This Healthy Chicken Pomodoro Skillet is your new go-to for a delicious, guilt-free meal that comes together in a flash. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish, perfect for busy evenings when you crave something wholesome and bursting with flavor.
Contents
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Key Ingredients for Healthy Chicken Pomodoro Skillet
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, for garnish
- Optional toppings: Grated Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice
How to Make Healthy Chicken Pomodoro Skillet
Whip up this incredibly easy and satisfying Healthy Chicken Pomodoro Skillet in under 30 minutes! It boasts tender chicken in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce, making it a hearty and healthy weeknight wonder.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple step ensures better browning and more flavorful chicken.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Don’t worry about cooking it all the way through, as it will finish cooking in the sauce. Remove the seared chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – this is where a lot of flavor resides!
- Infuse with Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. You’ll notice a wonderful aroma filling your kitchen at this point.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen.
- Return Chicken to Pan: Add the seared chicken pieces back into the skillet with the tomato sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Cover the skillet and continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender, and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Season and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Stir in most of the fresh basil, reserving some for garnish.
- Plate and Enjoy: Ladle the Healthy Chicken Pomodoro Skillet into bowls. Garnish with the remaining fresh basil, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese (if desired), a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, or a bright squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately and savor every delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Chicken Pomodoro Skillet
You’ll absolutely adore this Healthy Chicken Pomodoro Skillet for its incredible simplicity and vibrant flavor profile. It delivers that comforting, homestyle Italian taste without the fuss of traditional methods, making it a weeknight superhero. Unlike more complex pasta dishes, this skillet meal is a fantastic budget-friendly option, utilizing pantry staples to create a restaurant-worthy experience right in your own kitchen. The tender chicken, bathed in a rich, herb-infused tomato sauce, is a delight, and the fresh basil just elevates it to another level.
If you’re craving Italian comfort food but short on time or looking to make healthier choices, this is your answer. It offers all the satisfying flavors of a classic dish in a lighter, more accessible format. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this incredibly easy yet deeply flavorful meal – you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Properly storing and reheating your delicious Healthy Chicken Pomodoro Skillet ensures you can enjoy its deliciousness for days to come.
- Refrigeration: Allow the skillet dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, let the dish cool completely. Portion into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating:
- Stovetop: This is the preferred method for best results. Gently reheat the desired portion in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick.
- Microwave: While convenient, the microwave can sometimes dry out ingredients. Reheat in a microwave-safe dish in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
Final Thoughts
The Healthy Chicken Pomodoro Skillet is truly a gem – a flavorful, wholesome, and incredibly easy meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed by its simplicity and delicious results!
Healthy Chicken Pomodoro Skillet
This Healthy Chicken Pomodoro Skillet is your new go-to for a delicious, guilt-free meal that comes together in a flash. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish, perfect for busy evenings when you crave something wholesome and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple step ensures better browning and more flavorful chicken.Salt and freshly ground black pepper, 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Don’t worry about cooking it all the way through, as it will finish cooking in the sauce. Remove the seared chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – this is where a lot of flavor resides!1 small onion
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. You’ll notice a wonderful aroma filling your kitchen at this point.2 cloves garlic
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen.1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Add the seared chicken pieces back into the skillet with the tomato sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Cover the skillet and continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender, and the sauce has thickened slightly.1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Stir in most of the fresh basil, reserving some for garnish.Salt and freshly ground black pepper, 1/4 cup fresh basil
- Ladle the Healthy Chicken Pomodoro Skillet into bowls. Garnish with the remaining fresh basil, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese (if desired), a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, or a bright squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately and savor every delicious bite!1/4 cup fresh basil, Grated Parmesan cheese, extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice
Notes
Properly storing and reheating your delicious Healthy Chicken Pomodoro Skillet ensures you can enjoy its deliciousness for days to come.
* **Refrigeration:** Allow the skillet dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezing:** For longer storage, let the dish cool completely. Portion into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
* **Reheating:**
* **Stovetop:** This is the preferred method for best results. Gently reheat the desired portion in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick.
* **Microwave:** While convenient, the microwave can sometimes dry out ingredients. Reheat in a microwave-safe dish in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot. The Healthy Chicken Pomodoro Skillet is truly a gem – a flavorful, wholesome, and incredibly easy meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed by its simplicity and delicious results!
* **Refrigeration:** Allow the skillet dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezing:** For longer storage, let the dish cool completely. Portion into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
* **Reheating:**
* **Stovetop:** This is the preferred method for best results. Gently reheat the desired portion in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick.
* **Microwave:** While convenient, the microwave can sometimes dry out ingredients. Reheat in a microwave-safe dish in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot. The Healthy Chicken Pomodoro Skillet is truly a gem – a flavorful, wholesome, and incredibly easy meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed by its simplicity and delicious results!