Tomato Basil Chicken

Name: Tomato Basil Chicken With Garlic Pan Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried basil, divided; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper; 1.3 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 2 Tbsp tomato paste; 1/4 tsp sugar

Tomato Basil Chicken combines a garlicky red wine vinegar marinade with a tangy tomato pan sauce, delivering restaurant-quality flavor in a straightforward weeknight format.

🌍American 🏷️Chicken Breast Recipes 🏷️Easy Dinner Ideas 🏷️Pan Sauce

Total

1h

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$20–$33

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Budget Bytes

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil
2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried basil, divided
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
1.3 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1/4 tsp sugar

10 Ingredients

Delivery in as fast as one hour.^*

Powered by Instacart

Prices vary by store

^*Service fees apply. Instacart^® and the Instacart logo are registered trademarks of Maplebear Inc. d/b/a Instacart.

Instructions

1
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, ½ tsp dried basil, salt, and pepper.
2
Use a sharp knife to fillet the chicken breasts into two thinner pieces each.
3
Place the chicken breast pieces in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over top. Flip the chicken a couple of times to make sure all surfaces are coated. Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes, or up to one day (refrigerated), flipping once or twice throughout.
4
Heat a large skillet over medium. Once the pan is hot, transfer the chicken pieces to the skillet. There should be enough oil from the marinade to prevent sticking. Cook the chicken for about five minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through, then remove it to a clean plate.
5
Add the tomato paste, chicken broth, the remaining ½ tsp dried basil, and sugar to the skillet. Use a whisk to combine the ingredients and dissolve any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet.
6
Let the sauce simmer over medium-low heat for about five minutes, or until slightly thickened. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over top. Serve and enjoy.

Was this recipe helpful?

Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Pat chicken breasts dry before pan-searing to achieve a golden, flavorful crust rather than steaming.
Don't skip the marinade step—the garlic, vinegar, and basil infuse the chicken with flavor and help tenderize the meat.
Whisk tomato paste with a splash of broth before adding to the pan to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth sauce.
Let the cooked chicken rest 3–5 minutes before serving to lock in juices and keep meat tender.

Substitutions

red wine vinegar → white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar (same amount)
dried basil → 3 Tbsp fresh basil (add at the end of cooking to preserve flavor and color)
chicken broth → white wine or additional vinegar for deeper tanginess
olive oil → vegetable or canola oil (neutral flavor, same cooking properties)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on low heat with a splash of broth to prevent drying out.

Common Questions

How do you know when the chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety and optimal juiciness.

Can you use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Yes, thighs work well and stay juicier during cooking. Add 3–5 minutes to the pan-searing time since they're thicker.

What can I substitute for red wine vinegar?

White wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or balsamic vinegar are good swaps. Use the same amount; balsamic will add slight sweetness.

Can this recipe be made ahead?

Yes, marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor. The finished dish keeps refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheats gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth.