Name: Chicken Pomodoro Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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If you’re craving something vibrant, savory, and irresistibly Italian, Chicken Pomodoro is about to become your new weeknight go-to. This dish delivers juicy sautéed chicken breasts nestled in a lively tomato sauce, complete with the sweet pop of cherry tomatoes and the herbal brightness of fresh basil. It comes together quickly but tastes like you spent all afternoon crafting it, making Chicken Pomodoro a comforting showstopper that’s bursting with sunny flavors and lots of love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how such straightforward ingredients combine to create magic on your plate. Each element in Chicken Pomodoro brings a touch of color, depth, or zing, ensuring every bite is unforgettable.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and lean – they soak up flavor beautifully and stay incredibly juicy when seared right.
Salt: Infuses the chicken with flavor and helps the seasoning penetrate the meat.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle spiciness and enhances all the other seasonings.
Garlic powder: Rounds out the chicken seasoning with mild, all-over garlicky warmth.
Olive oil: The foundation of any good Italian sauté; it brings a fruity backbone and helps create a golden crust.
Fresh garlic: Three cloves provide deep, aromatic flavor once they hit the hot skillet.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For just a hint of gentle heat, sprinkle these in; it’s totally up to your taste.
Diced tomatoes with juice: Use a good-quality canned tomato for that perfect mix of tang and natural sweetness.
Cherry tomatoes: Halved and tossed in, they deliver bursts of freshness and bright color.
Chicken broth: Builds extra flavor into the sauce and adds a silky texture.
Fresh basil: Chopped right at the end, it perfumes the whole dish with its signature Italian aroma.
Parmesan cheese (optional): Grated over the top just before serving, it melts into the sauce and adds a nutty finish.

How to Make Chicken Pomodoro

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by laying out your chicken breasts and giving them a good sprinkle of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on both sides. This initial layer of seasoning is essential for locking in big flavor from the very first bite. Don’t be shy—a generous, even dusting really makes a difference.

Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat a large skillet over medium, then add the olive oil. Once it shimmers, place the chicken breasts in a single layer. Let them sizzle, undisturbed, for 4 to 5 minutes per side. You’re aiming for a beautiful golden crust and juicy meat. When they’re cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate while you get that gorgeous tomato sauce started.

Step 3: Start the Chicken Pomodoro Sauce

In the same skillet, add your minced garlic (and red pepper flakes if you’re using them). Just 30 seconds is enough to awaken their flavors—don’t let them burn! Immediately add the diced tomatoes with juice, cherry tomato halves, and chicken broth. Stir everything, scraping the skillet so you get all those tasty browned bits in the mix, and let this simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens just a bit.

Step 4: Simmer and Finish

Now it’s time for everything to come together. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into that vibrant sauce. Spoon some of the tomato mixture over the breasts to keep them moist and flavorful. Let it all bubble together for another 2 to 3 minutes so the chicken absorbs the sauce. Finish strong by showering the whole thing with fresh chopped basil and (if you’re feeling indulgent) a flurry of Parmesan cheese. Chicken Pomodoro is ready to serve!

How to Serve Chicken Pomodoro

Garnishes

Let your Chicken Pomodoro shine with a sprinkle of extra fresh basil just before serving. It adds an eye-catching pop of green and brings out the herbal notes. If you’re a cheese lover, a little more grated Parmesan on top melts beautifully into the warm sauce and creates an extra layer of rich, nutty flavor.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs perfectly with a swirl of spaghetti or linguine to catch all that irresistible tomato sauce. For a lighter option, try fluffy white rice or some rustic crusty bread—both do an amazing job of soaking up every drop. If you want more veggies, a simply dressed green salad or roasted asparagus completes the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve Chicken Pomodoro in a shallow bowl, spooning the sauce over the chicken and letting the colors shine through. Try topping each breast with a small sprig of basil or a ribbon of Parmesan for a restaurant-style finish. If you’re hosting, serve family-style straight from the skillet for that cozy, Italian trattoria vibe that everyone loves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Pomodoro keeps beautifully! Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so the leftovers can be even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Chicken Pomodoro. Let the chicken and sauce cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, put the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Warm gently until the chicken is heated through—this keeps everything moist and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and are even juicier. Just adjust the cook time as thighs may need a few extra minutes to cook through.

Is Chicken Pomodoro gluten-free?

Yes, as written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just serve it with gluten-free pasta, rice, or a gluten-free bread if you’d like to keep the whole meal gluten-free.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you’re unsure, cut into the thickest part; the juices should run clear with no pink in the middle.

Can I substitute dried basil for fresh?

Fresh basil adds a wonderful aroma and flavor, but if you only have dried, use one teaspoon added to the sauce while simmering. For best results, try to add fresh herbs right at the end when possible.

What’s the difference between Chicken Pomodoro and Chicken Parmesan?

Chicken Pomodoro features a light, fresh tomato-basil sauce and skips breading and frying, while Chicken Parmesan is breaded, fried, and layered with lots of cheese and sauce before being baked. Both are Italian favorites, but Chicken Pomodoro is brighter and lighter!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Chicken Pomodoro enough—it’s bright, inviting, and absolutely packed with flavor yet ridiculously easy to make. Whether it’s dinner for the family or an impressive yet quick meal for company, it’s a dish that brings everyone to the table happy. Give it a try, and let Chicken Pomodoro become a star in your kitchen, too!

Chicken Pomodoro Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious and easy-to-make Chicken Pomodoro recipe that features tender chicken breasts in a flavorful tomato sauce with garlic, basil, and Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Sear the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, then transfer to a plate.
Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for 30 seconds. Add the diced tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and chicken broth. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine and simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
Finish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil and Parmesan before serving.