Go Back
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnishing - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving - Spinach for serving - Garlic bread as a side - Large skillet - Cooking utensils (spatula, tongs) - Measuring cups and spoons When I make Creamy Tomato Chicken Skillet, I always gather my main ingredients first. I love the juicy chicken thighs and sweet cherry tomatoes. The garlic adds a nice punch, while the heavy cream makes everything rich and creamy. I like to sprinkle in dried herbs like basil and oregano for a bit of warmth. Don't forget the salt and pepper! They really bring out the flavors. If I want to make it extra special, I add spinach for a fresh touch. Garlic bread makes a perfect side to soak up that delicious sauce. I also grab my tools: a large skillet for cooking and some measuring cups for accuracy. This way, I can focus on creating a dish that impresses everyone at the table. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. - Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Start by heating the olive oil. You want it hot but not smoking. Once the oil shimmers, add your seasoned chicken thighs. This step locks in flavor right away. - Sear for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. - Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Now, let the chicken sear. Golden brown is your goal. Use a meat thermometer to check if it’s done. If it reads 165°F, it’s safe to take out. Place it on a plate to rest while you make the sauce. - Sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds. - Add cherry tomatoes and cook until softened. - Stir in heavy cream, basil, and oregano. In the same skillet, add minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds. You want it fragrant, not burnt. Then, toss in halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them until they soften and blister, about 3-4 minutes. Now pour in heavy cream. Add dried basil and oregano. Stir this mix and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes. It should thicken nicely. - Reintroduce the chicken into the skillet. - Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes. Bring the chicken back to the skillet. Nestle it in the creamy sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. This warms the chicken and coats it in flavor. - Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter taste. Fresh basil makes a big difference. - Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. This adds a nice kick to the dish. - Stir constantly to avoid scorching the cream. This helps keep the sauce smooth and rich. - Adjust heat as necessary to maintain a gentle simmer. Too high a heat can ruin the sauce. - Serve with sautéed spinach or garlic bread. Both pair well with the creamy sauce. - Use rustic plates for appealing presentation. It makes your meal look even more inviting. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh cherry tomatoes and herbs. They will enhance the flavor and freshness of the dish significantly. Don’t Rush the Searing: Allow the chicken thighs to sear without moving them too much. This helps achieve a nice golden crust, which adds depth to the overall flavor. Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter version, feel free to substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth. This will still keep the sauce flavorful while reducing the richness. Garnish for Presentation: Fresh basil and Parmesan not only enhance flavor but also add a beautiful touch to your dish. Consider adding a drizzle of balsamic reduction for extra visual appeal. {{image_4}} You can easily swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Chicken breasts are leaner and cook faster. If you want a different texture, try diced tomatoes in place of cherry tomatoes. Diced tomatoes give a heartier feel to the dish. For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. This will keep the dish creamy and rich without dairy. You can also add more veggies, like bell peppers or zucchini, for extra nutrition. These veggies add color and flavor while boosting health benefits. To give this dish a Mediterranean feel, add some Italian seasonings. Dried oregano and basil work well here. If you want more depth, include a splash of white wine in the sauce. This will enhance the flavors and add a nice twist to the dish. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. I recommend letting it cool down before sealing. This helps maintain the creaminess. To reheat, use a skillet over low heat. This method keeps the cream sauce smooth. If the sauce thickens, add a splash of cream. This simple step brings back its rich texture. You can freeze this dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Make sure it’s cool before you freeze it. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator. This method ensures even reheating later. Prep time is 10 minutes. Cooking takes about 20 minutes. The total time is 30 minutes. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure it is fully thawed before cooking for even doneness. You can serve it with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad. These sides balance the rich sauce. Yes, this recipe can fit many diets. You can make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or low-carb. Just swap out the ingredients as needed. In this blog post, we explored how to make a delicious Creamy Tomato Chicken Skillet. We discussed the main ingredients and optional additions that enhance flavor. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions, tips to perfect the sauce, and variations to meet different diets. Remember, this recipe is easy to adjust based on your tastes. Whether you serve it with spinach or garlic bread, you can create a meal that's satisfying and fun. Enjoy making this dish and sharing it with loved ones!

Creamy Tomato Chicken Skillet

A delicious skillet dish featuring seared chicken thighs in a creamy tomato sauce with garlic and herbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnishing fresh basil leaves
  • for serving grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully add the chicken thighs, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
  • Sear the chicken thighs for approximately 5-7 minutes on each side until golden-brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate to rest.
  • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften and blister.
  • Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently. Add the dried basil and oregano, allowing the mixture to simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  • Reintroduce the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy tomato sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  • Plate the chicken thighs and drizzle the creamy tomato sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Serve the chicken on a bed of sautéed spinach or alongside garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Keyword chicken, creamy, easy, skillet, tomato