Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breasts
PREP TIME
5 min.
COOK TIME
20 min.
Serving Size
4 servings
Ingredients
CHICKEN
- 2 tbsp (30 mL) canola oil
- 2 chicken breasts (~300 g), boneless and skinless
- salt and pepper
SAUCE
- 1 tbsp (15 mL) minced garlic (2-3 cloves)
- ¾ tsp (4 mL) salt
- ½ tsp (2 mL) dried basil
- ¼ tsp (1 mL) black pepper
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (398 mL) diced tomatoes with Italian herbs
- ¾ cup (175 mL) tomato pasta sauce (marinara or other seasoned tomato sauce)
- ¾ cup (175 mL) heavy cream
- 1 tbsp (15 mL) corn starch
- 2 tbsp (30 mL) freshly chopped basil
- Freshly grated parmesan for garnish as desired
Directions
Chicken
| 1. | Halve chicken breasts the long way, so that you have two thin pieces of chicken breast (see video for a visual) — this helps them to cook more evenly. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. |
| 2. | Brown chicken breasts on each side. This will take about 2-4 minutes per side. Remove chicken breasts from the pan and keep covered. |
Sauce
| 3. | Add the garlic, salt, basil, pepper, and pepper flakes if using. Cook 1 minute — try not to let the garlic burn. Add diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Scrape and browned bits off the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. |
| 4. | Whisk together the cream and corn starch and add to the pan. Stir to combine. Add the chicken breasts back to the pan. Bring to a low simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover. Cook until chicken breasts reach an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) and the sauce has thickened slightly. |
Tips
- You can use a lighter cream or milk for this recipe, but the sauce will not be as thick and rich – still delicious nonetheless!
- A tablespoon of basil pesto is a great substitute if you can’t find basil.
- Feel free to add vegetables into the sauce, you can cook them with a little bit of oil in the skillet before adding in the sauce ingredients.
- Try zucchini, onion, broccoli, mushrooms, or whatever you have on hand!
- If you want to add spinach, add it after the sauce is cooked. It will wilt quickly.
Share Via