Description
A quick and flavorful Italian-inspired chicken dish featuring tender boneless chicken breasts cooked with garlic, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil, finished with a touch of balsamic vinegar and Parmesan cheese for a deliciously simple meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Tomato Basil Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Toppings
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Season chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and dried oregano on both sides.
- Cook chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Then, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook tomatoes and spices: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- Add basil and vinegar: Stir in the balsamic vinegar and chopped fresh basil. Let everything cook together for another minute to blend the flavors.
- Return chicken to skillet: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet and spoon the tomato and basil mixture evenly over the top.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese on top of the chicken, allowing it to melt slightly from the heat in the skillet.
- Serve warm: Serve the basil chicken warm, perfect paired with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor, but dried basil can be substituted in a pinch (use about 1 teaspoon dried).
- To make it lower calorie, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a reduced-fat version.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
