Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce Recipe

Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce is truly the kind of recipe you tuck into your back pocket and come back to week after week. Imagine juicy bite-sized chicken, golden and tender, mingling with sweet bursts of cherry tomatoes, all in a shiny butter sauce perfumed with fresh basil and a little garlic. The whole dish comes together quickly, yet feels downright special every time — making it a crowd-pleaser for easy weeknights or casual gatherings. From bright, summery flavors to its lusciously glossy sauce, this recipe strikes that magical balance of elegant and effortless!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity — every ingredient is purposeful, adding essential flavor, color, or texture. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need for Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce, plus a quick tip for each one!

• Chicken Breasts: Go for boneless, skinless and cut into bite-sized pieces for speedy cooking and maximum sauce coverage.
• Salt and Pepper: These kitchen staples add essential seasoning, making every ingredient sing.
• Olive Oil: This gives the chicken a gorgeous golden crust and acts as the foundation of flavor in your skillet.
• Garlic: Go fresh if you can — minced garlic brings powerful, fragrant undertones to the sauce.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Halved to create quick-bursting sweetness and beautiful pops of vibrant color.
• Unsalted Butter: This creates that irresistibly glossy sauce, and using unsalted lets you control all the seasoning.
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Add just a pinch for a gentle heat — or leave out if you prefer mild flavors.
• Chicken Broth: Lends savory depth and helps “stretch” the tomato sauce to coat every bite.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Stirred in at the end for a burst of bright, herbal freshness.
• Grated Parmesan: Sprinkle over the finished dish for a salty, nutty finish that melts right in.

How to Make Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by generously seasoning your chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Grab a large skillet and pour in the olive oil, letting it warm up over medium-high heat. Add your chicken in a single layer. Let it sizzle, turning occasionally, until every piece is golden-brown and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate — don’t worry if there are browned bits left behind; those are pure flavor gold!

Step 2: Build the Garlic Tomato Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and drop in the minced garlic. Let it sizzle just until fragrant (about 30 seconds, so it doesn’t burn). Add the halved cherry tomatoes and stir. Let them cook for 5 to 6 minutes — they’ll soften and start to burst, releasing the perfect balance of fresh, tart, and sweet. Toss in the butter and (if using) red pepper flakes, then pour in the chicken broth. Let the whole pan simmer together a couple of minutes, stirring now and then, until the butter melts into a luxurious, shiny sauce.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Return the golden chicken (and any juices) to the skillet. Stir well, making sure every piece is coated lovingly in that tomato butter sauce. Give the mixture a gentle toss and heat it for another minute or two, so the flavors come together and the chicken soaks up all that saucy goodness.

Step 4: Add Fresh Basil and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle in the chopped fresh basil and give everything a final stir. The basil’s aroma will bloom instantly, lifting the whole dish. Dish it up hot, and don’t forget a hearty sprinkle of grated Parmesan over each serving!

How to Serve Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce

Garnishes

Finish each plate with a handful of freshly grated Parmesan, a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, and a scattering of extra basil leaves. These simple touches bring out even more color and elevate every bite of Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce.

Side Dishes

This dish plays so well with others! Serve over fluffy angel hair pasta, alongside buttery rice, or with thick slices of crusty bread for mopping up all the tomato butter sauce. For a lighter option, pile it atop a bed of lightly dressed arugula or steamed green beans.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce family style in a big, shallow platter, letting everyone spoon their own portion. Or, load it into toasted ciabatta buns for a killer sandwich, or atop creamy polenta for a cozy twist. The vivid colors make it a total showstopper no matter how you serve it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to spoon plenty of extra sauce into each storage container to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.

Freezing

This recipe can be frozen, though for best texture, freeze just the sauced chicken and tomatoes (skip the fresh basil and Parmesan, adding those after thawing). Let it cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water. Stir gently until warmed through. Add fresh basil and extra grated Parmesan just before serving to revive the vibrant flavors.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs (boneless and skinless) work wonderfully, staying juicy and flavorful. Simply cut them into bite-sized pieces just like the breast meat.

Is Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce gluten-free?

Yes: as long as you serve it with gluten-free sides — think rice, polenta, or gluten-free bread or pasta — the dish remains naturally gluten-free.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can substitute olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative for the unsalted butter. The flavor will be slightly different, but the dish will still be delicious and luxurious.

What’s the best way to keep the chicken tender?

Be careful not to overcook the chicken in the first step; take it out of the pan as soon as it’s cooked through. When you return it to the sauce later, it will finish warming all the way without drying out.

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Spinach, zucchini, or even roasted red peppers can make fun, colorful additions to Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce. Just stir them in with the tomatoes or right before serving as you prefer.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to bring Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce to your table — it’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary evening into something truly memorable. Quick, vibrant, and completely satisfying, it’s a dish you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Give it a try and let the magic of simple, fresh flavors win you over!

Print