This Healthy Chicken Pomodoro Skillet fits the bill bright tomatoes, tender chicken, and fresh basil make a simple dish taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. If you like one-pan chicken meals, you might also enjoy this rotisserie chicken gnocchi soup recipe for another easy comfort option.
This dish is light, slightly tangy from the tomatoes, and silky where the pan juices mingle with Parmesan. The chicken stays juicy while the tomatoes roast down into a fresh sauce — think tangy, savory, and herb-scented. Top it with grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of basil for a bright finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes for busy schedules
- Made with pantry staples and fresh tomatoes
- Great for meal prep and reheats well
- Naturally low-carb and easy to tweak for diets
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4–5 small breasts)
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh minced garlic
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 24 oz grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
- 1 tsp white sugar (optional balances acidity)
- Parmesan cheese, grated, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions of Healthy Chicken Pomodoro Skillet
- Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden (it does not need to be fully cooked). Transfer to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium, add a bit more oil if needed, then sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the halved grape tomatoes and a pinch of salt; cook 5–7 minutes, smashing a few tomatoes with the back of a spoon so they release juices.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the white sugar if using; bring to a gentle simmer.
- Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet, spoon some sauce over the pieces, and cover. Simmer 8–10 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Stir in the chopped fresh basil and adjust seasoning to taste. Let rest 2 minutes off the heat.
- Serve hot with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and extra basil.
Tips for Success
- Use room-temperature chicken so it cooks more evenly.
- Smash a few tomatoes to create a quick, fresh sauce it keeps the dish light and bright.
- Don’t overcook the chicken; remove when it hits 165°F (74°C) and let it rest for juicy slices.
Substitutions & Variations of Healthy Chicken Pomodoro Skillet
To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free:
- Vegan: Swap chicken for firm tofu cubes or seitan, use vegetable broth, and top with vegan Parmesan.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free broth and serve over gluten-free pasta or rice.
Variations:
- Add baby spinach or arugula at the end for extra greens.
- Stir in a spoonful of pesto for a herby boost.
- Toss with cooked pasta, quinoa, or polenta to make it heartier.
- Use cherry tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes if fresh grapes aren’t available.
Storage Instructions of Healthy Chicken Pomodoro Skillet
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened.
Freezer: For best texture, freeze only the sauce (without cooked chicken) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and add freshly cooked chicken when serving.
Make-Ahead: Sear the chicken and prep the tomatoes and onions a day ahead. Assemble and heat through when ready to eat for the freshest result.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Healthy Chicken Pomodoro Skillet
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes increase simmering time so the chicken reaches 165°F; bone-in pieces will take longer to cook through.
Can I make this with turkey or pork?
Absolutely. Thin turkey cutlets or pork medallions work well; adjust cooking time to avoid overcooking.
How do I prevent the tomatoes from making the sauce too watery?
Cook them a little longer to evaporate excess liquid, and smash only a few to keep some texture while concentrating flavor.
Final Thoughts
Healthy Chicken Pomodoro Skillet is a perfect weeknight winner quick, bright, and comforting without the fuss. This one-pan meal proves healthy food can be simple and satisfying; give it a try tonight and enjoy how the kitchen fills with tomato and basil aroma. If you make it, leave a comment and a star rating to let others know how it turned out.
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Healthy Chicken Pomodoro Skillet
A cozy, healthy dinner featuring tender chicken, bright tomatoes, and fresh basil, all cooked in one pan.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4–5 small breasts)
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh minced garlic
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 24 oz grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
- 1 tsp white sugar (optional)
- Parmesan cheese, grated, for serving
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium, add a bit more oil if needed, sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the halved grape tomatoes and a pinch of salt; cook 5–7 minutes, smashing a few tomatoes to release juices.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add white sugar if using; bring to a gentle simmer.
- Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet, spoon sauce over it, and cover. Simmer 8–10 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Stir in chopped fresh basil and adjust seasoning to taste. Let rest 2 minutes off the heat.
- Serve hot with grated Parmesan and extra basil.
Notes
Use room-temperature chicken for even cooking and smash a few tomatoes for a quick sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Healthy