When you’re craving a simple but flavorful dinner, Garlic Tomato Chicken is the kind of recipe that never disappoints. It’s a one-pan meal featuring tender chicken simmered in a garlicky, herbed tomato sauce that tastes like it came straight from an Italian kitchen. With just a few everyday ingredients — chicken, garlic, olive oil, and tomatoes — you can make a wholesome dish that’s bursting with rich, savory flavor.
This Garlic Tomato Chicken recipe is a comforting yet light meal perfect for weeknights. It pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or a slice of crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Every bite combines the sweetness of ripe tomatoes, the kick of garlic, and the depth of herbs like basil and oregano — an easy dinner that feels fancy but comes together in under 40 minutes.
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What Is Garlic Tomato Chicken?
The Flavor Inspiration
Garlic Tomato Chicken is inspired by classic Mediterranean and Italian cooking, where simple ingredients are transformed into bold, aromatic dishes. The combination of juicy chicken and a rich tomato base infused with garlic, olive oil, and herbs is a staple across southern Europe. It’s hearty, comforting, and loaded with natural flavor without being heavy.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity — a skillet, a few pantry staples, and some fresh herbs can create a restaurant-quality meal at home. The garlic and tomato sauce clings to the chicken, soaking it with flavor while keeping it tender and juicy.
Why It’s a Weeknight Favorite
Busy weeknights call for recipes that are both easy and satisfying. Garlic Tomato Chicken fits the bill perfectly. It requires minimal prep, cooks in one pan, and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, high in protein, and can be customized with vegetables or cheese.
Whether you’re feeding your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a healthy and versatile addition to your dinner rotation.
Ingredients for Garlic Tomato Chicken
Main Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful Garlic Tomato Chicken recipe:
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breasts or Thighs (1 ½ lbs) | The protein base — juicy and tender after simmering in tomato sauce. |
| Olive Oil (2 tbsp) | Adds richness and helps sear the chicken. |
| Garlic (4–5 cloves, minced) | The star flavor component; use fresh for the best aroma. |
| Canned Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz) | Forms the sauce base; fire-roasted tomatoes add extra depth. |
| Tomato Paste (1 tbsp) | Thickens the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor. |
| Salt and Black Pepper | Essential for seasoning at every step. |
| Italian Seasoning (1 tsp) | A balanced blend of herbs that enhances the tomato base. |
Flavor Enhancers
These optional but powerful add-ins elevate your Garlic Tomato Chicken:
- Red Pepper Flakes for a touch of heat.
- Balsamic Vinegar (1 tsp) to balance acidity with sweetness.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley for garnish and fragrance.
- Mozzarella or Parmesan Cheese for a creamy finish.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Breasts vs. Thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result.
- Tomatoes: You can substitute fresh tomatoes (about 3–4 medium) for canned if desired.
- Oil Alternatives: Avocado oil or butter can replace olive oil for a different richness.
- Herbs: Swap Italian seasoning for oregano, thyme, or rosemary to match your taste.
These substitutions let you adapt the dish for any pantry or dietary need while keeping the delicious tomato-garlic essence intact.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare and Season the Chicken
Begin by patting your chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps them sear beautifully and develop a golden crust. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, until lightly browned. The goal isn’t to cook it through yet — just to lock in flavor and create a flavorful base for your Garlic Tomato Chicken sauce. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 2 – Make the Garlic Tomato Sauce
In the same pan, lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant (be careful not to burn it). Then add tomato paste and stir to coat the pan’s surface, letting it caramelize slightly — this step adds a deep, robust tomato flavor.
Next, pour in the diced tomatoes and stir well to combine. Add balsamic vinegar, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and a small splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Let it simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
Step 3 – Combine and Simmer
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the tomato-garlic sauce. Spoon sauce over each piece and reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
As it simmers, the chicken absorbs the garlicky tomato flavor, becoming incredibly juicy and tender. Taste and adjust seasoning — add a pinch of salt or a drizzle of balsamic if you prefer a slightly sweet finish.
Step 4 – Optional Add-ins and Variations
- Add greens: Toss in a handful of spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
- Make it cheesy: Sprinkle mozzarella or parmesan on top and let it melt into the sauce.
- Add protein or texture: Mix in cooked chickpeas or roasted vegetables for heartiness.
This recipe is wonderfully flexible — it can be rustic, creamy, or spicy depending on your preferences.
Serving Suggestions
What to Serve with Garlic Tomato Chicken
This flavorful dish pairs beautifully with many sides. Here are a few favorites:
- Pasta: Toss spaghetti or penne in olive oil and serve the chicken and sauce on top.
- Rice: Fluffy white rice or brown rice makes a perfect base to soak up the sauce.
- Crusty Bread: Ideal for mopping up the garlicky tomato juices.
- Mashed Potatoes or Polenta: For a comforting, hearty twist.
Pairing with Sides
Round out your meal with light and fresh sides such as:
- Roasted green beans with lemon zest.
- Arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
- Garlic butter asparagus or steamed broccoli.
Wine and Beverage Pairings
- Red wine: Try a medium-bodied wine like Chianti, Pinot Noir, or Merlot.
- Non-alcoholic: Sparkling water with lemon or a light iced tea pairs beautifully with the garlic-tomato balance.
No matter what you serve it with, Garlic Tomato Chicken delivers a complete, restaurant-quality meal right from your own kitchen.
Storage and Reheating
How to Store Leftovers
Store cooled Garlic Tomato Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating Tips
To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce gently in a skillet over low heat until heated through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much during storage.
Avoid microwaving for too long, as this can make the chicken rubbery — short intervals with stirring work best if you must use one.
Meal Prep Tip
This dish makes excellent leftovers! You can portion it with rice or pasta in individual containers for quick, ready-to-heat weekday lunches.
FAQ About Garlic Tomato Chicken
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work perfectly for this recipe. They’re juicier, more forgiving, and stay tender even if simmered a little longer. Adjust the cook time slightly since thighs can take 2–3 extra minutes to cook through.
What type of tomatoes works best for this recipe?
Canned diced tomatoes (regular or fire-roasted) are convenient and flavorful. However, if you have fresh tomatoes, use about 3 to 4 medium ripe ones, chopped, and add a tablespoon of tomato paste for thickness.
Is Garlic Tomato Chicken spicy?
Not by default, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne. It’s mild enough for families but customizable for spice lovers.
Can I make Garlic Tomato Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely. This dish reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day as the garlic and tomato flavors deepen. Store it in the fridge overnight and warm it gently on the stove before serving.
Conclusion – A Simple and Flavorful Garlic Tomato Chicken for Every Night
Garlic Tomato Chicken proves that you don’t need complicated ingredients or long hours in the kitchen to make something extraordinary. With tender chicken simmered in a fragrant tomato-garlic sauce, this recipe delivers pure comfort in every bite.
It’s light enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for company — a dish that blends the simplicity of home cooking with the depth of Mediterranean flavors. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with a loaf of crusty bread, and you’ve got a satisfying meal everyone will love.
PrintGarlic Tomato Chicken – Juicy Skillet Chicken in Garlic Tomato Sauce
Garlic Tomato Chicken is a juicy one-pan dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a flavorful garlic and tomato sauce. This easy weeknight dinner is healthy, protein-packed, and infused with Mediterranean herbs for a rich, comforting taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or grated parmesan for topping
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook briefly until slightly darkened, then add diced tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer the sauce for 8–10 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Return chicken to the pan, nestle it into the sauce, and spoon sauce over the top.
- Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
- Optional: Sprinkle with mozzarella or parmesan and let melt into the sauce before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor — jarred garlic can taste bitter.
- Thicken the sauce by simmering uncovered for a few minutes if needed.
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of cream or butter at the end.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months.
