Creamy Tomato Chicken Skillet

Name: Creamy Tomato Chicken Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 cup heavy cream; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh basil for garnish

Highlighted under: Home Recipes

I absolutely adore this Creamy Tomato Chicken Skillet! It's a quick yet incredibly satisfying meal that bursts with flavor in every bite. The creamy tomato sauce enveloping tender chicken is a perfect blend of tomatoes and spices. I often whip this up after a long day, as it can be on the table in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner. The lovely aroma that fills my kitchen is simply irresistible, and my family can't help but gather around for a comforting plate of this deliciousness.

Created by

Quincy Harper

Last updated on 2026-02-07T19:36:35.865Z

I remember the first time I made this Creamy Tomato Chicken Skillet; I was pleasantly surprised at how smoothly everything came together. The key is in letting the tomatoes simmer just long enough to develop their natural sweetness before adding the cream. It transforms the dish into a savory delight that's hard to resist!

Each time I serve it, I try different herbs, and I find that basil or oregano adds a lovely freshness that elevates the whole meal. It’s such a versatile recipe, and I love experimenting with flavors and serving it over pasta or rice for a complete meal.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy sauce with vibrant tomato flavor
Quick and easy to prepare on a busy weeknight
Versatile enough to pair with pasta, rice, or bread

Understanding the Ingredients

The star of this Creamy Tomato Chicken Skillet is undoubtedly the combination of fresh ingredients. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and stay moist when cooked properly. To ensure they are tender, avoid overcrowding the pan during the searing process. This allows for a proper golden crust to develop, which enhances flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute thighs for a richer taste, but remember to adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs may take a few extra minutes to cook through.

The heavy cream adds a rich texture to the sauce, creating that luxurious mouthfeel that makes this dish so comforting. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can swap in half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative, but keep in mind that it may slightly alter the creaminess. Using a good quality canned tomato, like San Marzano, can also elevate the sauce's flavor. The juices from the canned tomatoes help create a luscious sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.

Perfecting Your Technique

Searing the chicken properly is crucial for flavor, so make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. You want to hear a sizzle when the chicken hits the pan. A medium-high heat is ideal for developing that golden crust without overcooking the chicken inside. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness – 165°F is your target. If you find that your chicken is browning too quickly, lower the heat to prevent it from burning and ensure it remains juicy inside.

Simmering in the creamy tomato sauce is where the flavors meld together. Once you've added the cream, give it time to reduce and thicken for about 10 minutes—this step also helps to marry the flavors of the herbs and tomatoes. If your sauce isn't thickening, you can remove the chicken once more and simmer the sauce uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes, which intensifies the flavor and consistency, making for an even more delightful dish.

Ingredients

To make this dish, gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your mouthwatering Creamy Tomato Chicken Skillet:

Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear them for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.

Add Tomatoes and Cream

Pour in the diced tomatoes, including their juices, and add oregano. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Then, return the chicken to the skillet and pour the heavy cream over it.

Finish Cooking

Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for another 10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh basil and serve over pasta or with crusty bread. Enjoy your delicious and creamy dinner!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in Italian herbs for a couple of hours before cooking. This enhances the taste of the dish significantly.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Tomato Chicken Skillet pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it over a bed of al dente pasta to soak up the creamy sauce, or alongside a fresh green salad to balance the richness. Crusty bread is another great option for dipping into the sauce, making every bite enjoyable. For a heartier meal, serve it atop a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa—both options will absorb the sauce beautifully and add texture to your plate.

If you want to elevate the dish further, sprinkle fresh grated Parmesan cheese over the top just before serving. It adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the tomatoes perfectly. You could also add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat. The fresh basil garnish not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh aroma that enhances the overall experience.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This dish is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the chicken and store it in the sauce for up to three days in the refrigerator. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, just reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If you find the sauce has thickened too much during storage, adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help bring it back to the desired consistency.

You can also freeze leftovers in portion-sized containers for up to 2-3 months. When reheating frozen portions, it’s best to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating on the stove or in the microwave. This dish does exceptionally well when reheated, maintaining its creamy texture and vibrant flavors, making it an ideal candidate for your meal rotation.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, but ensure they are fully thawed prior to cooking for even cooking.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use coconut cream or a mixture of milk and butter, but the texture may be lighter.

→ How long can leftovers be stored?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be made ahead and reheated before serving, though the texture of the sauce may change slightly.