There’s something undeniably comforting about a pan of tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce. For me, Chicken Pomodoro is one of those go-to meals that always feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple, rustic, and deeply satisfying—yet somehow feels just a little fancy, too. The kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, eager and hungry, even if it’s just a regular Tuesday evening.
Pomodoro, which means “tomato” in Italian, is the heart of this dish. But it’s not just about the tomatoes—it’s about the way they mingle with garlic, herbs, and juicy chicken to create a sauce that’s bright, slightly sweet, and incredibly flavorful. This recipe reminds me of the kind of dish a Nonna might whip up from garden-fresh tomatoes and herbs picked just minutes before dinner. While it’s inspired by Italian roots, it’s made to be easy enough for busy home cooks, without sacrificing that slow-cooked taste.
Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding the whole family, this dish always hits the spot. It’s also naturally gluten-free and low-carb, making it a wholesome choice for nearly any diet. And the best part? It comes together in about 30 minutes—making it the perfect weeknight dinner without the stress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Healthy and wholesome: Clean ingredients, low-carb, and naturally gluten-free.
- Versatile: Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or zucchini noodles.
- Comforting flavors: A rich tomato sauce with garlic and herbs that feels like a cozy embrace.
- Family-friendly: Mild, flavorful, and perfect for picky eaters.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN POMODORO:
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel—this helps them sear beautifully. Sprinkle them generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step lays the flavor foundation for the whole dish.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, gently lay the chicken breasts in the pan. You should hear a nice sizzle—this is where the magic starts. Sear them for about 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes
In the same skillet, add your minced garlic. Stir it gently for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant. Then, toss in the cherry tomatoes. As they heat, they’ll begin to soften and burst, creating a naturally sweet and tangy base for the sauce. Stir occasionally, letting them cook down for about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Deglaze with Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. This step not only enhances the sauce but also brings depth to the overall flavor.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato mixture. Let everything simmer together for another 3-5 minutes, just to let the flavors meld.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Basil
Right before serving, sprinkle the fresh chopped basil over the dish. The vibrant color and fragrant aroma will brighten the whole skillet and give the dish that signature Italian flair.
HELPFUL TIPS:
- Use ripe cherry tomatoes: The sweeter they are, the better the sauce.
- Don’t skip the deglazing step: It’s what turns a basic tomato mix into a rich, flavorful sauce.
- Pound thick chicken breasts for even cooking: This helps them cook faster and stay juicier.
- Make it your own: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper if you like a little heat or stir in a spoonful of pesto for an herby twist.
- Serve smart: Try it over creamy mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a bed of zucchini noodles for a light option.
DETAILS:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Low-Carb
NOTES:
This dish is a beautiful example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. It’s also a great recipe for meal prep—just store the chicken and sauce separately and reheat gently for a quick, delicious meal later in the week.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
(Per Serving – approximate values)
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work beautifully in this recipe and offer a bit more richness.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
You can use dried basil in a pinch—about 1 teaspoon should do. But fresh really takes the flavor up a notch.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. This dish reheats well and the flavors deepen over time, making it great for leftovers.
What can I serve it with?
Pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, cauliflower rice, or even polenta—it’s incredibly versatile.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Let leftovers cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. For best results, store the chicken and sauce separately to keep the texture just right.
Related Recipes
If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:
- Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu: A Comforting Twist on a Classic Favorite
- Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze
- Chicken Pomodoro
CONCLUSION
Chicken Pomodoro is the kind of dish that brings a little extra joy to your dinner table—no matter the season. It’s quick enough for a weeknight and delicious enough to serve to guests. With its fresh ingredients, rich flavor, and comforting vibe, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen just like it is in mine. So go ahead, pull out that skillet and let the aroma of garlic and tomatoes fill your kitchen. You’re in for something special tonight.
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Chicken Pomodoro
Description
There’s something undeniably comforting about a pan of tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce. For me, Chicken Pomodoro is one of those go-to meals that always feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple, rustic, and deeply satisfying—yet somehow feels just a little fancy, too. The kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, eager and hungry, even if it’s just a regular Tuesday evening.
Pomodoro, which means “tomato” in Italian, is the heart of this dish. But it’s not just about the tomatoes—it’s about the way they mingle with garlic, herbs, and juicy chicken to create a sauce that’s bright, slightly sweet, and incredibly flavorful. This recipe reminds me of the kind of dish a Nonna might whip up from garden-fresh tomatoes and herbs picked just minutes before dinner. While it’s inspired by Italian roots, it’s made to be easy enough for busy home cooks, without sacrificing that slow-cooked taste.
Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding the whole family, this dish always hits the spot. It’s also naturally gluten-free and low-carb, making it a wholesome choice for nearly any diet. And the best part? It comes together in about 30 minutes—making it the perfect weeknight dinner without the stress.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons garlic, minced
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup chicken broth
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel—this helps them sear beautifully. Sprinkle them generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step lays the flavor foundation for the whole dish.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, gently lay the chicken breasts in the pan. You should hear a nice sizzle—this is where the magic starts. Sear them for about 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes
In the same skillet, add your minced garlic. Stir it gently for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant. Then, toss in the cherry tomatoes. As they heat, they’ll begin to soften and burst, creating a naturally sweet and tangy base for the sauce. Stir occasionally, letting them cook down for about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Deglaze with Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. This step not only enhances the sauce but also brings depth to the overall flavor.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato mixture. Let everything simmer together for another 3-5 minutes, just to let the flavors meld.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Basil
Right before serving, sprinkle the fresh chopped basil over the dish. The vibrant color and fragrant aroma will brighten the whole skillet and give the dish that signature Italian flair.
Notes
This dish is a beautiful example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. It’s also a great recipe for meal prep—just store the chicken and sauce separately and reheat gently for a quick, delicious meal later in the week.