This Healthy One-Pan Chicken Pomodoro is a flavorful dish perfect for busy days. It combines tender chicken with fresh tomatoes and herbs cooked together in one pan. Easy cleanup, yay!
The best part? You can enjoy a tasty meal without a mountain of dishes. I love serving mine with a sprinkle of cheese on top—it just makes everything better! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless is best for quick cooking. If you want, thighs can work well too—they’re juicier and can withstand longer cooking without drying out.
Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: These add sweetness and flavor. If out of season, use canned tomatoes. Just chop them up and toss them in!
Onion and Garlic: A small yellow onion and fresh garlic are key for aroma and flavor. For a subtle twist, you can try using shallots instead of yellow onion.
Herbs: Dried oregano and basil add warmth. Fresh herbs can boost flavor, so feel free to use fresh basil instead of dried basil. If you like a stronger taste, throw in some fresh thyme too.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Cooked Chicken?
Getting the chicken cooked just right is so important! Follow these steps:
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning—this helps with browning.
- Sear in a hot pan until golden (about 5 minutes each side) but don’t cook all the way through; it’ll finish cooking in the sauce.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—165°F (74°C) means it’s safe to eat!
By removing the chicken from the pan after searing, you ensure it doesn’t overcook while the sauce simmers.
Enjoy your cooking process, and remember, every step adds flavor and happiness to your meal!
Healthy One-Pan Chicken Pomodoro
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (preferably no salt added)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
- Fresh basil leaves, finely sliced, for garnish
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, making the total time around 40 minutes. It’s a quick and delicious meal, perfect for weekdays!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts lightly on both sides with salt and pepper. This adds flavor right from the start!
2. Sear the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear them for about 5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage—just browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside for now.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the chopped onion. Sauté it for 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent. This will create a lovely base for your sauce!
4. Add Garlic and Tomatoes:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Then, add the halved cherry tomatoes and the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the pan. Stir everything together!
5. Season the Sauce:
Now, sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This will help the tomatoes soften and release their juices, creating a delicious sauce!
6. Combine with Chicken:
Pour in the chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce slightly. Then, carefully nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the pan, making sure to spoon some of that tasty sauce over them.
7. Simmer:
Cover the pan and let it simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the chicken to cook through (it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) while the sauce thickens up nicely.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once cooked, sprinkle freshly chopped basil on top. If you like cheese, add some freshly grated Parmesan over the dish for that extra flavor! Serve warm, spooning the sauce and tomatoes over the chicken.
Enjoy this healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make one-pan chicken pomodoro! It’s sure to become a favorite in your home!
FAQ for Healthy One-Pan Chicken Pomodoro
Can I Use Other Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe, you can also use thighs, which are juicier and flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since thighs may take a bit longer to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What If I Don’t Have Cherry Tomatoes?
No worries! If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, you can substitute with any kind of fresh tomatoes, just chop them up into small pieces. Alternatively, stick with the canned diced tomatoes—you can use two cans for additional sauce and flavor!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
You can prepare the dish ahead of time! Cook the chicken and sauce, then let them cool and refrigerate them in an airtight container. Just reheat when you’re ready to serve, ensuring the chicken is warmed all the way through before eating. This will save time on busy evenings!
