Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet
If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with fresh flavors yet comes together in one simple skillet, the Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet is exactly what you need. This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a luscious, garlicky tomato cream sauce infused with bright basil and a hint of oregano. It’s comfort food elevated — rich, vibrant, and incredibly satisfying all at once. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this skillet meal is a winner every time.
What Makes This Recipe Special
What truly sets this Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet apart is its perfect balance of creamy and fresh. The heavy cream creates a silky sauce that coats the chicken, while the cherry tomatoes add a pop of sweetness and acidity. Fresh basil lends a fragrant, herbaceous note that brightens the dish beautifully. The simplicity of cooking everything in one pan means less cleanup without sacrificing flavor. Plus, the grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a savory, nutty finish that ties all the elements together perfectly. It’s a delightful way to enjoy chicken with a gourmet touch but with minimal effort.
The Ingredient Lineup
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – tender and lean, perfect for quick cooking.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for searing the chicken to a golden brown.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – they burst with juicy sweetness and add vibrant color.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – infuses the sauce with aromatic depth.
- 1 cup heavy cream – creates that luscious, velvety texture in the sauce.
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped – the star herb that brightens every bite.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – enhances the Mediterranean flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper to taste – essential for seasoning.
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving – adds a savory, cheesy finish.
Hardware & Gadgets
- Large skillet or sauté pan – preferably non-stick or cast iron for even heat.
- Sharp chef’s knife – for chopping garlic, basil, and slicing chicken.
- Cutting board – a clean surface for prepping ingredients.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – for stirring the sauce without scratching your pan.
- Meat thermometer (optional) – to ensure the chicken is cooked just right.
Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet: From Prep to Plate
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by halving the cherry tomatoes and mincing the garlic cloves. Chop the fresh basil finely and set it aside. Season the chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to soften and release their juices, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Add Cream and Basil
Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in the chopped fresh basil, reserving a little for garnish.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top. Allow everything to simmer together for another 2 minutes so the flavors meld.
Step 6: Serve with Parmesan
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese generously over the chicken and sauce. Garnish with the reserved basil. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, flavorful goodness.
If you love this recipe’s vibrant tomato and basil combination, you’ll adore the Creamy Basil Pesto Gnocchi With Peas—another creamy, herb-forward dish that’s equally satisfying.
International Equivalents
- Italy: A similar dish might be Pollo alla Panna, chicken cooked in a cream sauce often enriched with herbs and sometimes mushrooms.
- France: Poulet à la Crème features chicken simmered in a rich cream sauce flavored with garlic and herbs.
- Greece: Chicken with tomato and herbs is common, though typically olive oil-based; adding cream gives it a richer twist.
- United States: This skillet dish fits right into the popular creamy chicken skillet trend that combines fresh ingredients with indulgent sauces.
What Not to Do
- Don’t skip searing the chicken first. It locks in juices and develops flavor and color.
- Avoid adding the cream too early; it can curdle if boiled aggressively. Let the sauce simmer gently.
- Don’t use dried basil as a substitute for fresh basil here — it won’t provide the same bright, fresh flavor.
- Resist overcooking the chicken breasts, or they will become dry and tough.
Make Ahead Like a Pro
You can prep the sauce and chicken separately ahead of time. Cook and slice the chicken breasts, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Prepare the tomato basil cream sauce and keep it chilled as well. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently in a skillet and add the chicken to warm through. Top with fresh basil and Parmesan just before serving for that fresh finish.
Ask & Learn
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work wonderfully in this recipe. They tend to be juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
If you want a lighter sauce, you can substitute half-and-half or a combination of milk and Greek yogurt. Keep the heat low to avoid curdling, and expect a slightly less rich texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms would complement the flavors well. Add them when you sauté the garlic or along with the cherry tomatoes to cook them through.
Cook This Next
- Roasted Tomato Burrata Cavatappi – for another tomato-rich, creamy pasta dish that pairs beautifully with fresh herbs.
- Creamy Basil Pesto Gnocchi With Peas – a luscious gnocchi recipe bursting with basil and a creamy sauce.
Ready, Set, Cook
With just a handful of fresh ingredients and one skillet, the Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet delivers a dinner that’s both elegant and easy. From the first golden sear on the chicken to the final sprinkle of Parmesan, each step builds layers of irresistible flavor. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, this recipe is approachable and rewarding. Gathering around the table to enjoy this dish will quickly turn it into a family favorite—and likely a repeat on your menu rotation. So grab your skillet, and get ready to savor the creamy, herbaceous, tomato-kissed magic of this wonderful meal.
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Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by halving the cherry tomatoes and mincing the garlic cloves. Chop the fresh basil finely and set it aside. Season the chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
- Heat the olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to soften and release their juices, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in the chopped fresh basil, reserving a little for garnish.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top. Allow everything to simmer together for another 2 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese generously over the chicken and sauce. Garnish with the reserved basil. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, flavorful goodness.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked perfectly without drying out.
- Substitute half-and-half or milk with Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce; avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days; reheat gently adding a splash of cream if needed.
