Description
This Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken recipe features tender chicken cutlets seared to golden perfection and simmered in a luscious sauce made with garlic, Dijon mustard, chicken broth, heavy cream, fresh tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and fragrant basil. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Flour, for dredging
Cooking Fats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 small handful fresh basil, chopped or torn
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner cutlets. Season them evenly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Lightly dredge each cutlet in flour to coat.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter together in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the chicken cutlets. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Deglaze the pan and start the sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and chicken broth to the same skillet. Stir and let it simmer for about 30 seconds, scraping the browned bits off the bottom to incorporate those flavors into the sauce.
- Add cream and seasonings: Pour in the heavy cream, then add chopped tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and fresh basil. Allow the sauce to bubble gently, adjusting heat if necessary to prevent vigorous boiling.
- Finish cooking the chicken: Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet with the sauce. Cook for another 5 minutes on medium to low heat until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is fully cooked through. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired before serving.
Notes
- Cutting the chicken breasts into thinner cutlets ensures even cooking and tender results.
- Dredging the chicken in flour helps create a crispy golden exterior and thickens the sauce slightly.
- If using a very juicy tomato, you may want to reduce added chicken broth slightly to keep the sauce consistency balanced.
- Fresh basil adds the best flavor; if unavailable, dried basil can be used but add cautiously to avoid overpowering the sauce.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy tomato basil sauce.
