If you are craving a dish that feels both comforting and impressively gourmet, the Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish marries tender, seasoned chicken with a luscious, creamy tomato butter sauce that bursts with fresh garlic and fragrant basil. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of rich flavors and vibrant colors, making it a fantastic centerpiece for any dinner occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe brings a warm, Italian-American flair that is sure to brighten your dinner table and satisfy every craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind the Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce Recipe lies in its simple, quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish irresistible.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose thighs for juiciness or breasts for leaner meat, both perfect for absorbing the sauce.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps crisp the chicken beautifully.
- Kosher salt: Enhances natural flavors without overpowering the dish.
- Black pepper: Provides just the right amount of heat and earthiness.
- Garlic: Delivers aromatic depth that infuses the entire sauce.
- Cherry tomatoes: Adds sweetness and vibrant bursts of color.
- Tomato paste: Brings concentrated tomato flavor and slight caramelization.
- Unsalted butter: Creates a creamy, velvety texture in the sauce.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Offers a subtle kick without overwhelming the palate.
- Fresh basil: Infuses the dish with bright, herbal notes that perfectly complement the tomatoes.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and smoothness, making the sauce indulgently creamy.
- Chicken broth: Provides savory depth and helps balance the creaminess of the sauce.
How to Make Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken
Begin by patting your chicken dry with paper towels; this step ensures a golden, crisp sear. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken. Sear each side for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Build the Tomato Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add the minced garlic, sautéing just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Toss in the cherry tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they soften and start to burst, releasing their juicy sweetness. Then stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute to caramelize and deepen the flavor.
Step 3: Finish the Sauce with Cream and Butter
Reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter, stirring until it melts fully into the tomatoes. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, combining all the ingredients into a rich, silky sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes, until the sauce thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon. Season with extra salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste for a touch of heat.
Step 4: Reheat Chicken and Add Basil
Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet, spooning plenty of that luscious tomato butter sauce over the pieces. Let the chicken simmer gently for a couple more minutes so it absorbs the sauce and warms through. Just before serving, stir in fresh basil to bring a bright herbal freshness that ties the whole dish together beautifully.
How to Serve Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
You can elevate the presentation by sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken or adding an extra handful of torn basil leaves. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil adds a lovely sheen and deepens flavor, making your plate look as amazing as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs delightfully with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or al dente pasta, perfect for soaking up the buttery tomato sauce. For a lighter balance, serve alongside steamed green beans, a crisp Caesar salad, or roasted seasonal vegetables that add texture and vibrant color.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce Recipe over a bed of polenta or cauliflower rice for a gluten-free option. You might also try plating the chicken sliced over crispy bruschetta for an appetizer-style experience, or assemble it as a hearty sandwich with crusty bread to enjoy all those flavors in one hand.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish will stay fresh for up to 3 days and the flavors often deepen after resting overnight.
Freezing
You can freeze the chicken and tomato butter sauce separately or together. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and keep them for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low to medium heat to prevent the sauce from splitting. Stir occasionally and add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the texture isn’t quite the same.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful, making them a fantastic choice for this recipe, though breasts work well too if you prefer leaner meat.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative and replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream to keep the sauce creamy.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
You can make the tomato butter sauce a day ahead and reheat it gently before adding the freshly cooked chicken. This can speed up dinner prep on busy nights.
What can I serve if I want a lighter meal?
Serve the Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce Recipe with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness and keep things fresh and light.
How do I avoid the sauce from splitting when reheating?
Gently reheat over low heat, stirring often, and add a splash of broth or cream if it begins to separate. Avoid high heat and sudden temperature changes to maintain the sauce’s smooth texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce Recipe is your new go-to. Its blend of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors is a real crowd-pleaser and surprisingly easy to make. Once you try this recipe, you’ll want to keep it in your weekly rotation — perfect for cozy weeknights or when you want to impress without stress. Give it a whirl and savor every delicious bite!
Print
Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce recipe that features juicy seared chicken breasts or thighs simmered in a rich, creamy tomato butter sauce infused with garlic, fresh basil, and a hint of crushed red pepper. Perfectly suited for a comforting Italian-American main course.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Using the same skillet, lower heat to medium and add minced garlic. Cook for approximately 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant but not browned, to avoid bitterness.
- Cook Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they begin to soften and burst, releasing their juices. Stir in tomato paste and cook for an additional minute to lightly caramelize and deepen the flavor.
- Create the Sauce Base: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in unsalted butter until melted and incorporated. Then pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Season the Sauce: Add salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste, adjusting seasoning to your preference for a balanced flavor.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the tomato butter sauce over each piece. Let them simmer together briefly to warm the chicken through and allow flavors to meld.
- Add Fresh Basil: Stir in chopped fresh basil just before serving to preserve its bright, herbal aroma and flavor.
Notes
- Chicken thighs remain juicier than breasts, but both cuts work well in this recipe.
- For enhanced depth of flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the chicken broth.
- Serve over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
