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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream In this dish, boneless chicken thighs are the star. They stay juicy and tender. I prefer them over chicken breasts for this recipe. Next, I use olive oil to sear the chicken. It adds flavor and helps with browning. Cherry tomatoes bring a burst of sweetness. Their halved form cooks quickly and blends well. Garlic adds a savory kick. The heavy cream makes the sauce rich and creamy. - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnishing - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving For seasonings, dried basil and oregano add depth. They complement the tomatoes nicely. I always use salt and pepper to enhance flavor. Fresh basil leaves are my go-to for garnishing. They add color and freshness. Finally, I sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top when serving. It adds a salty richness that ties the dish together. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Heating the olive oil: Start by placing a large skillet on the stove. Set the heat to medium-high. Pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Let it heat until it shimmers. This takes just a minute or two. 2. Searing the chicken thighs: Take 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs and season them with salt and pepper. Carefully add the chicken to the hot skillet. Cook each side for about 5 to 7 minutes. Look for a nice golden brown color. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. 1. Sautéing garlic and tomatoes: In the same skillet, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds. You want it to smell great! Next, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook these for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and blister. 2. Mixing in heavy cream and herbs: Lower the heat to medium. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir well. Add in 1 teaspoon of dried basil and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Let this simmer for 3 to 5 minutes. It should thicken up nicely. 1. Combining chicken with sauce: Take the seared chicken thighs and return them to the skillet. Spoon the creamy tomato sauce over each piece. Let it simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes. This warms the chicken and blends the flavors. 2. Serving suggestions: Plate the chicken thighs and drizzle the creamy sauce generously over the top. For a fresh touch, add some fresh basil leaves. You can also sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor boost. Enjoy your cozy dinner! To get a golden brown color, start with hot oil. Heat the olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the seasoned chicken thighs. Sear each side for about 5-7 minutes. Look for that nice, crispy exterior before removing them from the pan. To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the thigh. The juices should run clear, not pink. Adding acidity or sweetness can bring your dish to life. A splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of sugar can balance the flavors. You can also try a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving for a fresh twist. For alternative herbs and spices, feel free to experiment. Thyme or rosemary can add a different dimension. You can also swap dried basil and oregano for fresh ones if you have them. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish even more. Garnishing approaches can make your meal pop. Add fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of color. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can make it look elegant and tasty. For plating the dish, consider using shallow bowls. This helps keep the sauce around the chicken, making it look delicious. Place the chicken in the center and drizzle the creamy sauce over it for an appealing finish. Pro Tips Perfectly Sear the Chicken: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. This ensures a nice golden crust and locks in moisture. Fresh Herbs for Flavor: For an extra burst of flavor, use fresh basil and oregano instead of dried. Add them at the end of cooking to preserve their vibrant taste. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth. This will keep the dish creamy but reduce the richness. Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and color. Just sauté them along with the garlic. {{image_2}} You can easily change the protein in this dish. If you want a lighter meal, swap chicken for turkey. Turkey thighs work great and keep the dish juicy. Another fun option is shrimp. Cook it quickly in the skillet for a tasty seafood twist. For a vegetarian version, use firm tofu. Cut it into cubes and sauté until golden. This adds a nice texture and taste. To spice things up, add red pepper flakes. Just a pinch will give your dish a nice kick. You can also mix in fresh veggies. Try adding spinach or bell peppers. These not only add color but also boost nutrition. Sauté them with the garlic and tomatoes for a bright flavor. Pair this creamy dish with pasta or rice for extra comfort. Both soak up the sauce well and make a filling meal. You can also serve it over mixed greens. This adds freshness and a nice crunch. It’s a great way to lighten the dish while keeping it delicious. Creamy Tomato Chicken Skillet lasts in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Glass containers work well because they do not absorb odors. Make sure to let the dish cool before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture buildup. Yes, you can freeze Creamy Tomato Chicken Skillet. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove over low heat. Stir gently to avoid breaking up the chicken. You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Cook the chicken and let it cool. Store it separately from the sauce. This keeps the chicken juicy. For reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of cream to the sauce to restore its texture. You can enjoy this dish with some tasty sides. Here are a few ideas: - Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. - Steamed vegetables: Broccoli or green beans add nice color and crunch. - Rice or pasta: Both are great options to fill out the meal. - Salad: A fresh salad adds a crisp touch to the dish. For wine, I suggest a light white wine. A Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works well. Their crispness matches the richness of the chicken. Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free. Here are some easy swaps: - Substitutions for heavy cream: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead. Both give a rich texture. - Dairy-free cheese recommendations: Look for plant-based cheese that melts well. Brands like Daiya or Violife are good choices. To make sure your chicken is safe to eat, check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). - Checking internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer for the best results. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh. - Other visual indicators: The chicken should be golden brown and the juices should run clear. If the juices are pink, it needs more cooking. These tips will help you serve a perfect Creamy Tomato Chicken Skillet every time! This blog post covered how to make a creamy tomato chicken skillet. We explored the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips, variations, storage info, and FAQs to help you succeed. You can create a delicious dish with simple steps and flexible ingredients. Remember, you can mix and match flavors or proteins to suit your taste. Enjoy making this dish for family and friends. It’s a sure way to impress everyone at the table.

Creamy Tomato Chicken Skillet

A delicious and creamy chicken dish cooked with tomatoes and herbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 thighs boneless, skinless chicken
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnishing fresh basil leaves
  • for serving grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until they are soft and starting to blister.
  • Lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the dried basil and oregano. Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
  • Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning the creamy tomato sauce over them. Allow to simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through.
  • Plate the chicken thighs and drizzle the sauce generously over the top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Keyword chicken, creamy, easy, skillet, tomato