Creamy Tomato Chicken Recipe

I absolutely love this Creamy Tomato Chicken Recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between rich, comforting flavors and a bright, fresh tomato tang. When I first tried it, I was blown away by how the roasting process transforms simple cherry tomatoes into this luscious, velvety sauce that pairs unbelievably well with juicy chicken breasts. It’s a real crowd-pleaser that’s straightforward enough for weeknight dinners but special enough for guests.

You’ll find that once you make this creamy tomato chicken recipe, it quickly becomes one of your go-to dishes for busy days or when you want to impress without fuss. It’s versatile, bursting with freshness from basil, and that silky mascarpone adds a luxurious touch. Plus, the method of roasting tomatoes beforehand not only amps up the flavor but saves you from heavy cream or complicated steps – a win-win!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this creamy tomato chicken recipe works in harmony to build depth and creaminess without overpowering the chicken’s natural flavor. Here’s a peek at why these selections make this dish special and a few tips for choosing the best.

• Chicken Breasts: Bringing them close to room temperature helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.
• Dried Oregano & Garlic Powder: Classic seasoning to build a savory base on the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Use good quality for roasting and frying – it adds richness and a silky finish.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Roasting intensifies their sweetness and offers that beautiful, slightly wrinkled texture.
• Fresh Garlic: Adds a punch of flavor that pairs perfectly with tomato’s natural acidity.
• Fresh Basil: Vital for freshness and herbal brightness; don’t skip it!
• Chicken Stock: Helps thin the sauce slightly and adds savory umami depth.
• Tomato Puree: Concentrated tomato flavor to enrich the sauce base.
• Mascarpone: This creamy Italian cheese is the secret to that luxurious, silky texture you’ll adore.

Variations

I encourage you to make this creamy tomato chicken recipe your own! I’ve tinkered with it over time, switching up the herbs and adding extras depending on the occasion or what’s in the fridge—feel free to get creative.

• Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat that livens up the creamy tomato flavors.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for hearty mushrooms or roasted cauliflower for a veggie-friendly take.
• Cheesy Twist: Stir in some grated parmesan or swap mascarpone for cream cheese to change the creamy profile.
• Herb Swap: Try fresh thyme or parsley if basil isn’t available, for a different but delicious herb flavor.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes to Bring Out Their Sweetness

Start by tossing halved cherry tomatoes with diced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large baking dish. Roast them at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes until they’re soft, juicy, and just starting to wrinkle – this step is magic, as it concentrates their natural sugars and gives the sauce an incredible depth of flavor.

Step 2: Blend Most of the Tomatoes Into a Smooth Sauce

Once the tomatoes are roasted, remove about one-third and set them aside (you’ll add these back later for texture). Pour the rest into a blender along with chicken stock and fresh basil, then blend until silky smooth. Scrape down the sides to ensure you’re capturing every bit of those tasty juices.

Step 3: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create four evenly sized pieces to make sure they cook quickly and evenly. Season all over with dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This simple seasoning enhances the chicken without competing with the sauce.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken Until Golden and Juicy

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat and fry chicken pieces for a few minutes on each side until golden and just about cooked through. You want them nicely browned to lock in juices—overcooking will make them dry, so keep an eye on that timing. Remove and set aside once done.

Step 5: Build Your Creamy Tomato Sauce

Turn the heat to medium and add tomato puree to the pan, frying it for a minute to bring out its concentrated flavor. Pour in your blended tomato sauce and stir in mascarpone cheese until everything becomes a luscious, smooth sauce. Remember to stir to combine fully and melt the cheese beautifully into the mixture.

Step 6: Finish the Dish by Basting and Garnishing

Return the chicken to the pan, spooning sauce over each piece to baste and infuse it with flavor. Finally, scatter the reserved roasted tomatoes and extra fresh basil leaves on top for pops of color and texture. I love how this final touch adds freshness and keeps it feeling light yet indulgent.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish this dish with extra fresh basil leaves and sometimes a sprinkle of grated parmesan for an irresistible aroma and flavor boost. A little cracked black pepper on top adds a subtle zing that balances the creamy sauce perfectly.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides include crispy garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce, or a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Rice or buttery mashed potatoes are also fantastic for making the meal really satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like plating this creamy tomato chicken recipe on a wooden board alongside bowls of roasted veggies and crusty bread for a rustic, family-style feel. You can also serve it over creamy polenta or even buttered pasta for an elegant, cozy dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover creamy tomato chicken in an airtight container in the fridge and it keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it down before refrigerating to keep the mascarpone sauce smooth and fresh.

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing this dish, although the texture of fresh basil doesn’t hold up well; I recommend adding fresh basil after reheating. Freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat gently on low heat in a saucepan to avoid breaking the creamy sauce—you can add a splash of chicken stock or water if it seems too thick. Stir frequently until heated through, then add fresh basil for a burst of freshness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This creamy tomato chicken recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. I love how easy it is to pull together yet delivers comforting, restaurant-quality flavors every time. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and find it becoming a staple in your home too—grab those cherry tomatoes and let’s get cooking!

Print