Tomato Chicken Recipe

This Tomato Chicken Recipe features tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce with Parmesan, garlic, and cherry tomatoes. A one-pan dish perfect for easy weeknight dinners or elegant meals. Includes tips, variations, and serving suggestions!

Ingredients

Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and Pepper (to taste)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ⅓ cup flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce:

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 chicken bouillon cube or 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• ½ cup dry white wine (see notes)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ½ cup half and half
• 1 tablespoon cream cheese (at room temperature)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes (halved or quartered)

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Instructions

Prep Work:

1. For the sauce, combine chicken broth, chicken bouillon, honey, onion powder, oregano, and mustard powder. Set aside.
2. Measure out all remaining ingredients before starting the recipe.

Make the Chicken:

1. Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create 2-3 thinner slices.
2. Place chicken pieces between plastic wrap and pound to an even ½-inch thickness using the textured side of a meat mallet.
3. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
4. Dredge the chicken in flour, coating both sides evenly.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Make the Sauce:

1. Deglaze the skillet by adding white wine over medium heat. Use a silicone spatula to scrape the bottom and sides of the pan. Let the wine reduce by half, about 4 minutes.
2. Melt the butter in the skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, followed by the tomato paste. Stir for another 1 minute.
4. Gradually add the prepared chicken broth mixture, stirring continuously. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
5. Allow the sauce to cool slightly. Slowly stir in the half and half and cream cheese until fully combined. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and stir until incorporated. Ensure the heat remains low to prevent the dairy from curdling.
6. Add the cherry tomatoes and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the chicken, cover partially, and let it simmer for 5 minutes until the chicken is warmed through.
7. Garnish with parsley or fresh basil before serving.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Tomato Chicken recipe is bursting with bold flavors, from the tender, seasoned chicken to the creamy tomato-based sauce infused with garlic, Parmesan, and fresh cherry tomatoes. It’s a restaurant-quality dish made easily in one pan, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Tips

• Tenderizing: Pounding the chicken ensures even cooking and a tender texture.
• Avoid Grainy Sauce: Always add dairy (half and half, cream cheese, Parmesan) over low heat to prevent separation.
• Prep Ahead: Measure and prepare ingredients in advance to streamline cooking.
• Deglazing: Don’t skip the wine step; it adds depth to the sauce. Substitute with chicken broth if needed.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein: Substitute chicken with boneless pork chops or shrimp.
• Wine Substitute: Use additional chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice for acidity.
• Tomatoes: Swap cherry tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor.
• Herbs: Add fresh thyme or rosemary for an earthy note.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be prepared in advance, and the chicken can be seared. Combine and reheat before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Pair with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• Add crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.