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
Scale
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.
