Tomato Basil Chicken Thighs Recipe
Introduction
Tomato Basil Chicken Thighs bring together juicy chicken with fresh basil and sweet grape tomatoes in a quick, flavorful dish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that feels special without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 8 to 10 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ cup flour (or more, as needed)
- 1 tablespoon oil (olive oil or oil of your choice)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large shallots, minced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ⅓ cup chicken broth (or more for additional sauce)
- 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup basil leaves (or more)
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the chicken thighs evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Then coat each piece in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the oil and butter until the butter melts.
- Step 3: Place the chicken thighs smooth side down in the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes until they release easily from the pan, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove the chicken and set aside on a clean plate. Add the minced shallots and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, adding more butter if needed.
- Step 5: Pour in a splash of chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pan, loosening all the browned bits for added flavor.
- Step 6: Add the halved grape tomatoes and the remaining chicken broth. Simmer for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally and scraping the pan to deglaze as needed.
- Step 7: Nestle the cooked chicken thighs back into the skillet among the tomatoes. Scatter the basil leaves over the top, then serve immediately and enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispy chicken, pat the thighs very dry before seasoning and flouring.
- Use fresh basil if possible for the brightest flavor; substitute with dried basil if unavailable but add at the end of cooking to preserve aroma.
- Add a splash of white wine when deglazing the pan for a richer sauce.
- For a spicier kick, include a pinch of red pepper flakes with the seasonings.
Storage
Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, bone-in thighs can be used but will require longer cooking time to ensure they are cooked through. Adjust cooking time accordingly and check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
What can I serve with Tomato Basil Chicken Thighs?
This dish pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious tomato basil sauce. Steamed vegetables or a simple green salad make great accompaniments.
PrintTomato Basil Chicken Thighs Recipe
This Tomato Basil Chicken Thighs recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs seared to golden perfection in a skillet, then simmered with grape tomatoes, fresh basil, and a flavorful garlic-shallot broth. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a simple yet delicious dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 8 to 10 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ cup flour (or more as needed)
Cooking Fat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or oil of your choice)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Sauce and Vegetables
- 2 large shallots, minced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ⅓ cup chicken broth (plus more for additional sauce)
- 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves (or more)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, coat the chicken thighs evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Then, dredge each thigh in flour ensuring a light, even coating. Set aside.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a cast iron or heavy-bottom skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and butter to the skillet, heating until the butter is fully melted and hot.
- Sear the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs smooth side down in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes or until the chicken easily releases from the pan and is golden brown. Flip the thighs and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the other side is browned and chicken is cooked through.
- Remove Chicken and Sauté Aromatics: Transfer the chicken to a clean plate. Add minced shallots and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat, adding more butter if needed to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour a splash of chicken broth into the skillet and use a wooden spoon to scrape up the caramelized bits stuck to the pan. This dissolves those flavorful browned bits into the sauce base.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the halved grape tomatoes and remaining chicken broth. Let the mixture simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, and continue deglazing if necessary to incorporate all flavors.
- Combine and Finish: Nestle the cooked chicken thighs back into the skillet among the tomatoes. Scatter roughly chopped or torn fresh basil leaves over the top. Let everything warm together for a minute, then serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute boneless chicken breasts if preferred, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- If you want a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of chicken broth or simmer longer to concentrate flavors.
- Fresh basil adds the best flavor; for dried basil, use about 1 teaspoon.
- Serve with a side of rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Using a cast iron skillet enhances the sear and flavor but a heavy non-stick skillet works as well.
Keywords: chicken thighs, tomato basil chicken, skillet chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, garlic chicken, basil tomato sauce
