Stovetop Tomato Basil Chicken
Break out of your weeknight dinner rut with this incredibly flavorful Stovetop Tomato Basil Chicken. By combining the rich magic of butter with bright, aromatic fresh basil and smooth tomato sauce, this one-pan wonder goes from prep to plate in just 25 minutes.
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan
Ingredients
Chicken & Base
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts boneless, skinless
- 3 tbsp butter unsalted
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning divided use
- 1 pinch Salt and pepper to taste
The Sauce
- 1 cup tomato sauce smooth puree or passata
- 1 tsp minced garlic freshly minced
- 0.25 cup basil leaves packed and finely chopped
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning.
- Sear in Butter: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Melt the butter until foamy. Add the chicken and sear for 5-7 minutes per side until a golden crust forms.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce heat to medium-low. Push chicken to the edges of the pan and add minced garlic to the center. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Add the remaining Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5-8 minutes until chicken is cooked through (165°F).
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and immediately stir in the finely chopped fresh basil. Serve hot.
Notes
Always stir the fresh basil in off the heat to preserve its bright green color and sweet, aromatic flavor.