If you’re on the hunt for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Creamy Tomato Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. It perfectly balances tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in a luscious, velvety tomato cream sauce that dazzles with every bite. The blend of garlic, Italian seasoning, and fresh tomato creates a comforting flavor profile that’s easy to whip up yet impressively delicious. Whether you’re cooking a weekday dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is simple to prepare and always hits the spot with its rich texture and vibrant colors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor and silky texture. From the succulent chicken to the simple yet essential spices and creamy elements, every component adds its own charm to this delightful dish.
- Chicken breasts: Sliced thin for quick cooking and to soak up all that flavorful sauce.
- Salt & pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the chicken.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory punch without overpowering the dish.
- Flour: Used for dredging the chicken to create a slight crust and help thicken the sauce.
- Butter: Brings richness and helps create a beautifully browned chicken exterior.
- Olive oil: Keeps things from sticking and adds a fruity layer of flavor.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced to intensify the aromatic foundation of the sauce.
- Tomato paste: Concentrated and sweet, for a depth of tomato flavor.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that luscious, velvety sauce everyone will crave.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs that lifts the sauce with a Mediterranean flair.
- Medium tomato: Adds a fresh pop of acidity and texture to balance the creaminess.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing the chicken breasts lengthwise to create four thinner pieces, which helps them cook evenly and soak up that divine sauce. Sprinkle the chicken generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then dredge each piece lightly in flour. This not only seasons the chicken but also builds a slight crust when cooked, giving texture and helping thicken the sauce later.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet and Cook
Combine butter and olive oil in a skillet set over medium-high heat. Allow the pan to warm for a few minutes to ensure an even, sizzling surface. Then, add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. The outer crust will be delightfully crispy while the inside stays juicy and tender. Once done, transfer the chicken onto a plate to rest.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Base
Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic along with the tomato paste to the same skillet. Cook these together for about 20-30 seconds, stirring constantly. This quick step unlocks the garlic’s aroma and deepens the tomato paste’s rich, tangy sweetness—forming a perfectly fragrant base for the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Add Cream and Seasonings
Next, pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, whisking everything together until you achieve a smooth, velvety mixture. The cream balances the acidity of the tomato paste, creating a sauce that’s both indulgent and comforting. Let this mixture gently warm through so the flavors combine beautifully.
Step 5: Incorporate Fresh Tomato and Simmer
Stir in the chopped fresh tomato, which adds a burst of freshness and a touch of texture to your sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, reducing slightly and marrying all the flavors into a rich, creamy concoction that clings deliciously to the chicken.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon the creamy tomato mixture generously over the top, and give the dish a final seasoning adjustment if needed with salt and pepper. Serve immediately for the best experience of warm, saucy comfort food that feels simultaneously fancy and homey.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your Creamy Tomato Chicken Recipe to the next level. Fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top adds a vibrant pop of green and a refreshing herbal note that beautifully contrasts the rich sauce. A little grated Parmesan cheese can also bring an additional savory depth and a touch of melted, salty goodness.
Side Dishes
This creamy, saucy chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Fluffy mashed potatoes or creamy polenta make the perfect base to soak up the delicious sauce. Alternatively, a warm pilaf or buttery garlic bread can complement the meal, providing different textures and flavors without competing with the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the chicken over a bed of spiralized zucchini or roasted vegetables, enhancing both the color and nutritional value of your plate. You can also dish it up family-style directly from the skillet to encourage sharing and create a cozy, inviting atmosphere at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Creamy Tomato Chicken Recipe in an airtight container once it has cooled. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this comforting meal again without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, though the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly. To freeze, store the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, ideally within 2 hours of cooking. It will stay good for about 2 months, perfect for a future quick meal.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at a reduced power setting to prevent the cream from breaking. Stir occasionally and add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce seems too thick. This will help you recapture the dish’s original creamy deliciousness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will make the dish even juicier and add a bit more richness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked through.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the heavy cream?
You can substitute coconut cream or a cashew cream for a dairy-free option. Keep in mind it will alter the flavor slightly, adding a subtle coconut or nutty note.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Make sure to lower the heat when adding the cream and stir continuously. Avoid boiling the sauce vigorously to keep it smooth and creamy.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can easily double or even triple the ingredients. Just use a larger skillet or cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and proper browning.
What wine pairs well with Creamy Tomato Chicken Recipe?
A light to medium-bodied white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio complements the dish’s creamy tomato flavors without overpowering the chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tomato Chicken Recipe is a wonderful example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create an unforgettable meal. Its rich, comforting sauce paired with tender chicken makes it a repeat-worthy favorite that’s sure to brighten any dinner table. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Print
Creamy Tomato Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy tomato chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a rich, flavorful tomato cream sauce. It’s an easy stovetop dish that combines garlic, tomato paste, and fresh tomato with heavy cream and Italian seasoning to create a luscious meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise to make 4 thinner pieces)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Flour (for dredging)
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 medium tomato (chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thinner pieces. Season them evenly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Then coat each piece lightly in flour to prepare for browning.
- Heat the Skillet: Place the butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Allow them to melt and heat for a few minutes until hot but not smoking.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the floured chicken pieces in the hot skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomato Paste: Lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir constantly and cook for about 20-30 seconds until fragrant, releasing the tomato paste’s rich flavor.
- Add Cream and Seasoning: Whisk in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning to the skillet until the mixture is smooth and creamy, building the base of the sauce.
- Incorporate Fresh Tomato: Stir in the chopped tomato and let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, allowing the fresh tomato to soften and flavors to meld.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet, spooning sauce over each piece. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it will be less rich.
- Serve this dish with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy tomato sauce.
- Using fresh tomatoes adds a bright flavor, but canned diced tomatoes can be used if fresh are unavailable.
- To make the dish gluten-free, use gluten-free flour for dredging.
