Tired of the same old weeknight dinner dilemma? Staring into the fridge, wondering how to whip up something both quick and bursting with flavor? Well, put down that sad takeout menu because we’re about to introduce you to your new culinary superhero: the incredible Pomodoro Chicken! Imagine juicy, tender chicken swimming in a vibrant, fresh tomato sauce that tastes like a sun-drenched Italian garden – all ready in the blink of an eye. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a 20-minute vacation for your taste buds, a healthy hug for your body, and a true testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary magic. Get ready to fall in love with dinner again!

Why You’ll Love This Pomodoro Chicken Recipe

This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a game-changer! Here are four fantastic reasons why this Pomodoro Chicken will become a fast favorite in your kitchen:

Lightning-Fast & Fabulous: With a total time of just 20 minutes, this recipe is faster than most delivery services. Perfect for those busy weeknights when hunger strikes hard and fast!

Healthy & Wholesome: Lean chicken breast combined with fresh, ripe tomatoes means you’re getting a powerful punch of protein and essential nutrients without sacrificing flavor. It’s a meal you can feel genuinely good about eating.
Simplicity, Elevated: You don’t need a pantry full of exotic ingredients. This dish celebrates the beauty of fresh, simple components working in harmony to create a truly delicious and satisfying experience.

Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding the whole family, this Pomodoro Chicken is a universally loved dish. Plus, it pairs beautifully with so many sides, making it incredibly adaptable to your mood or what’s in your pantry.

Ingredients for Your Perfect Pomodoro Chicken

Gather these fresh, wholesome ingredients to create your delightful Pomodoro Chicken:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt (for seasoning chicken)
¼ teaspoon black pepper (for seasoning chicken)
1 pound fresh ripe tomatoes, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
A pinch of salt and pepper, to taste (for finishing the sauce)

Detailed Step-by-Step Directions to Make Pomodoro Chicken

Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps to bring your delicious Pomodoro Chicken to life:

Heat the Skillet: Grab a large skillet and warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when it shimmers enticingly – that’s your cue!

Season the Chicken: While the oil heats, pat your chicken breasts dry (this helps with a golden sear!) and season both sides generously with the initial 1 teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper.
Sear for Golden Goodness: Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the hot skillet. Let it sizzle and cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes until it develops a beautiful, light golden crust. This sear locks in the juices and flavor!
Flip & Garlic Aromatic Magic: Flip the chicken to its other side. Now, here’s where the magic starts! Add the minced garlic directly into the pan, nestling it between the chicken pieces. Sauté for approximately 2 minutes, stirring the garlic a bit, until it releases its irresistible, fragrant aroma. Don’t let it burn!

Introduce the Tomatoes & Finish Cooking: Stir in your chopped fresh tomatoes around the chicken. They’ll start to release their juices, forming the base of your luscious sauce. Continue cooking for about 5 more minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) when checked with an internal thermometer. *Remember, chicken will continue to cook slightly after removal.*
Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, gently transfer it to a serving platter. It’s good to let it rest for a few minutes while you finish the sauce.
Simmer the Sauce: Allow the vibrant tomatoes and garlic in the skillet to continue simmering and cooking down for an additional 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally. They’ll soften beautifully, concentrating their flavors and creating a lovely, rich, and vibrant sauce. Give it a taste and add a final pinch of salt and pepper if needed.

Serve Immediately: Spoon the delicious, fresh tomato sauce generously over the rested chicken. Serve immediately and get ready to enjoy a fresh, healthy, and incredibly satisfying meal!

Presentation & Serving Ideas for Pomodoro Chicken

This Pomodoro Chicken is a star on its own, but here are some delightful ways to present and serve it, making every meal a special occasion:

Classic Italian: Serve your Pomodoro Chicken over a bed of al dente pasta like linguine, spaghetti, or penne. The sauce clings beautifully to the noodles!

Low-Carb & Light: For a lighter meal, pair it with zucchini noodles (zoodles), cauliflower rice, or a crisp side salad with a simple vinaigrette.
Hearty & Comforting: Scoop it alongside fluffy mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or even some crusty artisan bread to soak up every last drop of that amazing sauce.
Green Goodness: Add some steamed or roasted greens like asparagus, broccoli, or spinach as a vibrant side dish.

Garnish Galore: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a scattering of chopped fresh basil or parsley, or a drizzle of your best extra virgin olive oil can elevate the dish both visually and flavor-wise.
Meal Prep Maestro: This dish is fantastic for meal prepping! Cook a batch and portion it into containers for healthy, ready-to-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Storing Your Leftover Pomodoro Chicken

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to properly store your delicious Pomodoro Chicken to enjoy later:

Cool Completely: Before storing, ensure the chicken and sauce have cooled down to room temperature. This prevents condensation and helps maintain quality.
Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled Pomodoro Chicken and its sauce to a clean, airtight container.
Refrigeration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through, or in the microwave. If reheating on the stovetop, you might add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Be careful not to overcook the chicken when reheating, as this can make it dry.
Freezing: While technically possible, freezing boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a fresh tomato sauce like this isn’t always ideal for texture. The chicken can become a bit dry or mealy upon thawing and reheating, and fresh tomatoes can become watery. However, if you choose to freeze, store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs About Pomodoro Chicken

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Pomodoro Chicken recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs would work wonderfully, adding even more moisture and flavor. Adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a little longer to cook through (aim for 175°F/79°C internal temperature).

What if I don’t have fresh ripe tomatoes? Can I use canned?
Fresh tomatoes are key to the vibrant, light flavor of Pomodoro Chicken. However, in a pinch, you can use a 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes (drained) or crushed tomatoes. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can! Sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or a handful of fresh spinach added with the tomatoes would be lovely. Just be mindful of overcrowding the pan.
Is this Pomodoro Chicken recipe spicy?
As written, no, it’s not spicy. However, if you like a little kick, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.

How can I make the sauce thicker if I prefer?
To thicken the sauce, after the chicken is removed, let the tomatoes simmer for a bit longer, allowing more liquid to evaporate. You could also mash some of the tomatoes against the side of the pan with a spoon. A tiny bit of cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp cold water) can also be stirred in at the end, if necessary, but typically isn’t needed for this fresh sauce.
Can I make this Pomodoro Chicken in a slow cooker?
This particular recipe is designed for quick cooking on the stovetop. While you *could* adapt it for a slow cooker, the fresh, vibrant texture of the tomatoes and the perfectly seared chicken might be lost. It’s best enjoyed quickly!
What kind of skillet is best for making Pomodoro Chicken?
A large, heavy-bottomed skillet (like cast iron or stainless steel) is ideal for achieving a good sear on the chicken and even heat distribution for the sauce.

Can I prepare any parts of this recipe in advance?
You can chop your tomatoes and mince your garlic ahead of time, storing them in separate containers in the fridge. This makes the cooking process even quicker!
Is this Pomodoro Chicken recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure any accompaniments (like pasta) are also gluten-free if needed.
What wine pairs well with Pomodoro Chicken?
A light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Sangiovese, or a crisp white like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, would complement the fresh tomato flavors beautifully.

Pomodoro Chicken

A quick and healthy Pomodoro Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with fresh ripe tomatoes and fragrant garlic for a vibrant, easy meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 278.8 kcal

Equipment

Large skillet
Internal Thermometer

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt (for initial seasoning)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for initial seasoning)
1 pound fresh ripe tomatoes chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
A pinch salt and pepper to taste (for finishing)

Instructions

Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with the initial salt and pepper.
Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the hot skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes until lightly golden.

Flip the chicken, then add the minced garlic directly into the pan, nestled between the chicken pieces. Sauté for approximately 2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the chopped fresh tomatoes around the chicken. Continue cooking for about 5 more minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) using an internal thermometer.
Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving platter.
Allow the tomatoes in the skillet to simmer and cook down for an additional 4-5 minutes, until they soften and create a lovely, vibrant sauce.

Spoon the delicious tomato sauce over the chicken and serve immediately for a fresh and healthy meal!

Notes

This is a wonderfully fresh and healthy meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the natural flavors to truly shine.

Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories: 278.8 kcal
Total Carbs: 5 g
Net Carbs: 3.6 g
Fats: 11.6 g
Protein: 37.2 g

Authentic Pomodoro Chicken Recipe for Busy Nights