Description
Chicken Pomodoro is a flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts simmered in a vibrant tomato sauce made from crushed and cherry tomatoes, aromatic garlic, fresh basil, and classic herbs. This hearty yet simple meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner, delivering rich flavors with an easy-to-follow stovetop cooking method.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Tomato Sauce
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
To Serve
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the onion: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and sauté over medium heat until it becomes translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Prepare the tomato sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, halved cherry tomatoes, dried oregano, red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some of the tomato sauce over them, cover the skillet, and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add fresh basil: Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh basil to bring a vibrant and aromatic finish to the dish.
- Serve: Plate the chicken breasts topped with plenty of the pomodoro sauce and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Chicken breasts can be substituted with chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Serve this dish with pasta, crusty bread, or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- To keep it dairy-free, omit the Parmesan cheese topping.
