Ah, chicken tomato sauce! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate—simple, comforting, and oh-so-delicious. If you’re new to cooking, don’t worry! This recipe is perfect for beginners and will impress anyone sitting at your dining table. Just imagine the aroma of sautéed onions and garlic filling your kitchen, mingling with the rich, tangy tomato sauce as it simmers away. It’s the kind of meal that invites everyone to gather ’round and share stories over a hearty dinner. Plus, it’s super versatile! You can pair it with rice, pasta, or even some crusty bread. Trust me, you’re going to love making this dish as much as you’ll love eating it!
Ingredients List
Before we dive into cooking, let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful chicken tomato sauce:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a kick!)
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go. It makes the cooking process so much smoother, trust me!
How to Prepare Chicken Tomato Sauce
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens, and I promise it’s easier than it looks. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious chicken tomato sauce in no time!
Step 1: Heat the Skillet
First things first, grab a large skillet and heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. You want that oil to shimmer a bit, which should take about 2 minutes. This is the base for all the wonderful flavors we’re about to add!
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Once the oil is hot, toss in your chopped onion. Sauté it for about 3-5 minutes or until it turns translucent. This step is super important because it builds that sweet, aromatic foundation for your sauce. You’ll love how your kitchen smells at this point!
Step 3: Add Garlic
Next up, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté it for another minute. Be careful here; garlic can burn quickly and turn bitter. Just stir it around until it’s fragrant, and you’ll be good to go!
Step 4: Prepare the Chicken
Now, let’s season our chicken breasts! Sprinkle each piece with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Make sure to coat them evenly—this will help infuse flavor right into the chicken!
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Time to cook! Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet and let them cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they’re nicely browned. You want a lovely golden color, so don’t rush this step!
Step 6: Add Tomato Sauce
Once the chicken is browned, pour in 2 cups of tomato sauce. This is where it starts looking like a real dish! The sauce will bubble and envelop the chicken, creating a luscious coating that adds so much flavor.
Step 7: Simmer
Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes. This is the time to relax a bit! The chicken is done when it’s no longer pink in the thickest part, so just check it with a knife to be sure. And voilà, your chicken tomato sauce is ready to be served!
Tips for Success
To make your chicken tomato sauce perfect every time, here are some handy tips! First, always check that your chicken is cooked through by cutting into the thickest part; it should be white and no longer pink. If you want to add extra flavor, consider tossing in some bell peppers or spinach with the onions for a pop of color and nutrition! Also, feel free to adjust the spice by adding more red pepper flakes if you like it hot. Lastly, don’t forget to let it simmer long enough for those flavors to meld beautifully. You’ve got this!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition in this hearty chicken tomato sauce. These values are estimates, but they give a good idea of what you’re getting per serving (that’s one chicken breast with sauce). You’re looking at around 320 calories, with 10 grams of fat, including 1.5 grams of saturated fat. Each serving packs a punch with about 45 grams of protein, which is fantastic for a filling meal! Plus, there are 10 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of fiber, making it a balanced option. It’s a delicious, satisfying dish that won’t weigh you down!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken?
Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken breasts, but you’ll need to adjust your cooking time. Start by thawing them in the refrigerator overnight for the best results. If you’re short on time, you can also cook them straight from frozen; just add about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through. Just make sure to check that they’re no longer pink in the middle!
How can I make it spicier?
If you like a little heat, there are several ways to spice things up! You can increase the amount of red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or even a full teaspoon, depending on your taste. Another fun option is to add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato sauce. Trust me, it’s a great way to kick up the flavor!
What sides should I serve?
This chicken tomato sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! You can serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or pasta for a hearty meal. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, try a fresh green salad or some steamed vegetables. And don’t forget a crusty loaf of bread to soak up that delicious sauce!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), storing them properly is key to keeping that delicious flavor intact. Let the chicken tomato sauce cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, covering it loosely to prevent splatters. Just make sure it’s heated to at least 165°F (74°C) before digging in! Enjoy every last bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super simple and perfect for beginners!
- Rich, comforting flavors that everyone will love.
- Quick to prepare—dinner is ready in about 40 minutes.
- Versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or veggies.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers taste even better!
Chicken Tomato Sauce: 7 Steps to a Simple Delight!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious chicken dish cooked in tomato sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried basil.
- Place chicken in the skillet and cook until browned on both sides.
- Pour tomato sauce over the chicken.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes if you like it spicy.
- Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Serve hot with your choice of side.
Notes
- Check chicken for doneness by cutting into the thickest part; it should be no longer pink.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the sauce.
- This dish pairs well with rice or pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: chicken tomato sauce, easy chicken recipe, beginner cooking
