From years of cooking weeknight dinners, this chicken tomato recipe has become my most-requested dish. Through countless batches and feedback from Lina (who claims he can “taste when the tomatoes are happy”), I’ve perfected a method that delivers restaurant-quality chicken in tomato sauce without spending hours in the kitchen. The secret lies in building layers of flavor and knowing exactly when to add each ingredient.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tomato Recipe
This dish has saved me countless times when I need dinner on the table fast but don’t want to sacrifice flavor. The chicken in tomato sauce with rice creates a complete meal with minimal cleanup – everything cooks in one pan, and the sauce practically makes itself while the chicken simmers. What makes this chicken and cherry tomato recipes version special is how the tomatoes burst and create their own silky sauce without any cream or heavy additions.
Lina loves helping with this one because he gets to squish the tomatoes (his favorite part), and the whole thing comes together in about 30 minutes from start to finish. Plus, it’s incredibly forgiving – if you need to let it simmer a few extra minutes while finishing homework or setting the table, it only gets better. The leftovers are fantastic, and the recipe doubles easily when you’re feeding a crowd or want meals for the week ahead.
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Ingredients for Chicken Tomato Recipe
The Protein:
- Boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
The Tomato Base:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Garlic cloves
- Fresh basil
- Tomato paste
The Flavor Builders:
- Onion
- White wine or chicken broth
- Red pepper flakes
- Dried oregano
Optional Add-Ins:
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Fresh spinach
- Kalamata olives
- Feta cheese
See recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Chicken Tomato Recipe Step By Step
Prep the Chicken:
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels
- Season both sides with salt and pepper
- Let sit while you prep other ingredients
- Cut into even pieces if needed
Start the Sear:
- Heat olive oil in large skillet
- Add chicken when oil shimmers
- Cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden
- Remove and set aside
Build the Sauce:
- Add onions to same pan
- Cook until softened
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds
- Pour in wine or broth to deglaze
Add the Tomatoes:
- Toss in cherry tomatoes
- Add herbs and spices
- Let tomatoes burst and release juices
- Stir occasionally for 8-10 minutes
Finish the Dish:
- Return chicken to pan
- Nestle into tomato sauce
- Cover and simmer 10-12 minutes
- Check chicken is cooked through
Final Touch:
- Let rest 3 minutes before serving
- Tear fresh basil over top
- Taste and adjust seasoning
Storing Your Chicken Tomato Recipe
Refrigerator (3-4 days):
- Cool completely before storing
- Airtight container
- Keep chicken and sauce together
- Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave
Freezer (2-3 months):
- Cool thoroughly first
- Freezer-safe containers
- Leave space for expansion
- Label with date
Reheating Tips:
- Stovetop method works best
- Add splash of broth if needed
- Medium-low heat to prevent drying
- Stir occasionally until heated through
Make-Ahead Strategy:
- Cook fresh for best texture
- Prep ingredients night before
- Store cut chicken separately
- Keep tomatoes and herbs ready
Chicken Tomato Recipe Variations
Mediterranean Style:
- Add Kalamata olives
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh oregano
- Lemon zest finish
Creamy Tuscan:
- Splash of heavy cream
- Fresh spinach wilted in
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Parmesan shavings
Spicy Arrabbiata:
- Extra red pepper flakes
- Diced jalapeños
- Hot Italian sausage added
- Fresh cilantro
Herb Garden:
- Mix of fresh basil and parsley
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- Minced rosemary
- White wine base
One-Pan Dinner:
- Add sliced bell peppers
- Zucchini chunks
- Serve over orzo cooked in sauce
- Top with mozzarella
Equipment For Chicken Tomato Recipe
- Large skillet with lid (12-inch works best)
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Tongs for flipping chicken
Smart Substitutions for Chicken Tomato Recipe
Protein Options:
- Chicken breasts → Chicken thighs (more forgiving)
- Boneless → Bone-in (add 10 minutes cooking time)
- Chicken → Turkey cutlets
- Poultry → White fish fillets
Tomato Choices:
- Cherry tomatoes → Grape tomatoes
- Fresh → Canned diced tomatoes
- Regular tomatoes → Roma tomatoes
- Cherry → Sun-dried (reduce quantity)
Liquid Swaps:
- White wine → Chicken broth
- Wine → Vegetable stock
- Broth → Water with lemon juice
- Regular → Low-sodium options
Herb Alternatives:
- Fresh herbs → Dried (1:3 ratio)
- Fresh basil → Dried basil (use less)
- Basil → Fresh parsley
- Oregano → Italian seasoning
How My Friend’s Recipe Became My Go-To
My friend shared this chicken tomato recipe during a hectic week when I was drowning in work deadlines and school pickups. She’d been making it for years and swore it was foolproof. What caught my attention was her approach to garlic – instead of mincing it fine like I always did, she sliced it thin and let those pieces turn golden in olive oil before anything else touched the pan. That garlic-infused oil became the flavor foundation for the entire dish.
Her other trick was patience. She taught me to stop fussing with the chicken once it went into the pan. “It’ll release when it’s ready,” she’d explain, and she was absolutely right. Letting it sit undisturbed created a proper sear that added incredible depth to the sauce. After making her version a few times, this became my default weeknight dinner. The techniques work for any chicken in tomato sauce variation I try. Lina requests it twice a week now, and I’ve passed it along to other parents who need reliable dinners that don’t require much energy after long days.
Top Tip
- My brother learned this technique while working in restaurant kitchens during college, and it completely changed how I approach this chicken tomato recipe. Instead of dumping all the tomatoes in at once, he’d split them into two batches. The first batch went in early to cook down completely and form the sauce base – those tomatoes break apart and create all that rich, concentrated flavor.
- His real genius move was reserving a handful of fresh cherry tomatoes to halve and scatter over the top right before serving. Those cool, raw tomatoes against the warm sauce created this incredible temperature and texture contrast that made everything feel more vibrant and alive. On special occasions, he’d char a few tomatoes in a separate pan until their skins blistered and blackened in spots, then stir those in for a subtle smoky depth.
- I use his two-batch method every single time now. It takes maybe 30 extra seconds but transforms the whole dish from one-note to complex and interesting. Lina actually noticed the difference – he said the tomatoes “taste like two different things in the same bite,” which is surprisingly accurate for a seven-year-old. Sometimes the techniques that make the biggest impact are the simplest ones.
What to Serve With Chicken Tomato Recipe
From serving this dish countless times, I’ve found these sides complement it perfectly without competing with the bold tomato flavors. Simple starches work best – fluffy white rice, creamy polenta, or al dente pasta all soak up that delicious sauce beautifully. Crusty bread is essential for mopping up every last drop from your plate. For a lighter option, serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to keep the focus on the chicken in tomato sauce.
Vegetable sides should be simple and fresh to balance the rich sauce. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness nicely, while roasted green beans or sautéed spinach add color without overwhelming the plate. Garlic bread is Lina’s favorite pairing, though roasted asparagus or a simple cucumber tomato salad work when you want something lighter. The key is keeping sides straightforward so the garlicky tomato sauce remains the star of the meal.
FAQ
Do chicken and tomato go together?
Chicken and tomatoes create a natural partnership used in cooking traditions around the world. Tomatoes bring acidity that helps break down Chicken Tomato Recipe fibers for tenderness, while the chicken’s neutral flavor provides the perfect canvas for tomato’s bright, slightly sweet taste to shine through.
Is tomato good for chicken?
Tomatoes work wonderfully with chicken both for flavor and texture. The acids in tomatoes naturally tenderize meat during cooking, creating a built-in sauce base that’s lighter than cream-based options. You also get nutritional benefits from tomato’s vitamins and lycopene in this chicken tomato recipe.
How can I add more flavor to chicken and tomatoes?
Build depth by searing Chicken Tomato Recipe first to create fond, then use that same pan for your sauce. Fresh garlic, herbs like basil and oregano, and a wine splash make huge differences. Don’t forget proper seasoning, and consider adding briny elements like capers or olives for complexity.
How to make chicken curry with tomatoes?
Sear chicken pieces, then cook onions, garlic, ginger, and curry powder in the same pan. Stir in diced tomatoes and let them simmer down into sauce. Add the chicken back with coconut milk or yogurt, cook until done, and finish with cilantro for a satisfying tomato chicken curry.
Your New Weeknight Winner!
Now you have everything you need to make perfect chicken tomato recipe – from proper searing techniques to that two-batch tomato method that creates incredible depth. This simple dish proves you don’t need complicated ingredients or hours of cooking to put satisfying food on the table.
Craving more easy comfort dinners? Try our Easy Homemade Pork Neck Bones for fall-off-the-bone tender meat that’s budget-friendly. Our Easy Beef Ragu Recipe delivers rich, slow-cooked flavor in half the time. Need something quick for lunch? The Easy Chicken Caesar Wraps Recipe comes together in minutes and travels perfectly.
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Chicken Tomato Recipe
Chicken Tomato Recipe
This easy, one-pan Chicken Tomato Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Chicken breasts or thighs are seared to golden perfection, then cooked with fresh tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and a touch of white wine or broth to create a delicious, garlicky sauce.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
-
Season chicken with salt and pepper, then pat dry.
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Sear chicken on both sides until golden brown.
-
Sauté onions until soft, then add garlic and cook.
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Add tomatoes, herbs, and cook until tomatoes burst open.
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Simmer chicken in the sauce, then rest before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
