This Easy One Pan Italian Chicken in Tomato Sauce is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy, seasoned chicken is simmered in a rich tomato sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and a touch of olive oil. The best part? It all comes together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan meal – Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
- Rich Italian flavors – A delicious combination of garlic, tomatoes, and herbs.
- Versatile – Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
- Healthy & satisfying – Packed with protein and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Sear the chicken in the skillet for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce. Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top (if using) and let it melt for a minute.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Add veggies – Stir in mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Make it creamy – Add a splash of heavy cream for a richer sauce.
- Spicy version – Increase red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Cheesy twist – Add mozzarella on top and broil for 2 minutes until bubbly.
- Wine-infused sauce – Replace some of the chicken broth with white wine for added depth.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat until heated through, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer—chicken is done when it reaches 165°F internally.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time since bone-in chicken takes longer to cook.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sear the chicken first, then cook everything in a slow cooker on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
What sides pair well with this dish?
This chicken goes great with pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Make the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat and add freshly cooked chicken when ready to serve.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook them down longer to achieve a rich sauce.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, or stir in a small amount of tomato paste.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes, as long as you serve it without pasta or bread.
Can I substitute chicken thighs?
Yes! Boneless thighs work great and add extra flavor.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Conclusion
This Easy One Pan Italian Chicken in Tomato Sauce is a simple yet delicious meal that brings classic Italian flavors to your dinner table. With minimal ingredients and easy cleanup, it’s a perfect choice for any night of the week. Try it with your favorite sides and enjoy a hearty, homemade meal!
PrintEasy One Pan Italian Chicken in Tomato Sauce
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Description: This easy Italian chicken dish is cooked in a rich tomato sauce with garlic, herbs, and simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for a weeknight meal, this one-pan recipe is packed with flavor and comes together in just 30 minutes. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Ingredients
- :
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- :
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in crushed and diced tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Let cook for 5 minutes to develop flavor.
- Add the Chicken: Return the chicken to the pan, spoon some sauce over the top, and cover. Let simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
- Add Cheese (Optional): Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the chicken, cover for another 2 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Notes
- :
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce before serving.
- Substitute fresh tomatoes if preferred—use about 4-5 medium tomatoes, chopped.
- You can also add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra vegetables.
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
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