There’s something so comforting about a warm plate of chicken cooked in a rich tomato sauce. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly night, isn’t it? This dish is not just delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for family meals. I love how the tender chicken soaks up the savory tomato sauce, creating a delightful blend of flavors that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s a great way to gather around the table and share stories after a long day. Trust me, once you make this chicken tomato sauce, it’ll become one of your go-to recipes! It’s versatile, too—you can serve it over pasta, rice, or even with a crusty piece of bread to soak up every last drop. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this simple yet satisfying dish that’s sure to warm your heart and home!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to whipping up this comforting chicken tomato sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil for garnish
Feel free to adjust any of these ingredients based on your preferences! For instance, if you prefer a different texture, boneless chicken thighs work beautifully in this dish. And if you’re watching your sodium intake, you can opt for low-sodium tomato sauce. Cooking should be enjoyable and adaptable, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!
How to Prepare Chicken Tomato Sauce
Now we’re diving into the heart of this recipe! Preparing chicken in a rich tomato sauce is straightforward and so rewarding. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
First things first, we need to heat up our olive oil! Grab a large skillet and set it over medium heat. You’ll know the oil is ready when it shimmers slightly—this is important because it helps to evenly cook the chicken and prevents sticking. Just be careful not to let it smoke!
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Next, add the chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté it for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll want the onion to be soft and translucent—almost glassy in appearance. This step builds a lovely flavor base for your dish, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Add Garlic
Now it’s time for the garlic! Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for just 1 minute. Garlic cooks quickly and can easily burn, so keep an eye on it. You’ll know it’s ready when it releases that wonderful aroma—trust me, it’s heavenly!
Step 4: Brown the Chicken
Now, let’s add the chicken breasts. Place them in the skillet and let them cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they’re nicely browned. This gives them a beautiful color and locks in moisture. Remember, always wash your hands and cutting boards after handling raw chicken to keep things safe and clean!
Step 5: Incorporate Tomato Sauce and Seasoning
Pour in the tomato sauce, and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together. This is where all those flavors blend beautifully, so taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like a hint of sweetness, a pinch of sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes, too!
Step 6: Simmer Until Done
Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through and soak up all that delicious tomato goodness. Make sure to check the chicken’s doneness by cutting into the thickest part; it should be no longer pink inside.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to plate up! Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor. I love to serve this dish over a bed of pasta or alongside a warm loaf of crusty bread to soak up the sauce. It’s such a comforting way to enjoy a meal, and you’ll be left with happy faces around the table!
Tips for Success
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your chicken tomato sauce turns out perfectly every time! If you’d like a different texture, consider using boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts; they’re juicy and flavorful. For a healthier twist, opt for low-sodium tomato sauce—it’s an easy way to reduce the salt without sacrificing taste.
Don’t hesitate to get creative with your seasonings! You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat or some chopped bell peppers for extra sweetness. As for serving, this dish pairs beautifully with pasta—spaghetti or penne are my favorites. Or, if you prefer, serve it with a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up that luscious sauce. Trust me, your family will love it, and you’ll be the star of the dinner table!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional information for this comforting chicken tomato sauce. Keep in mind that these values may vary based on specific ingredients you use, so consider this an estimate:
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
By tweaking the ingredients, like using low-sodium tomato sauce or different cuts of chicken, you can adjust these numbers to better fit your dietary needs. Cooking is all about finding what works best for you, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sauce?
Absolutely! Fresh tomatoes can be a wonderful substitute for tomato sauce. You’ll want to use about 6-8 medium-sized tomatoes, chopped. Just keep in mind that fresh tomatoes will need a little more time to cook down and develop that rich flavor—so simmer for about 40-45 minutes instead of the usual 30. Don’t forget to add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity!
What can I serve with chicken tomato sauce?
This chicken tomato sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! You can serve it over pasta, like spaghetti or penne, which soak up that delicious sauce perfectly. Rice is another fantastic option—white or brown rice works great. If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, try serving it with some crusty bread or a warm baguette to mop up every last bit of sauce. And for a fresh touch, a simple side salad can add a nice crunch!
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, adding red pepper flakes is an easy way to spice things up! Start with just a pinch and adjust to your taste. You can also include diced jalapeños or even a splash of hot sauce while cooking for an extra kick. Be sure to taste as you go, so you can find that perfect level of spiciness that suits your palate!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super easy to prepare—anyone can make it, even if you’re new to cooking!
- The rich, comforting flavors of chicken and tomato sauce create a warm, satisfying meal.
- Perfect for family dinners; it brings everyone together around the table.
- Versatile enough to serve with pasta, rice, or bread, making it a great go-to dish.
- Can easily accommodate dietary needs with simple substitutions, like using boneless thighs or low-sodium sauce.
- It’s a one-skillet meal, which means less cleanup afterward—yay for that!
- Offers a wonderful opportunity to experiment with flavors and add your own twist.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead option!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your chicken tomato sauce leftovers properly is key to enjoying this delicious meal again! Once the dish has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s sealed tightly to keep it fresh!
If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze the chicken tomato sauce. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving a little space for expansion, and it should last for about 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
For reheating, you have a couple of options! You can gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. If you prefer, you can also use the microwave—just heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming. Make sure it’s hot all the way through before serving. This dish is best enjoyed warm, and it’ll taste just as comforting as when you first made it! Enjoy your cozy meal!
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Comforting Chicken Tomato Sauce for a Cozy Family Dinner
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting dish of chicken cooked in a rich tomato sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until soft.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides.
- Pour in tomato sauce and add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- You can use boneless thighs instead of breasts for a different texture.
- Use low-sodium tomato sauce for a healthier option.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or bread to soak up the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken tomato sauce, easy chicken recipe, comfort food
