Tender Italian Chicken in Tomato Sauce Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Crispy, golden chicken swimming in a robust tomato sauce captures the heart of rustic Italian cuisine.

Mediterranean kitchens inspired this simple yet deeply satisfying dish.

Weeknight meals demand something quick and delicious, and this recipe delivers every single time.

Fresh herbs and ripe tomatoes blend seamlessly, creating a vibrant flavor profile.

Each bite transports you straight to a charming trattoria in tuscany.

Home cooks can easily master this comforting classic with just a few accessible ingredients.

Pack your plate with this irresistible combination that promises to become a new dinner favorite.

What’s So Comforting About Chicken in Tomato Sauce

• This Italian chicken recipe transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a mouthwatering dinner in just 45 minutes, perfect for busy families craving delicious home-cooked food.
• Searing chicken creates a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in flavor, making you feel like a professional chef with minimal culinary skills required.
• The recipe works great for casual family dinners, romantic date nights, or impressing dinner guests with minimal effort and maximum taste.
• Using basic ingredients like chicken, olive oil, and tomato sauce, you can create a restaurant-quality meal without spending a fortune or requiring advanced cooking skills.

What You’ll Need for Italian Chicken in Tomato Sauce

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that absorbs flavors from seasonings and sauce, best when fresh and boneless.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken, freshly ground pepper recommended for maximum taste.

• Olive Oil: Provides a healthy fat for searing and helps create a golden-brown exterior on the chicken, extra virgin olive oil offers the best flavor.

How to Cook Tomato-Simmered Chicken Like a Pro

Step 1: Prepare Chicken for Flavor Infusion

Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper across both sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring an even coating that will create a delicious exterior.

Step 2: Warm the Cooking Surface

Place a large skillet on the stove and drizzle olive oil, heating it over medium-high flame until the oil shimmers and radiates gentle heat.

Step 3: Create Golden Exterior

Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust for approximately 45 seconds. The goal is a crispy exterior that locks in moisture, not complete cooking.

Step 4: Temporarily Rest Chicken

Transfer the partially seared chicken to a clean plate, setting it aside while preparing the next stage of cooking.

Step 5: Build Tomato Sauce Foundation

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Crushed tomatoes
• Italian herbs
• Red pepper flakes

Step 6: Simmer and Merge Flavors

Lower the heat, allowing the sauce ingredients to blend and develop a rich, complex taste. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Return Chicken to Sauce

Gently place the seared chicken breasts back into the simmering tomato sauce, ensuring they are partially submerged.

Step 8: Complete Cooking

Cover the skillet and let chicken cook through, approximately 10-15 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh basil leaves and optional grated Parmesan cheese before presenting this delectable dish.

Tips for Tender, Flavorful Chicken Every Time

• Prep Chicken Perfectly: Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in maximum flavor.
• Control Oil Temperature: Use a medium-high heat setting to create a beautiful sear without burning the chicken, allowing each side to develop a rich, caramelized crust.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Cook chicken in batches if necessary to maintain proper heat and prevent steaming, which can make the meat tough and less flavorful.
• Choose Quality Ingredients: Select fresh, high-quality chicken breasts and ripe tomatoes to elevate the overall taste and authenticity of the Italian-style dish.
• Rest Chicken Wisely: Let the seared chicken rest for a few minutes before continuing cooking to help retain its juices and ensure tender, succulent meat.

Storing and Warming Chicken in Tomato Sauce Safely

• Store leftover Italian chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality.
• Preheat to 350°F, cover chicken with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, checking to avoid overcooking.

Pairings That Go Well with This Chicken Dish

• Choose a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich tomato sauce and cuts through the chicken's savory flavors.
• Serve alongside creamy polenta or herbed risotto to soak up the delicious sauce and create a harmonious texture contrast.
• Sprinkle fresh basil or oregano on top to add bright, aromatic notes that lift the entire dish's flavor profile and provide a fresh counterpoint to the hearty sauce.
• Include crusty Italian bread or focaccia to help guests mop up every last drop of the delectable tomato sauce, creating a satisfying and traditional Italian dining experience.

Optional Ingredients to Add or Substitute

• Herb-Infused Variation: Replace salt and pepper with a blend of dried Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme for an aromatic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to coat chicken if you need a celiac-friendly preparation method.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap tomato sauce with roasted red pepper puree to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining rich, robust flavors.
• Spicy Southwest Version: Add chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper to create a zesty southwestern-style chicken dish with a kick of heat.

Your Top Questions About Chicken in Tomato Sauce

• Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They’re often more flavorful and stay juicier during cooking.

• What kind of tomato sauce works best for this dish?

A good quality marinara or homemade tomato sauce with fresh herbs will enhance the overall flavor. Avoid overly sweet or processed sauces.

• Is it necessary to sear the chicken before baking?

Searing helps develop a rich, golden-brown crust and locks in the chicken’s natural juices, creating more depth of flavor in the final dish. It’s highly recommended for the best results.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and sauce earlier in the day and reheat it when ready to serve. Just be careful not to overcook the chicken during reheating to maintain its tenderness.

Italian Chicken In Tomato Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Italian chicken in tomato sauce brings rustic Mediterranean flavors dancing across your dinner plate. Classic ingredients blend seamlessly, delivering a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

Fresh Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

Liquid and Vegetable Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces / 400 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth

Optional Garnish:

• Grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Generously coat the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, ensuring an even distribution on both surfaces.
2. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and pour in olive oil, allowing it to shimmer and heat thoroughly.
3. Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, creating a sizzling sound upon contact.
4. Cook the chicken for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side until a rich golden-brown crust develops, focusing on creating a flavorful exterior rather than complete internal cooking.
5. Transfer the partially seared chicken onto a clean plate, setting it aside for the next cooking phase.

Notes

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and a tender result.
• Opt for high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and develop a beautiful crust.
• Allow chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to help retain moisture and distribute juices evenly throughout the meat.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 44g
• Cholesterol: 90mg