Description
Tomato Basil Chicken Breasts is a delightful and flavorful dish featuring tender pan-seared chicken breasts topped with a vibrant tomato and basil sauce. This quick and easy recipe combines juicy chicken with a fresh medley of tomatoes, shallots, capers, and aromatic basil leaves, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 3/4 pound) or 1 large chicken breast, halved horizontally
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Cooking Fat
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons diced shallots (about 1 medium shallot)
- 12 ounces assorted tomatoes, small ones halved and medium and large cut in wedges
- 1 tablespoon capers in brine, drained
- 1/2 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- 1/3 cup water
- Plenty of basil leaves (large leaves torn), for serving
Instructions
- Season and Dredge the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. Place the flour in a shallow bowl or plate. Dredge the chicken through the flour, coating all sides evenly, then shake off any excess flour.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once bubbling, add the floured chicken pieces to the skillet without disturbing them. Cook until golden brown on one side, about 4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to serving plates.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add diced shallots to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelized, about 2 minutes. Stir in the assorted tomatoes and 1/3 cup water to create a sauce base. Simmer the mixture until the sauce reduces by about half, approximately 3 minutes.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the drained capers, remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, and red wine vinegar. Turn off the heat and adjust seasoning with salt to taste.
- Serve: Top each chicken breast with torn basil leaves and spoon the tomato sauce over. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a mix of tomato varieties for more color and flavor complexity in the sauce.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly by checking that internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- For a smoother sauce, you can lightly crush the tomatoes while cooking.
- Adjust vinegars and capers to your taste if you prefer a more or less tangy sauce.
- This recipe pairs well with rice, crusty bread, or a simple side salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Tomato Basil Chicken, Pan-Seared Chicken, Italian Chicken Recipe, Quick Chicken Dinner, Tomato Sauce Chicken
