1. Ingredients
Get ready to cook this tasty Tomato Basil Chicken Thighs dish! You need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Fresh basil leaves
- Crushed tomatoes
- Garlic
- Onion
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
This dish is super easy to make and takes only 30 mins. Let’s check out the ingredients!
Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs are a great dinner choice! Get 4 with the skin and bone-in. The skin will give flavor and hold in the juices. Look for plump, even colored chicken. Avoid gray chicken – it could be bad.
You’ll also need:
- 1 can of whole tomatoes or 2 cups of diced, fresh ripe tomatoes;
- 2 chopped garlic cloves;
- 1 tsp of dried oregano;
- 6 torn-up basil leaves;
- 2 tbsps of olive oil;
- salt and pepper.
Have other ingredients ready, like red pepper flakes, extra virgin olive oil, and parmesan cheese to garnish.
Olive Oil
Extra-virgin olive oil is a must for this tomato basil chicken thighs dish. Two tablespoons per pound of chicken thighs is ideal. Heat the oil in a large skillet before adding the chicken. This will help to keep the chicken from sticking, plus the flavor will add a richness to the sauce. The olive oil will also help to make sure the chicken is nicely cooked and lightly browned.
Salt and Pepper
Salt and pepper are important for adding flavor and seasoning. They also offer health benefits. Salt brings out natural flavors and can be used for sweet or savory. Pepper adds a kick!
When seasoning chicken like tomato basil chicken thighs, use both salt and pepper. Be careful not to overdo salt; too much will ruin the taste. Consider adjusting the amount of salt if concerned about health or taste. Different brands of salt vary in sodium chloride, so check labels.
Freshly ground black pepper is best. Add it towards the end of cooking for more flavor than pre-ground pepper. If desired result is not achieved, try seasonings like paprika or Italian seasoning blend.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a yummy and useful ingredient for lots of dishes. When getting tomatoes for our Tomato Basil Chicken Thighs, you must choose ripe ones. Look for firm ones with smooth skins and no marks. In summer, you may need to go to the farmer’s market. Grocery stores only offer processed tomatoes all year.
Ripe tomatoes should be red and have darker red or orange parts around the edges. Don’t take any with soft spots or bruises – that means they’re old. Most recipes call for diced tomatoes, but you can also halve or slice. Remember to remove the stem end before using by cutting it out with a knife. Tomatoes make sauces and gravies have great flavor, like with our tomato basil chicken thighs!
Basil
Basil is a herb of the mint family, from India and other tropical Asia. Its leaves are bright green with a strong, spicy flavor. There are many varieties, such as sweet basil, Thai basil, holy basil, purple basil and lemon basil.
It has long been used to enhance dishes, from Italian to Thai.
Basil is used a lot with tomatoes, in foods like marinara sauce, caprese salad, pesto sauce and pizza margherita. Tomato-basil chicken thighs are a great combination. Chicken thighs roasted with garlic and Parmesan cheese, topped with diced tomatoes and fragrant basil leaves. Yum!
2. Preparation
Gather ingredients & tools to make tomato basil chicken thighs:
- boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- garlic
- tomato paste
- beef broth
- basil
- salt
- pepper
- olive oil
Plus a cutting board, knife, large skillet, & dish/bowl to mix ingredients. Time to cook!
Preheat oven to 375°F
To cook the tomato basil chicken thighs, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Put an oven rack in the middle and remove any racks above and below. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicon liner. If using parchment paper, grease it with oil or butter.
Test that the oven is preheated correctly by setting an instant-read thermometer inside. Check that the oven is within 10°F (5°C) of 375°F (190°C). This will help ensure the chicken cooks through and prevent sticking for easier cleanup.
Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper
Prepare a yummy tomato & basil chicken thigh dinner in no time! Just heat 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet. Generously season both sides of the 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs with salt & pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s browned on one side – this takes 5 minutes. Then flip & cook for 7-8 minutes until cooked through. Remove the chicken & drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Now prepare the sauce – which takes just a few pantry staples! That’s it – dinner is ready in less than 30 mins!
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat
In a large skillet, heat up some olive oil on medium-high. Be careful when adding in the chicken thighs – hot oil can splatter! Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Lightly season with salt and pepper, flipping occasionally. Remove from pan and set aside.
Add garlic to the remaining olive oil. Cook for a few seconds, stirring occasionally. Then, add cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Saute for 2 minutes until softened but still have their shape. Stir in the basil, chopped into small strips or large pieces. Lastly, add white wine vinegar, salt and pepper.
Add chicken thighs to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side
Carefully place chicken thighs in a hot skillet. Sear each side for 4-5 minutes. Check that skin is golden brown and no longer pink inside. Don’t put too many in the skillet. If needed, cook in separate batches. It may take longer if skillet isn’t heated properly. When cooked, remove and discard any fat left in the skillet.
Place chicken thighs in a baking dish
Oven on! Preheat to 400 degrees. Put the chicken thighs in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with desired amounts of salt, pepper and garlic powder on both sides. Place evenly for even cooking. If you want, garnish with herbs like fresh thyme or oregano.
Now bake in the oven. Enjoy your Tomato Basil Chicken Thighs!
Top with tomatoes and basil
The chicken is ready! Top off the skillet with slices of tomatoes and basil. Add grated Parmesan cheese if you want more flavor. Pop the skillet back in the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes. The tomatoes will be lightly browned and the herbs will smell lovely. Serve warm with sides of your choice. Enjoy the yummy meal!
3. Baking
Baking is the key to great Tomato Basil Chicken Thighs! No need for extra oil or butter. Timing and temperature are essential for success. Follow this recipe for succulent, juicy chicken with an amazing aroma. Here’s how to make it:
Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes
Turn on the oven to 375°F and spread oil on the baking sheet. Put the tomato basil chicken thighs on the sheet. Space them out for the best heat flow. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until it is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Get it out and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes
Take the baking sheet out of the oven. Gently place the chicken thighs on a plate or cutting board. Let them cool for 5 minutes. This gives the juices time to stay, making it yummy on the inside. Putting chicken on a plate that’s too cold can make it hard. Resting the chicken makes it tender and juicy!
4. Serving
Tomato Basil Chicken Thighs – a hit with everyone! Delicious and full of flavor. Easy to make. Perfect for a potluck or family dinner. Want to learn more? Read on! Serve up this scrumptious dish and enjoy!
Serve warm with your favorite side dishes
Tomato Basil Chicken Thighs make a great one-pan dinner. Packed with flavor, it’s perfect for lunch or dinner gatherings. Serve it warm with a side salad of mixed greens and tomatoes, roasted potatoes with herbs, flavorful couscous salad, or steamed green beans. For extra carbs, add a crusty loaf of bread.
It’s an excellent dish for entertaining and the ingredients are easy to get. Minutes of preparation and you can gather around the table to relish the delicious meal!
Check out 12 Chicken Recipes For All Occasions Yet Quick and Easy for more chicken recipes!
