If you are craving a dish that bursts with bright, fresh flavors while being incredibly comforting, then you have to try this Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce Recipe. It’s a stunning combination of juicy seared chicken breasts bathed in a luscious tomato and butter sauce, freshened with fragrant garlic and vibrant basil. Every bite is a perfect harmony of savory, tangy, and buttery notes that comes together with simple ingredients you likely already have, making this recipe both elegant and approachable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce Recipe, the ingredients are straightforward yet each one plays a crucial role in building deep flavor, gorgeous color, and perfect texture. From the tender chicken to the fresh basil and buttery sauce, everything works in harmony.
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally): Ensures even cooking and tender, juicy chicken pieces.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and subtle complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor evenly throughout the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken to a beautiful golden crust.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic brings pungent aroma and vibrant taste to the sauce.
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved): Their natural sweetness and juiciness create a fresh, colorful sauce base.
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth): Adds acidity and depth, helping to deglaze the pan.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates a rich, glossy sauce that coats every bite.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped): Introduces a fragrant herbal note that lifts the entire dish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For a salty, nutty garnish that adds a lovely finishing touch.
How to Make Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Begin by seasoning your chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This basic seasoning sets the flavor foundation. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces and sear them for 4 to 5 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Keep that flavorful fond in the skillet—it’s the secret to building a delicious sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Cook the Tomatoes
Turn the heat down to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté it quickly for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant—but be careful not to burn it. Then, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Let them cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and begin to break down. This creates a naturally sweet and slightly tangy base for your sauce that complements the chicken beautifully.
Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer the Sauce
Pour the white wine or chicken broth into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up all those tasty brown bits from the bottom. Let the liquid simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so it reduces slightly and concentrates the flavor. This step is what elevates the sauce from simple to spectacular.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce
Now, stir in the unsalted butter until it melts completely and makes the sauce glossy and smooth. Add the chopped fresh basil last to preserve its bright color and fresh aroma. Then, return the chicken pieces to the pan, spoon the tomato butter sauce over them, and let everything simmer together for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
How to Serve Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce Recipe truly shine, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the plated chicken. The salty, creamy cheese adds an irresistible finishing touch. You can also scatter a few extra fresh basil leaves on top for a pop of color and herbal freshness that looks as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully versatile when it comes to sides. Serve it over a bed of al dente pasta to soak up the buttery tomato sauce, or alongside fluffy rice for a comforting, hearty meal. For a low-carb option, roasted or steamed vegetables pair beautifully, providing a crunchy, fresh contrast to the rich sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Plate the chicken on a large serving dish with the sauce spooned generously over the top, then scatter basil leaves and Parmesan artistically. Alternatively, serve individual portions in shallow bowls with a sprinkling of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Pair with warm, crusty bread for everyone to mop up every last bit of that decadent sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, with the flavors continuing to develop and deepen, making next-day leftovers even tastier.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well. Simply cool the chicken and sauce completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave at medium power. Stir occasionally to keep the sauce emulsified and prevent drying out. Adding a splash of water or broth can revive the sauce’s luscious texture if needed.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully, offering even more tenderness and rich flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.
What can I substitute for white wine in the sauce?
If you prefer to avoid alcohol, chicken broth is a fantastic substitute that keeps the sauce flavorful and moist without changing the dish’s essence.
How fresh does the basil need to be?
Fresh basil is key for this recipe to bring out that vibrant, herbal brightness. Dried basil won’t provide the same flavor or color, so be sure to grab fresh leaves whenever possible.
Can I add a spicy element to this dish?
Definitely! Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic can give your Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce Recipe a subtle kick that pairs well with the buttery tomato flavors.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth or wine, making it perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce Recipe is a keeper—a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. The perfect blend of fresh, buttery, and savory elements will have you reaching for seconds every time. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s a sure way to impress your loved ones and treat yourself to a truly satisfying meal. Give it a try, and your kitchen will thank you!
Print
Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce is a flavorful and easy-to-make main course featuring tender seared chicken breasts in a rich, savory tomato butter sauce infused with fresh basil and garlic. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season the halved chicken breasts evenly on both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to ensure flavorful meat.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to break down and release their juices.
- Deglaze and simmer: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
- Add butter and basil: Stir in the unsalted butter until it melts and the sauce becomes glossy. Mix in the chopped fresh basil, combining well.
- Combine and finish: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce evenly over them. Let everything simmer together for 2 more minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the chicken warm, spooning additional sauce over the top. Optionally, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and pair with your choice of pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
- For extra richness, swirl in an additional tablespoon of butter at the end of cooking.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat kick.
