Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece in just 30 minutes! This Creamy Tomato Basil Skillet Chicken is your ticket to an Italian-inspired dinner that will have your family begging for seconds. With its golden-seared chicken, burst of fresh cherry tomatoes, and luxurious cream sauce, this recipe promises to be the star of your dinner table, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers and begins to ripple.
- Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their juices.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine with tomatoes and garlic. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Return chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy tomato sauce. Spoon sauce over the chicken.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the chicken and sauce, reserving some for garnish.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to reheat the chicken and allow flavors to meld together.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with remaining fresh basil before serving.
Tips
- Pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear
- Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan for even heat distribution and beautiful browning
- Don't rush the garlic sautéing - 30-45 seconds is key to releasing maximum flavor without burning
- Check chicken's internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C)
- Use fresh basil if possible - it makes a significant difference in the final flavor profile
- Let the chicken rest for 2 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender
- For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 140mg
