If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that feels extra-special without taking hours in the kitchen, Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce may become your new obsession. Juicy chicken breasts are quickly pan-seared, then bathed in a silky, garlicky tomato sauce brightened with fresh basil and finished with rich, melting butter. Every bite is teeming with summery flavor—and the entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes! Whether you want something comforting or are just in the mood to show off a little, this one-pan wonder will absolutely win you over.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce proves that with a handful of top-notch ingredients, you can make magic. Each item on the list brings something important: vibrant color, deep flavor, or irresistible texture. Keep these essentials on hand, and dinner will always be deliciously within reach!
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts serve as the juicy, protein-packed base for this dish—pound them slightly if you want the chicken to cook quickly and evenly.
- Salt and Pepper: Never skip seasoning! Salt and pepper bring out the best in your chicken and balance the flavors in the sauce.
- Olive Oil: Use a good quality olive oil for the perfect sear and to add a flavorful foundation to the sauce.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the whole dish with aromatic, savory depth.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness and provide a gorgeous, juicy pop to the sauce; you can swap for Roma tomatoes if needed.
- Tomato Paste: Just a spoonful concentrates the tomato flavor and gives a lovely, rich tang.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but a pinch adds the subtlest heat and rounds out the sauce’s complexity.
- Chicken Broth: Splashing in chicken broth deglazes the pan and forms the savory backbone of your sauce.
- Unsalted Butter: Stirring in butter at the end gives the sauce a velvety, restaurant-quality finish.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Chopped basil turns the pan sauce into something truly irresistible with its garden-fresh aroma and flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Optional, but a sprinkle of grated Parmesan at the end adds nutty, salty notes for richness.
How to Make Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by generously seasoning both sides of your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high—once shimmering, lay the chicken in and let it sizzle undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes per side. You’re looking for a deeply golden crust and cooked-through juicy interior. Remove the chicken to a plate but keep that skillet handy; all those browned bits mean flavor!
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Lower the heat to medium and add your minced garlic straight into the same pan. Sauté just until fragrant—about 30 seconds is all you need. This step perfumes the oil and sets the stage for a delectable Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce.
Step 3: Build the Tomato Sauce
Add in the tomato paste, red pepper flakes (if you like a faint kick), and halved cherry tomatoes. Let everything cook together for 5–6 minutes, stirring and gently pressing on the tomatoes so they release their bright, sweet juices and start forming a chunky sauce.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce bubble gently for 2–3 minutes, reducing slightly—the flavors will concentrate, and everything will come together beautifully.
Step 5: Finish with Butter and Basil
Turn off the heat and stir in the butter until it melts and the sauce becomes luxuriously silky. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning plenty of sauce over each piece. Sprinkle the chopped basil and Parmesan (if using) right on top, then simmer for another 2 minutes so the flavors can fully mingle.
How to Serve Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, scatter a few extra fresh basil leaves or a pinch of grated Parmesan over each plate. The fresh basil not only looks gorgeous but also intensifies the herbaceous aroma the moment it hits the hot sauce.
Side Dishes
Pair Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce with a bed of pasta, creamy risotto, fluffy rice, or even a mountain of mashed potatoes to soak up every last drop of that luscious sauce. A crisp green salad or roasted veggies make for a perfect, refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the chicken and draping it over bruschetta for a party-worthy appetizer, or toss the sauce with cooked gnocchi and nestle the chicken pieces on top for an Italian-inspired skillet dinner. You can even serve everything family-style, letting everyone scoop their own saucy chicken right at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce stores beautifully! Allow the dish to cool, then transfer chicken and sauce into an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days—the flavors only deepen as they meld together overnight.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze, pack the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers and remove as much air as possible. The tomato-butter sauce holds up well, though the basil may darken slightly. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
For juicy chicken and a freshly vibrant sauce, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low until warmed through. You can add a little extra splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay extra moist—you may need to adjust the cook time slightly depending on their size.
Is there a dairy-free version?
Definitely. Just omit the butter and Parmesan, or substitute with your favorite plant-based alternatives. The Tomato Butter Sauce will still be deliciously rich thanks to the olive oil and simmered tomatoes.
What’s the best way to tell when the chicken is cooked through?
A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part should read 165°F (74°C), or slice into the middle and check that the juices run clear and there’s no pink.
Can I prep any parts of Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can halve the tomatoes, chop the basil, and even mince the garlic in advance. Store these prepped ingredients in airtight containers in the fridge for stress-free cooking later on.
Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Of course—the sauce is endlessly adaptable. Bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini would all be delicious simmered in the tomato-butter mixture alongside the chicken.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about sitting down to a plate of Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce—the way the sauce glistens, the savoriness of garlic and basil, and the feeling that you’ve made something extraordinary without a fuss. I hope you treat yourself (and your favorite people) to this delightful meal soon. Happy cooking!
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: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce is a flavorful and comforting dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are seared to perfection and then smothered in a rich tomato butter sauce with hints of garlic and basil.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- â…“ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sear chicken breasts until golden and cooked through, then set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Cook garlic in the skillet, add tomato paste, red pepper flakes, cherry tomatoes, and broth. Simmer until thickened, then stir in butter until melted.
- Finish the Dish: Return chicken to the skillet, coat with sauce, add basil and Parmesan. Simmer briefly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cherry tomatoes with diced Roma tomatoes if preferred.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.
- To make it dairy-free, omit the butter and cheese or use dairy-free alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
