Chicken breast in tomato sauce with basil

Chicken breast in tomato sauce with basil: A savory and comforting recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4

Discover the delight of a simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the juiciness of chicken breast with a vibrant tomato sauce enriched with basil. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. With accessible ingredients and simple techniques, you can create a dish worthy of a restaurant right from the comfort of your home.

Your ingredients for a perfect result:

- 1 large chicken breast (approximately 600 g)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 100 ml dry white wine
- Salt and pepper, to taste

For the tomato basil sauce:

- 1 small can of tomatoes in juice (400 g)
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons bell pepper paste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 4-5 fresh basil leaves for added flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Step by step: How to prepare chicken breast in tomato sauce

1. Preparing the chicken breast
Start by washing the chicken breast well. Remove any visible skin or fat, then cut it into uniform cubes for even cooking. Place the chicken cubes in a large bowl and add salt, pepper, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and the chopped garlic. Mix well to coat the meat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 1 hour. This step will help to enhance the flavors.

2. Cooking the chicken breast
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the chicken breast in a baking dish and pour in the white wine. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. This moist cooking method will ensure the chicken remains juicy and full of flavor.

3. Preparing the tomato sauce
While the chicken breast is cooking, it’s time to prepare the sauce. In a blender, add the chopped garlic, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, dried basil, salt, pepper, and bell pepper paste. Blend well until you achieve a smooth paste. Then, add the canned tomatoes with their juice and blend again until you have a fine and creamy sauce.

4. Combining the ingredients
After 20 minutes, remove the dish from the oven. Pour the tomato sauce over the chicken breast, cover again with aluminum foil, and return it to the oven for another 5 minutes. This step will allow the sauce to penetrate the meat well.

5. Finishing the cooking
After 5 minutes, remove the aluminum foil and leave the dish in the oven for another 15-20 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. You will notice how the flavors combine and how the delicious aroma will make your mouth water!

6. Serving
Serve the chicken breast in tomato sauce alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a side of steamed vegetables. A fresh green salad will perfectly complement the meal, providing a refreshing contrast.

Useful tips:

- If you want a spicier sauce, you can add some chopped chili or chili flakes to the tomato sauce.
- Instead of bell pepper paste, you can also use sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper flavor.
- Experiment with different herbs, such as oregano or thyme, to vary the flavors.

Nutritional benefits:

This recipe is an excellent source of protein thanks to the chicken breast, making it ideal for a balanced diet. Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, especially lycopene, which contributes to heart health. Olive oil adds healthy fats, while basil has anti-inflammatory properties.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen chicken breast?
Yes, but make sure it is completely thawed before cooking it to achieve a good texture.

2. What white wine should I use?
Choose a dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. It is not necessary to use an expensive wine; a decent cooking wine will do the job very well.

3. How can I enhance the tomato sauce?
Add some chopped green or black olives for an extra burst of flavor. You can also add a little sugar to counteract the acidity of the tomatoes if necessary.

Serving suggestions and pairing:

This chicken breast in tomato sauce pairs perfectly with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing lemonade that will delight your taste buds. You can also accompany the dish with a portion of pasta or rice to turn the meal into an Italian feast.

This recipe for chicken breast in tomato sauce with basil is not only delicious but also simple to prepare, bringing a touch of warmth and comfort to every bite. Don’t be afraid to experiment and add your personal touches. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 large chicken breast, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 cloves of garlic, 100 ml white wine, salt, pepper. Tomato sauce with basil: 1 small can of tomatoes in juice (400 g), 2 cloves of garlic, 2 tablespoons of bell pepper paste, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried basil, salt, pepper.

 Tags:  chicken breast with sauce tomato sauce sauce with basil