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Chicken Tomato Basil Pan

Category: The Heart of the Meal

Enjoy tender chicken breasts infused with Italian seasoning, seared for a golden crust, and finished with a bright tomato-basil mixture. The fresh topping combines diced tomatoes, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, finely diced red onion, grated garlic, a splash of balsamic vinegar, and ribbons of basil for bold, summery flavor. Serve the juicy chicken hot and spoon the tomato blend over just before serving. For an extra layer, garnish with parmesan or balsamic glaze, or add a spoonful of basil pesto to the tomato mix. Prepping the topping ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

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Updated on Wed, 09 Jul 2025 06:27:04 GMT
A plate of food with tomatoes and basil. Save
A plate of food with tomatoes and basil. | sweetbyemma.com

This quick and vibrant chicken recipe has become my go-to for effortless summer dinners that deliver a burst of fresh flavor with minimal fuss. With a juicy protein base and a simple topping reminiscent of classic bruschetta, it solves the what to make tonight dilemma and impresses guests or picky kids alike.

The first time I served this to friends, nobody could believe it only took 20 minutes from start to finish. Now it is my top pick for last-minute gatherings.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts or thighs: look for even thickness after butterflying or pounding so they cook evenly and stay juicy
  • Italian seasoning: brings that Italian restaurant flavor with just one sprinkle
  • Salt and pepper: sets the foundation and draws out flavors
  • Olive oil: choose a fruity extra virgin for the finishing drizzle and a regular one for cooking to keep costs down
  • Fresh tomatoes: not too soft or underripe make the topping shine
  • Balsamic vinegar: adds tang and depth so use a syrupy aged one if you can
  • Garlic: pick firm cloves for best aroma slice or mince right before using
  • Red onion: adds sharpness and crunch keep it finely diced
  • Fresh basil: go for vibrant green leaves and always slice just before serving for maximum aroma

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:
Pound or butterfly the chicken so it is about one half inch thin which ensures quick and even cooking as well as tender results
Season the Chicken:
Sprinkle Italian seasoning plus salt and pepper all over the chicken to infuse it with that classic herbaceous flavor
Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high let it shimmer then lay in the chicken without crowding and sear until deep golden about three to five minutes per side then rest briefly on a plate
Make the Tomato Topping:
In a bowl combine diced tomatoes extra virgin olive oil balsamic vinegar minced garlic red onion basil and a pinch of salt and pepper stir gently so you keep the tomato pieces intact and the basil fresh
Plate and Finish:
Place the just-cooked chicken on plates generously spoon the tomato mixture over each piece and serve immediately for the freshest flavors
A plate of food with tomatoes and green herbs. Save
A plate of food with tomatoes and green herbs. | sweetbyemma.com

My favorite part is always the basil. When I was a child my mother would let me help chop the leaves from our garden right before dinner—now I do the same with my own kids who love that burst of green and fragrance.

Storage tips

Leftovers stay fresh for two days refrigerated. Keep the tomato topping and chicken separate so the tomatoes remain perky and the chicken does not get soggy. You can reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or enjoy it cold over salad greens for a light lunch the next day.

Ingredient substitutions

Swap chicken breast for boneless skinless thighs if you prefer richer meat. Out of red onion use thinly sliced scallions or shallots for a milder bite. No fresh basil use flat-leaf parsley or a spoonful of basil pesto for a deeper herbal note. Any ripe variety of tomato works from heirloom to grape tomatoes.

Serving suggestions

Serve over a bed of arugula or baby spinach to catch all the juices. Add a side of crusty bread to soak up extra tomato and olive oil. For a little extra extravagance try a flurry of freshly grated parmesan or a drizzle of thick balsamic glaze.

Cultural and historical context

This recipe is inspired by Italian bruschetta which classically pairs fresh tomatoes garlic and basil over grilled bread. Here the juicy chicken stands in for the toast making it a filling gluten free meal that still channels Mediterranean flavors.

Recipe FAQs

→ How thin should the chicken pieces be?

The chicken should be about 1/2 inch thick after butterflying or pounding. This helps it cook quickly and evenly.

→ Can chicken thighs be used instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless and skinless thighs work well and bring extra juiciness to the dish.

→ Is it necessary to seed the tomatoes?

Seeding the tomatoes helps prevent the topping from getting watery, resulting in a fresher flavor and texture.

→ When should basil be added to the tomato topping?

Add basil just before serving to keep its flavor bright and its color vibrant.

→ Are there garnish options for this dish?

Try shaving parmesan over the top, drizzling balsamic glaze, or adding a touch of basil pesto for extra richness.

→ How far ahead can the tomato mixture be made?

The tomato blend can be prepared up to a day ahead to allow flavors to meld, adding basil only before serving.

Chicken Tomato Basil Pan

Juicy chicken breast with tomato, basil, and balsamic makes for a lively, Mediterranean-inspired main course.

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
20 min
By: Emma

Category: Main Courses

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings (4 portions)

Dietary Preferences: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

What You'll Need

→ Chicken

01 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), butterflied or pounded thin
02 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
03 Salt, to taste
04 Pepper, to taste
05 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Tomato Topping

06 2 cups tomatoes, seeded and diced
07 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
08 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
09 1 clove garlic, minced or grated
10 2 tablespoons red onion, finely diced
11 2 tablespoons basil, thinly sliced
12 Salt, to taste
13 Pepper, to taste

How to Make It

Step 01

Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 02

Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat, add the chicken, and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-5 minutes per side. Remove from heat.

Step 03

Mix tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, onion, basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

Step 04

Serve the chicken topped with the prepared tomato mixture.

Additional Notes

  1. The chicken should be about 1/2 inch thin to cook through quickly. You can slice or pound it thin.
  2. Make the tomato mixture ahead of time (an hour to a day) to let the flavors develop. Add the basil just before serving.

Tools Required

  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These nutrition details are provided as a guide and are not a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 216
  • Fats: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Proteins: 26 g