Garlic Tomato Chicken – Easy One-Pan Dinner Recipe

When it comes to fast and flavorful weeknight dinners, Garlic Tomato Chicken delivers every time. This dish combines juicy seared chicken with a garlicky, tomato-rich sauce that tastes like something straight out of an Italian restaurant — but it’s made in one pan and ready in under 30 minutes.

Each bite bursts with the fresh flavors of ripe tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and herbs, all simmered together to create a vibrant sauce that perfectly coats the tender chicken. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for an effortless meal that everyone will love.

The best part? This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients but feels like a gourmet dish. It’s fresh, comforting, and satisfying — proof that healthy dinners can still taste rich and indulgent.

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Why You’ll Love Garlic Tomato Chicken

Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner

This garlic tomato chicken recipe is perfect for busy evenings. With just one pan and a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a complete meal on the table in about 30 minutes. There’s minimal prep and hardly any cleanup — making it ideal for home cooks who want big flavor without the hassle.

Fresh and Flavorful

Juicy chicken, fresh tomatoes, and aromatic garlic come together to create a sauce that’s light yet incredibly flavorful. The sweetness of the tomatoes balances perfectly with the savory garlic and herbs, while a touch of olive oil ties everything together for a Mediterranean-inspired taste.

Healthy and Satisfying

Made with lean chicken breasts, fresh vegetables, and olive oil, this dish is naturally gluten-free and packed with protein. You can keep it light by serving it with veggies or make it heartier with pasta or rice — it’s versatile enough to fit any diet or craving.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Garlic Tomato Chicken

For the Chicken

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)	4 pieces (about 1 ½ lbs / 680 g)	Main protein; tender and juicy
Olive oil	2 tbsp	For searing and flavor
Salt	1 tsp	Seasoning
Black pepper	½ tsp	Enhances overall taste
Paprika (optional)	½ tsp	Adds subtle smoky depth

For the Tomato Garlic Sauce

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Garlic, minced	5–6 cloves	The star flavor base
Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved	2 cups (about 300 g)	Adds freshness and natural sweetness
Tomato paste	2 tbsp	Deepens flavor and color
Italian seasoning (or oregano + thyme)	1 tsp	Adds Mediterranean aroma
Chicken broth (or white wine)	½ cup (120 ml)	Deglazes the pan and enriches the sauce
Fresh basil leaves	Handful, chopped	Adds freshness and balance
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)	Pinch	For a mild kick of heat

Optional Add-Ins

Ingredient	Quantity	Use
Baby spinach	1 cup	Adds color and nutrients
Fresh mozzarella	½ cup	For a creamy, cheesy twist
Heavy cream	¼ cup	Makes the sauce rich and velvety

Pro Tip:
Use ripe, sweet tomatoes or high-quality canned cherry tomatoes if fresh ones aren’t available. Fresh garlic and basil make all the difference — they’re the heart of this recipe’s flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Garlic Tomato Chicken

1. Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help them brown nicely. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken in a single layer. Sear for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and nearly cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside — you’ll finish cooking it later in the sauce.

Pro Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches if needed to get an even, golden sear.

2. Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add a drizzle of olive oil if needed. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds, stirring constantly.

You want the garlic to turn fragrant and lightly golden — not brown or burned, which would make it bitter.

This step builds the foundation of flavor for your garlic tomato chicken sauce.

3. Add the Tomatoes and Tomato Paste

Add halved cherry tomatoes and stir them into the garlic. Cook for about 5–6 minutes, pressing some of them gently with the back of your spoon so they release their juices.

Once the tomatoes soften and begin to burst, stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to caramelize the tomato paste — this deepens the flavor and gives the sauce its rich red color.

4. Deglaze the Pan

Pour in ½ cup of chicken broth or dry white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release all the browned bits.

This step adds depth and richness to the sauce — those caramelized bits are packed with flavor.

Let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes, until slightly thickened and aromatic.

5. Return the Chicken to the Pan

Add the seared chicken back into the pan, nestling it into the simmering tomato sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the top of each piece.

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for another 6–8 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

The sauce will coat the chicken beautifully, soaking up all the garlic, tomato, and herb flavors.

6. Finish with Basil and Optional Add-Ins

Once the chicken is cooked through, stir in fresh basil leaves for that final burst of brightness.

If you’d like a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or top with melty mozzarella before serving. For a more vegetable-packed version, stir in a handful of baby spinach right at the end and let it wilt in the heat of the sauce.

Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing — like a cozy Italian trattoria.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Garlic Tomato Chicken hot, straight from the skillet.

It pairs perfectly with:

• Pasta – for a classic Italian dinner
• Steamed rice or mashed potatoes – to soak up that flavorful sauce
• Crusty bread – for dipping (and wiping the pan clean!)

Add a sprinkle of extra basil or grated Parmesan on top for a restaurant-worthy finish.

Chef’s Tips for the Best Garlic Tomato Chicken

Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh garlic, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil make a world of difference in flavor. Avoid pre-minced garlic or dried herbs if you can — the fresh ones elevate the entire dish.

Don’t Overcook the Chicken

Chicken breasts can dry out quickly. Sear them just until golden and finish cooking in the sauce. The gentle simmer keeps them juicy and lets them soak up the garlic-tomato flavors.

Deglaze for Flavor

Deglazing with wine or broth lifts the delicious browned bits from the pan and adds incredible flavor depth to the sauce. It’s the secret to a sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours — even though it’s ready in minutes.

Balance the Flavors

If your sauce tastes too acidic, add a pinch of sugar or a small knob of butter at the end. This rounds out the acidity of the tomatoes and gives the sauce a silky finish.

Make It Creamy

For a richer version, add ¼ cup of cream or a spoonful of cream cheese before serving. It softens the acidity of the tomatoes and makes the sauce luxuriously smooth.

What to Serve with Garlic Tomato Chicken

Classic Pairings

This Garlic Tomato Chicken is versatile and pairs beautifully with many sides. Try these options for a complete, restaurant-worthy meal:

• Pasta: Toss the chicken and sauce with penne, linguine, or spaghetti for an easy Italian-style dinner.
• Steamed rice: Perfect for soaking up every bit of that garlicky tomato sauce.
• Mashed potatoes: The creamy texture balances the tangy, flavorful sauce beautifully.
• Crusty bread: Ideal for dipping — no drop of sauce goes to waste!

Low-Carb Options

If you’re keeping things light, serve your garlic tomato chicken with:

• Zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a low-carb, veggie-packed meal.
• Cauliflower rice for a wholesome grain-free option.
• Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a nutrient boost.

For a Complete Meal

Round out your plate with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted potatoes. Add a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.

FAQ – Garlic Tomato Chicken

Conclusion

There’s something effortlessly satisfying about Garlic Tomato Chicken — simple ingredients, big Mediterranean flavor, and minimal cleanup. The combination of juicy chicken, garlic, and ripe tomatoes simmered into a rich, aromatic sauce makes this dish a true weeknight winner.

Whether served over pasta for comfort food or with roasted veggies for a lighter option, it’s a recipe that fits any mood or occasion. Fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan take it from homemade to gourmet in minutes.

One bite of this garlic tomato basil chicken, and you’ll wonder how something so simple can taste so bold. Keep it in your weeknight rotation — it’s fast, wholesome, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.

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