Description
Chicken Pomodoro is a flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a fresh tomato sauce made with crushed and cherry tomatoes, garlic, onions, and aromatic herbs. This hearty yet simple meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner, offering a balance of juicy chicken and vibrant, savory tomato sauce with a touch of parmesan for added richness.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Tomato Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 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
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
To Serve
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken and vegetables.
- Season the chicken: Season both sides of the boneless, skinless chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Cook the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the onion: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and sauté over medium heat until translucent, about 3 minutes, to build the flavor base for the sauce.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Prepare the tomato sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, halved cherry tomatoes, dried oregano, red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors.
- Return chicken to sauce: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spoon some sauce over them, cover the pan, and let it simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to absorb some sauce.
- Add fresh basil: Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh basil to add a vibrant, aromatic finish to the dish.
- Serve: Plate the chicken breasts topped with the tomato sauce and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired for an added savory and cheesy flavor.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them completely for a milder flavor.
- Use fresh ripe tomatoes instead of canned for a fresher taste if tomatoes are in season.
- For a lower-fat option, reduce the olive oil or use a non-stick pan to minimize added fats.
- Serve with cooked pasta, crusty bread, or a side salad to complete the meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
