Description
Chicken Pomodoro is a delicious Italian-inspired dish featuring tender pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a vibrant tomato sauce made with crushed and cherry tomatoes, garlic, onions, and fresh basil. It’s a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Serving
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to warm up before cooking the chicken.
- Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Cook the chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the onion: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent and softened.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Make the tomato sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors and allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Return chicken to the skillet: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of the tomato sauce over the top. Cover the skillet and simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the sauce flavor.
- Add fresh basil: Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves to brighten the dish.
- Serve: Plate the chicken breasts topped with the tomato sauce and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired for added richness and flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes before adding the chicken back in.
- Serve with pasta, crusty bread, or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
