Tonight, I’m sharing two fantastic quick dinner ideas that are perfect for any weeknight. If you love a good chicken skillet, you’re in for a treat. Both recipes feature tender chicken, bright tomatoes, and fresh basil, but offer slightly different takes to fit your preference.
I know you’re busy, so I’ve made sure these are super easy to follow. Whether you’re looking for something creamy and comforting or a lighter, keto-friendly meal, I’ve got you covered with these delicious chicken skillet recipes.
Jump to Recipe:
Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet
This creamy chicken skillet is a true comfort meal, ready in under 40 minutes. You’ll love the rich sauce made with cream, bursting with the fresh flavors of tomato and basil.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Creamy Chicken
- Heavy Cream: This is what gives the sauce its wonderful rich texture. Don’t substitute with milk if you want that true creamy feel.
- Fresh Basil: Add it at the very end to keep its vibrant color and strong flavor. Dried basil works, but fresh is best here.
What You Need for Your Skillet Dinner
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 35 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make This Creamy Chicken Skillet
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 2: Build the Sauce Base
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it softens. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Simmer and Finish
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to mix. Stir in the heavy cream and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Heat gently for a few minutes until everything is warmed through.
Step 4: Add Basil and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh chopped basil. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
📝 Final Note on Storage
Leftovers of this creamy chicken skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Easy Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet
If you’re looking for a low-carb option, this keto chicken skillet is just right. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and fits perfectly into a keto lifestyle, without compromising on taste.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Keto Chicken
- Cream Cheese: This adds richness and thickness to the sauce without needing heavy cream, keeping it keto-friendly. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Chicken Thighs: While chicken breasts work, thighs add more fat and flavor, which is a great benefit for keto meals. They also stay very tender.
What You Need for Your Keto Skillet
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1/2 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 35 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make This Keto Chicken Skillet
Step 1: Brown the Chicken Thighs
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it smells fragrant.
Step 3: Create the Keto Sauce
Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the softened cream cheese cubes and stir constantly until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Let the skillet simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to allow the chicken to warm up in the sauce. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh chopped basil. Taste and adjust seasonings as you like. This keto chicken is great served with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
📝 Final Note on Leftovers
Store any leftover keto chicken skillet in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats well on the stove top over low heat.
