Description
Chicken Pomodoro brings fresh Italian flavors straight to your dinner table with juicy chicken and a zesty tomato sauce that feels like a quick trip to Rome. Tender chicken simmered in a quick, bright tomato sauce becomes your perfect weeknight dinner solution that comes together faster than ordering takeout.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 pint (about 2 cups) cherry tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ¼ cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Garnish and Optional Ingredients:
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Mix 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Thoroughly pat your chicken breasts dry, then coat evenly with the seasoning blend.
- Warm 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts and sear 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Immediately add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes to the same pan, cooking 2-3 minutes until they start softening and releasing juices.
- Sprinkle 4 minced garlic cloves into the skillet, stirring constantly for 1 minute to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant but not brown.
- Pour 2 tablespoons tomato paste, ¼ cup chicken broth, and 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar into the skillet. Stir thoroughly to create a smooth sauce and simmer 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Gently return chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the chicken and cover, reducing heat to low. Simmer 5-7 minutes until chicken internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Finish by scattering fresh chopped basil and optional ¼ cup grated parmesan over the dish. Serve immediately while hot and aromatic.
Notes
- Always pat chicken dry before seasoning to help create a perfect golden sear and lock in moisture.
- Use a meat thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature, ensuring it reaches 165°F without overcooking.
- For a lighter version, swap chicken breasts with skinless chicken thighs which stay more tender and juicy.
- Choose ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for the best sauce flavor, as they’ll break down and create a naturally rich base.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 17-21 minutes
- Category: One-Skillet
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 46117
- Calories: 71 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 127 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 31 mg