

Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet (which now has all that lovely chicken flavor), add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when it becomes fragrant but be careful not to burn it!

4. Create the Creamy Mixture:

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream and stir them together. Then add the grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken up a bit.

5. Mix in the Flavorful Add-Ins:

Add the sliced sun-dried tomatoes, chopped fresh basil, and optional Italian seasoning to the sauce. Stir well, then drop in the butter and let it melt, mixing into the sauce. This will make it even creamier!

6. Combine Chicken and Sauce:

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, and spoon the creamy tomato basil sauce over it. Let everything simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the chicken to soak up some of that delicious flavor.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Finally, garnish your dish with some extra fresh basil leaves before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread—whatever you like best to soak up that scrumptious sauce. Enjoy your meal!

FAQ for Easy Chicken with Tomato Basil Cream Sauce

Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with chicken thighs as well as breasts. Just remember that thighs may take a little longer to cook. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.

Can I Make This Recipe a Bit Lighter?

Of course! You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even a lower-fat milk. Just be aware it may result in a thinner sauce. You could also replace the butter with a splash of olive oil for added richness without all the calories.

How to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to achieve your desired consistency.

Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead of Sun-Dried Tomatoes?

Definitely! Fresh tomatoes can be a tasty substitute. Use about 1-2 cups of diced fresh tomatoes, cooking them until they’re soft and a bit saucy. They may change the overall flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious!