Name: Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste

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If you’re searching for an easy-yet-elegant dinner, Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce absolutely shines as a weeknight hero and a dinner party showstopper alike. This dish features golden skillet-seared chicken breasts surrounded by sweet bursts of cherry tomatoes, a rich Parmesan cream sauce, and piles of shimmering basil — all finished with a swirl of butter for velvety bliss. Every forkful is luscious, garlicky, and impossibly fresh, making it a favorite in my kitchen and a recipe you’ll want to make over and over again.

Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of vibrant, everyday ingredients, Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce delivers big on both flavor and flair. Each component is chosen to balance richness, brightness, and that irresistible “just one more bite” appeal.

Chicken breasts: The foundation of the dish, these provide lean protein and soak up the bold sauce beautifully.
Olive oil: Adds a touch of fruity depth and helps brown the chicken to perfection.
Unsalted butter: Divided for both searing and finishing, butter lends richness and a silky finish to the sauce.
Garlic: Four cloves of minced garlic are just enough to perfume the whole dish without overpowering it.
Cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness balances the savory, creamy sauce and pops with color.
Chicken broth: This deglazes the pan and adds a savory foundation to the sauce.
Heavy cream: Just a splash creates that luxurious, dreamy sauce texture everyone loves.
Parmesan cheese: Grated so it melts right in, Parmesan provides sharp, nutty complexity.
Fresh basil: Torn leaves not only brighten everything but make the dish feel like summer on a plate.
Dried oregano: Just half a teaspoon for an herbal undertone that sings of classic Italian comfort.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning each layer for pure, craveable flavor.

How to Make Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry and generously seasoning both sides with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil and one tablespoon of butter until the surface shimmers. Add the chicken and cook for five to six minutes per side, creating a beautiful golden crust while sealing in all those juices. Once cooked through, remove the chicken and set it aside; this moment is when the anticipation truly begins.

Step 2: Build Flavor with Garlic and Tomatoes

With your chicken resting, add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about thirty seconds, unleashing its lovely aroma across your kitchen. Immediately after, tip in the halved cherry tomatoes and give them a good stir. Cook for three to four minutes, just until the tomatoes start to soften and gently burst, infusing the pan with their sweet, tangy juices.

Step 3: Simmer and Cream the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and let it bubble away for about two minutes, scraping up any flavorful brown bits at the bottom. This step is key — it turns every drop of fond into part of your sauce. Next, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer for another two to three minutes, watching the sauce thicken up into a creamy cloak flecked with tomato and garlic. This dreamy sauce is the soul of your Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce.

Step 4: Return Chicken and Add Fresh Herbs

Slide your cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, making sure to spoon the luscious sauce over the top. Sprinkle with freshly chopped basil and a dusting of dried oregano. Let it all simmer together for two minutes, allowing those garden-fresh and Italian-style flavors to truly meld with the chicken.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Your Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce is now ready to light up the dinner table! Serve immediately while piping hot, making sure to ladle plenty of sauce atop each piece. Every bite promises juicy chicken, a creamy, tangy sauce, and a burst of basil — pure comfort, pure joy.

How to Serve Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce

Garnishes

To make each plate look as inviting as it tastes, sprinkle on extra torn basil leaves and an extra shaving of Parmesan just before serving. A little lemon zest or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add brightness or heat, depending on your mood that day.

Side Dishes

Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce pairs beautifully with al dente pasta, fluffy white rice, or even sautéed greens. Crusty bread is a must for mopping up every last drop of that luscious tomato butter sauce, and a crisp green salad balances the dish’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken and fanning it over creamy polenta for an elegant twist. Or, serve it family-style straight from the skillet for a rustic communal feel. Individual ramekins create perfect dinner party portions with a sprig of basil for flair — every table looks amazing with a colorful main like this one.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply let the Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days and look forward to a next-day lunch that’s just as delicious.

Freezing

The sauce’s creamy nature means it can separate a bit once frozen, but the dish will still be enjoyable. For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to two months, and defrost in the fridge overnight prior to reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or extra cream if the sauce thickened too much in the fridge. Microwave reheating works as well — just cover loosely and reheat in short bursts, stirring between each interval for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs are juicy and flavorful — just adjust the cook time as they may need a couple of extra minutes to cook through. Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce is tasty with both cuts!

Is there a dairy-free option for the sauce?

You can swap the heavy cream for a rich coconut cream and use a plant-based Parmesan alternative. The flavor will be a touch different, but still creamy and satisfying.

What if I only have large tomatoes, not cherry tomatoes?

Large tomatoes work just fine! Dice them into bite-sized pieces before cooking. They’ll break down a bit more, making the sauce slightly smoother but every bit as bursting with flavor.

How can I make it spicier?

Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes in with the garlic or finish with a dash over the top before serving. The gentle heat plays wonderfully against the creamy sauce and herby chicken.

Is Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce gluten-free?

Yes! The recipe as written contains no gluten. Just be sure to serve it with a gluten-free side and verify any boxed broths or cheeses you use are gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce truly is a celebration of bold flavors and effortless cooking — it never fails to impress at the table! If you’re craving something comforting yet bright, make this recipe and let me know how it turns out. I’m certain it’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen, too.

Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 5 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce. Juicy chicken breasts are seared to perfection, then smothered in a creamy, herb-infused sauce featuring cherry tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. This easy stovetop recipe is a delightful main course that pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Season and Cook the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic in remaining butter. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until softened. Pour in chicken broth, simmer, then stir in cream and Parmesan. Cook until slightly thickened.
Combine and Serve: Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over it, and sprinkle with basil and oregano. Simmer briefly to meld flavors. Serve hot.