WeeknightChicken

Creamy Tomato Balsamic Chicken

Juicy chicken breasts simmered in a rich, tangy tomato-balsamic cream sauce, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Prep
15 min
Cook
25 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Creamy Tomato Balsamic Chicken

Prepare to fall in love with this incredibly flavorful Creamy Tomato Balsamic Chicken! It's one of those recipes that feels utterly gourmet but comes together with minimal effort, making it perfect for both entertaining or a cozy night in. The rich, tangy sauce coats tender chicken perfectly, and you'll want to sop up every last drop!

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2-3 large), sliced in half horizontally or pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Pat chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt and pepper.

  2. Step 2

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

  3. Step 3

    Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  4. Step 4

    Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in crushed tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer.

  5. Step 5

    Reduce heat to low, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

  6. Step 6

    Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to heat through. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve immediately with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Tips

  • Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures it cooks evenly and quickly.
  • Don't overcook the chicken in the initial sear, as it will finish cooking in the sauce.
  • A good quality balsamic vinegar makes a difference here for a deeper, richer flavor in the sauce.

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