Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite go-to dish: chicken tomato sauce! This meal is like a warm hug on a plate, bringing together tender chicken and a rich, flavorful tomato sauce that just makes everything better. Seriously, it’s so simple to whip up that you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it every week! With just a handful of ingredients, you can create something that feels so comforting and satisfying. Plus, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become a staple in your home, too! So, let’s dive into the details and get cooking!
Ingredients List
To make my delicious chicken tomato sauce, you’ll need these simple yet essential ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups of rich tomato sauce
- 1 medium onion, chopped finely
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil for that perfect sauté
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil for a hint of herbal goodness
- 1 teaspoon of salt (you can adjust this to your taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper for a touch of warmth
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, but adds a nice kick!)
Gather these ingredients, and you’re already on your way to creating a meal that’s both satisfying and bursting with flavor!
How to Prepare Instructions
Making chicken tomato sauce is super straightforward, and I promise you’ll feel like a culinary genius by the end of it! Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- First, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle when you add the onions!
- Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until the onions become translucent and fragrant, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Oh, the smell is heavenly!
- Now, it’s time to add the star of the show: the chicken breasts! Place them in the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they’re nicely browned. Don’t rush this part; we want that golden color!
- Once the chicken is browned, pour in the rich tomato sauce, and sprinkle in the dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. Stir everything together, ensuring the chicken is well-coated in that luscious sauce.
- Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for about 25-30 minutes. This is where the magic happens! The chicken will become tender and soak up all those delicious flavors.
- After the simmering, check that the chicken is cooked through. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If it is, you’re ready to dig in!
- Serve this beauty hot, either over a bed of pasta or alongside some fluffy rice. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare – you can have this delicious meal on the table in about 40 minutes!
- Incredibly flavorful – the combination of garlic, basil, and rich tomato sauce makes each bite a delight.
- Healthy option – packed with protein from the chicken and low in fat, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
- Versatile – serve it over pasta, rice, or even enjoy it on its own with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Family-friendly – everyone loves this comforting dish, making it a hit for dinners with loved ones.
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to make this chicken tomato sauce, here are some handy tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time!
- Don’t skimp on the seasoning! Taste as you go and adjust the salt and pepper to suit your preferences.
- If you want a richer flavor, try adding a splash of red wine or a bit of balsamic vinegar to the sauce while it simmers.
- Feel free to customize your dish! Toss in some veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and color.
- For a creamier sauce, stir in a dollop of cream or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese just before serving.
- And remember, leftovers are fantastic! This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving chicken tomato sauce, the options are endless! I love to serve it over a bed of al dente pasta, which really soaks up that rich sauce. You can also pair it with fluffy rice for a comforting meal. For a lighter option, a fresh side salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette complements the dish perfectly. Whatever you choose, I promise it’ll be a hit at the dinner table!
Nutritional Information
Before we dig into this delicious chicken tomato sauce, let me just say that nutritional values can vary quite a bit based on the ingredients you use, so keep that in mind! Generally speaking, each serving of this dish (which is one chicken breast with sauce) contains about 300 calories. You’ll also get around 10g of fat, 40g of protein, and 10g of carbohydrates. It’s a fantastic low-fat option, packing in flavor without the guilt! Just remember, you can always adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs, making this dish as healthy as you want it to be!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making chicken tomato sauce? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option and will add even more juiciness to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer.
What can I use if I don’t have tomato sauce?
No worries! You can substitute with crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes; just blend them a bit if you prefer a smoother sauce. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes! Chicken tomato sauce is perfect for meal prep. Just cook it ahead of time, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to three days. It tastes even better the next day!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it is! This chicken tomato sauce is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic choice for anyone with dietary restrictions.
Can I freeze chicken tomato sauce?
Definitely! Just let it cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the freezer for about 2-3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating!
Print
Chicken Tomato Sauce: 7 Irresistible Comforting Flavors
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple and flavorful dish featuring chicken cooked in a rich tomato sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add chicken breasts to the pan, cooking until browned on both sides.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, and add dried basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.
- Serve hot with pasta or rice.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve with grated cheese if desired.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken tomato sauce, easy chicken recipe, Italian chicken dish