Chicken Breast with Tomato Sauce
Highlighted under: Everyday Comfort Food Favorites
A simple yet flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breast smothered in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
This chicken breast with tomato sauce recipe is not only delicious but also quick to prepare. The juicy chicken pairs beautifully with the savory sauce, making it a family favorite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Juicy chicken breast cooked to perfection
- Rich and tangy tomato sauce bursting with flavor
- Quick and easy to prepare for busy weeknights
A Quick and Delicious Meal
When you're pressed for time but don't want to compromise on flavor, this Chicken Breast with Tomato Sauce recipe is your go-to solution. It takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner guests. The combination of juicy chicken and a homemade tomato sauce elevates this dish, transforming simple ingredients into a meal that feels special.
What makes this dish stand out is the rich, tangy tomato sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken. With just a handful of pantry staples—like diced tomatoes, garlic, and herbs—you can whip up a sauce that rivals your favorite Italian restaurant. This recipe is not only quick but also adaptable; you can easily add your favorite vegetables or spices to personalize the flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
Chicken breast is a fantastic source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair. It's low in fat and packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a great option for a healthy diet. This recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides a nourishing meal that supports a balanced lifestyle.
The tomato sauce enriches the dish with antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which is known for its potential health benefits, including improved heart health and reduced cancer risk. By incorporating fresh herbs like basil and oregano, you add even more nutrients, enhancing both the flavor and health benefits of this dish.
Perfect Pairings
To complement this delicious Chicken Breast with Tomato Sauce, consider serving it over a bed of fluffy rice or al dente pasta. The sauce will soak into the grains or noodles, providing a delightful texture and flavor contrast. A side salad or some steamed vegetables also pairs beautifully, adding freshness and crunch to your meal.
For a complete dining experience, finish your meal with a light dessert, such as a fruit sorbet or a small piece of dark chocolate. This will cleanse your palate and leave you feeling satisfied without the heaviness of a traditional dessert.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Tomato Sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before you start cooking!
Steps
Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Tomato Sauce
In the same skillet, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent. Add the diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
Combine and Serve
Add the chicken back to the skillet and spoon the tomato sauce over the top. Cook for an additional 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Serve the chicken with your favorite side dishes, such as rice or pasta.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, this Chicken Breast with Tomato Sauce stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain the best quality, store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce from drying out.
You can also freeze the dish for longer storage. Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. When properly stored, it can last for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for a quick and easy meal.
Customization Ideas
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the tomato sauce for extra flavor and nutrition. If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce. For a creamier texture, stir in a spoonful of cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt just before serving.
Herbs are a great way to customize this dish as well. Fresh parsley or thyme can be used in place of basil and oregano to create a different flavor profile. Experimenting with different herbs and spices will keep this recipe fresh and exciting every time you make it!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will work great and will be even juicier!
→ How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze the dish?
Yes, this dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw and reheat before serving.
→ What sides pair well with this dish?
This chicken dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad.
Chicken Breast with Tomato Sauce
A simple yet flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breast smothered in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Created by: Lauren Mitchell
Recipe Type: Everyday Comfort Food Favorites
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Tomato Sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
How-To Steps
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent. Add the diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
Add the chicken back to the skillet and spoon the tomato sauce over the top. Cook for an additional 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 36g