Description
Chicken Pomodoro is a flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich tomato sauce made with crushed and cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and aromatic herbs. This skillet-cooked recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal, topped with optional Parmesan for a cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Cook chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté onion: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, dried oregano, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
- Return chicken: Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet, spoon some of the tomato sauce over the top, cover the skillet, and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add basil: Stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves just before serving to brighten the dish.
- Serve: Serve the chicken breasts topped with the tomato sauce and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh tomatoes when in season for a more vibrant sauce.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to heat preference or omit for a milder flavor.
- Pair this dish with pasta, crusty bread, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
