This Simple Italian Basil Chicken is the weeknight hero you never realized you needed. Tender chicken breasts sizzle up golden in olive oil, then get bathed in a garlicky, tomato-basil sauce that tastes like pure summer in every bite. No fuss, just the kind of rustic Italian flavors that make you want to mop up every drop with some crusty bread. Whether you’re new to one-pan dinners or a seasoned cook looking to freshen up your rotation, this dish is destined to become a household favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic of Simple Italian Basil Chicken lies in its short ingredient list. Each element is carefully chosen for its essential role: freshness, flavor, and that unmistakable Italian soul. Here’s what you’ll need—and why it matters.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken creates a quick-cooking, lean canvas for big, bold flavors.
- Olive oil: The richness of good olive oil carries all the vibrant Italian notes and gives the chicken a golden sear.
- Garlic: Four fresh cloves, minced, become fragrant and slightly sweet when sautéed, infusing the whole skillet.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved and juicy, they burst with brightness and make a simple, rustic sauce.
- Fresh basil: Chopped right at the end, basil adds classic herbal depth and those green flecks of color.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated Parm finishes everything with a nutty, salty, melty flourish that ties it all together.
- Italian seasoning: Just a teaspoon, but essential for an extra layer of herbal, slightly savory complexity.
- Salt: Enhances overall flavor—don’t skip it!
- Black pepper: Grounds the dish with warmth and just a gentle bite.
- Chicken broth or white wine (optional): A splash deglazes the pan, creating lovely depth for the simple sauce.
How to Make Simple Italian Basil Chicken
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry so they’ll sear beautifully. Sprinkle both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Cook for about 5–6 minutes per side, resisting the urge to move them around too much, until they’re golden and cooked through. This step gives you that coveted crust while keeping the inside juicy.
Step 2: Remove Chicken and Sauté Garlic
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, take it out of the skillet and set it aside. In the same pan, toss in your minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds—just until it’s fragrant. This deglazes the tasty bits left behind by the chicken, building a savory base for your sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Tomatoes
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. As they cook for 3–4 minutes, they’ll start to burst and make a naturally sweet, juicy sauce. Give the pan a gentle stir to help everything mingle, letting the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
Step 4: Deglaze with Broth or Wine (Optional)
If you want to bump up the flavors, now’s the moment to splash in some chicken broth or dry white wine. Stir with a wooden spoon to lift all the caramelized bits from the pan—those little flecks bring an incredible savoriness to your sauce.
Step 5: Return Chicken, Add Basil, and Parmesan
Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet, tucking it into the tomato mixture and spooning some of the sauce over the top. Sprinkle with freshly chopped basil and grated Parmesan. Cover and let everything simmer for just 2 minutes so the flavors meld and the cheese gets melty. That’s it—you’re ready for dinner bliss.
How to Serve Simple Italian Basil Chicken
Garnishes
Shower your finished chicken with a few extra basil leaves and an extra shaving of Parmesan right before serving. A drizzle of your favorite extra-virgin olive oil really takes it over the top, adding a peppery richness to every bite.
Side Dishes
This dish is incredibly versatile: serve Simple Italian Basil Chicken over a tangle of spaghetti, a bed of fluffy rice, or alongside roasted vegetables for a lighter touch. Crusty Italian bread is almost a must for soaking up every bit of sauce left behind on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party-worthy look, slice the chicken and fan the pieces over the tomato-basil sauce on a big platter, then sprinkle generously with more herbs and cheese. Or stuff leftovers into a toasted ciabatta roll for a killer lunch sandwich the next day—you’ll be hooked either way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Simple Italian Basil Chicken should be cooled to room temperature, then stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days, remaining juicy and flavorful each time you reheat.
Freezing
If you want to save some for future cravings, this dish freezes well! Place cooled chicken with sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months—just label it and be sure to squeeze out any excess air if using a bag to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the sauce needs to loosen up. If using the microwave, cover and reheat in short bursts. The key is to warm it slowly, so the chicken stays tender and you don’t lose those fresh flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Simple Italian Basil Chicken is delicious with boneless, skinless thighs—they’ll be even juicier and lend a slightly richer flavor. Just add a minute or two to the cooking time if the thighs are very thick.
What kind of white wine works best if I’m using it?
A dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc is perfect for deglazing and adding brightness to the sauce. Avoid sweet wines, as they can make the sauce taste unbalanced.
Can I make this Simple Italian Basil Chicken dairy-free?
Definitely! Just skip the Parmesan or use your favorite dairy-free grated cheese alternative. The fresh basil and tomatoes will still deliver tons of flavor on their own.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simple Italian Basil Chicken is naturally gluten-free, so it’s great for serving to friends and family with dietary restrictions. Just pair with gluten-free sides if you’re building a full meal.
How do I keep chicken breasts from drying out?
The trick is not to overcook them. Searing over medium heat until just cooked through and then finishing in the sauce helps lock in the juices and keeps your chicken perfectly tender.
Final Thoughts
Simple Italian Basil Chicken might just be your new go-to for nights when you want something special with minimal effort. Give it a try, share it with your favorite people, and watch how quickly everyone asks for seconds. Trust me, one pan is all you need for a dinner that tastes like pure Italian sunshine!
Print
Simple Italian Basil Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and simple Italian basil chicken recipe that’s perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner. Tender chicken breasts cooked with garlic, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese, all seasoned with Italian herbs.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Other Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or dry white wine (optional for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season and cook chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cook tomatoes: Sauté garlic, add tomatoes, and cook until soft.
- Deglaze and finish: Deglaze with broth or wine, return chicken, top with tomato mixture, basil, and cheese. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Serve: Hot over pasta, rice, or vegetables.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, rice, or alongside roasted vegetables.
- For extra richness, add cream or pesto at the end.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
