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Easy Italian Chicken in Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and slice if desired Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 7 reviews

This Step-by-Step Italian Chicken recipe features tender, seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich, homemade tomato sauce infused with garlic, onions, and Italian herbs. Garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, this savory dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)

For the Sauce:

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to ensure the chicken is flavorful throughout.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside temporarily.
  3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent, releasing their natural sweetness. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add tomato paste, sugar, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine all ingredients into a rich sauce.
  4. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spoon some sauce over each piece. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for about 20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and tender.
  5. Serve: Remove the chicken from the skillet and slice if desired. Plate the chicken and spoon generous amounts of the tomato sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a classic Italian finish.

Notes

  • For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes according to taste.
  • Use fresh Italian herbs if available for a more vibrant flavor.
  • Chicken can be served over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, tomato sauce chicken, seared chicken breasts, homemade Italian sauce

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/once-the-chicken-is-cooked-remove-it-from-the-skillet-and-slice-if-desired-recipe/