This Healthy Easy Chicken Pomodoro Skillet combines tender chicken with fresh tomatoes and herbs for a bright, tasty meal. It’s quick to make and packed with flavor!
Cooking everything in one skillet means less cleanup—yay! I love serving it over rice or pasta for a hearty dinner that feels fancy but is super simple. You’ll impress everyone! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick cooking and lean protein. If you prefer, you can substitute them with chicken thighs for a juicier option.
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes add sweetness, but feel free to use any seasonal tomatoes. Canned diced tomatoes work too if fresh ones aren’t available.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics really build flavor in the dish. You can use shallots instead of onions for a milder taste or garlic powder if you’re out of fresh garlic.
Herbs: Fresh basil is amazing, but dried oregano and basil work great too! If you don’t have dried herbs, try Italian seasoning as a substitute.
Parmesan Cheese: While it adds a nice touch, you can skip it for a dairy-free option or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
How Can I Ensure the Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Getting that chicken just right can be tricky! The key is to sear it first for flavor and then let it finish cooking in the sauce.
- Season the chicken well with salt and pepper before cooking.
- Cook on medium heat for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remember, it doesn’t have to be fully cooked at this stage.
- Simmer it in the sauce after adding tomatoes and broth. This gives it time to cook through and soak up all that flavor. Always check that it’s at least 165°F (75°C) inside before serving!
Taking it slow helps in achieving juicy chicken every time! Enjoy your cooking! 😊
Healthy Easy Chicken Pomodoro Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (or fresh chopped tomatoes)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil or 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Pomodoro Skillet takes about 25-30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and around 15-20 minutes cooking everything in one skillet.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This will infuse them with flavor right from the start!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. They won’t be fully cooked yet; that’s okay! Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
Using the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring frequently so it doesn’t burn and releases its delicious aroma.
4. Add the Tomatoes and Herbs:
Now it’s time to stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and the canned diced tomatoes. Sprinkle in the oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if you want some heat), and additional salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well to combine!
5. Combine with Chicken:
Pour in the chicken broth or water, and stir all the ingredients together. Gradually bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Next, return the partially cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and nestle them into the delicious tomato mixture.
6. Simmer and Cook:
Lower the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. This will allow the chicken to fully cook through and the tomatoes to soften and create a beautiful sauce.
7. Final Touches:
After simmering, check if the chicken is fully cooked. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Finally, sprinkle some freshly chopped basil on top and add grated Parmesan cheese if you like!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Chicken Pomodoro warm over whole grain pasta, quinoa, or with a side of steamed veggies for a nutritious meal. Enjoy your delightful culinary creation!
This one-pan dish yields a light and flavorful chicken meal with fresh tomato goodness and herbs. Enjoy your healthy and easy Pomodoro skillet!
FAQ for Healthy Easy Chicken Pomodoro Skillet
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier cut. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the pieces.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas for protein. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to make it hearty and nutritious!
What Can I Substitute for Cherry Tomatoes?
If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, you can use halved regular tomatoes or a can of diced tomatoes. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, since larger tomatoes may need a bit longer to break down in the sauce.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture in the sauce.
