Chicken Pomodoro Recipe

Why You’ll Love Chicken Pomodoro Recipe

This Chicken Pomodoro Recipe is a quick yet elegant dish that’s full of vibrant flavors. The rich, garlicky tomato sauce pairs beautifully with the juicy, tender chicken breasts, and the fresh basil adds a fragrant touch. It’s a healthier alternative to traditional pasta dishes while still delivering that classic Italian comfort. With minimal ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is perfect for those looking to make something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can diced tomatoes)

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped)

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)

• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.

2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Make the Pomodoro Sauce: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

4. Add the chopped tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes), dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and the sauce to thicken.

5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 3-5 minutes to absorb the flavors.

6. Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, plate the chicken with the pomodoro sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Total Time: 25-30 minutes

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

Variations

• Add Vegetables: You can add sautéed spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the pomodoro sauce for extra flavor and texture.

• Chicken Thighs: For a juicier, richer flavor, you can substitute chicken breasts with bone-in, skinless chicken thighs.

• Spicy Pomodoro: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish an extra kick.

• Cheese: Mix in a bit of mozzarella or goat cheese into the sauce for a creamy, cheesy twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftover Chicken Pomodoro in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• To reheat, warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes?

Yes, canned tomatoes work well for this recipe and can save time. Use diced or crushed tomatoes for the best consistency.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, and then reheat when ready to serve.

3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will work great for this recipe, offering a more tender and juicy texture.

4. Can I make this recipe without garlic?

You can omit the garlic if you’re not a fan, but it adds a nice depth of flavor. You could also substitute with garlic powder if needed.

5. Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add hot sauce to give it a spicy kick.

6. Can I add cheese to the sauce?

Absolutely! Adding grated Parmesan or fresh mozzarella to the sauce can make it extra creamy and delicious.

7. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should read 165°F to be fully cooked.

8. Can I serve this with pasta?

Yes, this Chicken Pomodoro is perfect served with a side of pasta. You can toss the pomodoro sauce with your favorite pasta for a more traditional Italian meal.

9. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative for topping.

10. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

Chicken Pomodoro is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings the taste of Italy right to your kitchen. With its tender chicken breasts and fresh, tangy pomodoro sauce, it’s a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something to impress guests, this recipe is easy to make, delicious, and full of comforting flavors.

Chicken Pomodoro Recipe

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This Chicken Pomodoro recipe combines succulent chicken breasts with a fresh, vibrant tomato sauce, making it a perfect dinner option for any occasion. Light, flavorful, and easy to make, this dish is full of rich, tomato-based goodness, complemented by aromatic garlic and basil. Serve it over pasta or alongside a salad for a healthy, satisfying meal.

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Pan-frying and simmering
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (or 3–4 fresh tomatoes, chopped)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil (or 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped)
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

• Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
• Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
• Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato sauce. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the flavors meld together.
• Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or basil as desired.
• To serve, place the chicken on plates, spoon the tomato sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

• For extra richness, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce at the end of cooking.
• Serve this dish with pasta, rice, or a side of vegetables for a complete meal.
• If you want to make it gluten-free, serve the Chicken Pomodoro with gluten-free pasta or simply on its own with a side salad.