This Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet is a quick and tasty dish. Juicy chicken is cooked in a creamy sauce with fresh tomatoes and basil, making dinner feel special!
And let’s be real, who can resist a meal that’s ready in one skillet? It means fewer dishes to wash! 🙌 I love serving it over pasta or rice for a complete meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, perfect for this dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work fine too, though they may cook faster.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor. Feel free to use garlic powder if fresh isn’t available. Just use about 1/2 teaspoon of powder.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives a rich texture to the sauce. You can substitute it with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free alternative, though it may change the flavor slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a salty, nutty flavor to your sauce. Grated Pecorino Romano is a good alternative if you want something a bit funkier.
Spinach: I love fresh baby spinach for its mild flavor. If you’re out, kale or even frozen spinach (thawed and drained) can work well too.
How Can You Achieve Perfectly Cooked Chicken Thighs?
Cooking chicken thighs perfectly ensures they’re juicy inside and crispy outside. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat, then add oil.
- Place chicken skin-side down. Don’t rush; let it cook undisturbed for 6-8 minutes to achieve a nice golden color.
- Flip and reduce heat to medium if necessary. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 6-8 more minutes.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This allows juices to redistribute.
By following these tips and techniques, you’ll have a delicious creamy chicken dish that’s sure to impress!
Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Optional: red pepper flakes for some heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes seasoning and searing the chicken, and then about 20 minutes preparing the sauce and finishing up. In no time, you’ll have a warm, creamy dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. This basic seasoning will enhance the flavor of the chicken.
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until the skin is nice and golden and crispy. Flip the chicken over and cook for another 6-8 minutes until it’s cooked through (the internal temperature should be 165°F). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to burn it!
4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning into the skillet. Stir everything well and bring it to a gentle simmer. The mixture should begin to thicken slightly.
5. Add Spinach and Basil:
Now it’s time to add in the fresh spinach and chopped basil. Stir them into the sauce until the spinach wilts down—this will only take a minute!
6. Return the Chicken:
Place the cooked chicken thighs back into the skillet, nestling them gently into the creamy sauce. Make sure to spoon some sauce over the chicken to keep it flavorful and moist.
7. Final Simmer:
Let everything simmer together for another 3-5 minutes so the chicken heats through and the sauce thickens a bit more. Feel free to taste and adjust with additional salt, pepper, or even some red pepper flakes if you like a little kick!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the chicken warm, spooning the creamy tomato basil sauce generously over the top. This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. Enjoy your meal!
Happy cooking, and enjoy your rich, creamy tomato basil chicken skillet! 🍽️
FAQ for Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs! They will cook faster, so check for doneness after about 5-6 minutes on each side, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
If you want a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. For the Parmesan, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
What Can I Serve with This Dish?
This creamy tomato basil chicken is fantastic with pasta or rice. For a lighter option, consider serving it with a fresh salad or some steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the sauce!
