Juicy Tomato Chicken: Simple & Delicious Recipes for Weeknight Dinners
Tomato chicken is a culinary staple beloved worldwide, celebrated for its comforting flavors, versatility, and ease of preparation. It’s a dish that transcends cultural boundaries, appearing in various forms across different cuisines, from Italian Chicken Cacciatore to Indian Butter Chicken (with a tomato base!). The beauty of tomato chicken lies in its simplicity – a handful of ingredients, a straightforward cooking process, and a guaranteed delicious outcome. This blog post explores several delicious tomato chicken recipes perfect for weeknight dinners, offering variations to suit every palate and dietary preference. We’ll cover everything from classic skillet preparations to oven-baked versions and even slow cooker options, providing detailed instructions and helpful tips to ensure your tomato chicken is always juicy, flavorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why Tomato Chicken is a Weeknight Winner
Before diving into the recipes, let’s explore why tomato chicken is such a popular choice for busy weeknights:
* **Quick and Easy:** Most tomato chicken recipes require minimal prep time and cook relatively quickly, making them ideal for evenings when time is short.
* **Versatile:** Tomato chicken pairs well with a wide variety of sides, from pasta and rice to potatoes and vegetables. You can easily adapt the recipe to use what you have on hand.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Chicken and tomatoes are generally affordable ingredients, making tomato chicken a cost-effective meal option.
* **Kid-Friendly:** The slightly sweet and tangy flavor of tomatoes is often appealing to children, making it a great way to get them to eat their protein and vegetables.
* **Healthy:** Packed with protein and vitamins from both the chicken and the tomatoes, tomato chicken can be a nutritious and balanced meal.
* **Adaptable to Dietary Needs:** Tomato chicken can be easily adapted to suit various dietary needs, including gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-carb diets.
Recipe 1: Classic Skillet Tomato Chicken with Herbs
This recipe is a weeknight staple for its simplicity and delicious flavor. The chicken is seared to golden perfection and then simmered in a rich tomato sauce infused with aromatic herbs.
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. **Sear the Chicken:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. **Sauté Aromatics:** Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. **Make the Tomato Sauce:** Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
5. **Simmer the Chicken:** Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
6. **Garnish and Serve:** Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or quinoa.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Chicken Thighs:** You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Fresh Herbs:** If you have fresh herbs on hand, such as basil, oregano, or thyme, feel free to use them instead of dried herbs. Use about 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs per teaspoon of dried herbs.
* **Vegetables:** Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the skillet along with the onion for a more complete meal.
* **Wine:** For a richer, more complex flavor, add ½ cup of dry red or white wine to the skillet after sautéing the onions and garlic. Let the wine simmer for a few minutes to reduce before adding the tomatoes.
* **Creamy Tomato Sauce:** Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or sour cream at the end of cooking for a creamier sauce.
Recipe 2: Baked Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella
This recipe combines the classic flavors of tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese in a simple and satisfying baked dish. It’s perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
* Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Prepare the Chicken:** Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
3. **Sear the Chicken (Optional):** For added flavor, you can sear the chicken breasts in a skillet with olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side. This step is optional but recommended.
4. **Assemble the Dish:** Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Place the chicken breasts in the dish and top with the remaining marinara sauce. Sprinkle with dried oregano and dried basil.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
6. **Add Mozzarella:** Remove the dish from the oven and top each chicken breast with slices of mozzarella cheese. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. **Garnish and Serve:** Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot with a side of pasta, garlic bread, or a salad.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Parmesan Cheese:** Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella for added flavor.
* **Vegetables:** Add sliced vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers to the baking dish along with the chicken for a more complete meal.
* **Breadcrumbs:** Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the chicken before baking for a crispy topping.
* **Pesto:** Spread a thin layer of pesto under the marinara sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
* **Spicy Kick:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
Recipe 3: Slow Cooker Tomato Chicken with Olives and Capers
This recipe is a hands-off way to enjoy delicious tomato chicken. The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
* 2 tablespoons capers, drained
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a slow cooker, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chopped onion, minced garlic, Kalamata olives, capers, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
2. **Add Chicken:** Place the chicken thighs on top of the tomato mixture.
3. **Cook:** Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. **Shred Chicken (Optional):** If desired, shred the chicken with two forks before serving.
5. **Garnish and Serve:** Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot over pasta, rice, couscous, or polenta.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Chicken Breasts:** You can use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs, but they may become drier during the slow cooking process. If using chicken breasts, check them for doneness after 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high.
* **Vegetables:** Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients for a more complete meal.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add the zest of one lemon to the slow cooker for a bright and citrusy flavor.
* **Anchovies:** For a more intense flavor, add 2-3 anchovy fillets to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. The anchovies will dissolve and add a savory umami flavor to the sauce.
* **Spicy Kick:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the slow cooker for a spicy kick.
Recipe 4: One-Pan Tomato Chicken and Roasted Vegetables
This recipe is a convenient and healthy way to enjoy tomato chicken and roasted vegetables all in one pan. It’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
* 1 zucchini, chopped
* 1 red onion, cut into wedges
* 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Prepare Vegetables:** In a large bowl, toss the bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. **Prepare Chicken:** In a separate bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
4. **Assemble the Dish:** Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Place the chicken pieces on top of the vegetables.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
6. **Garnish and Serve:** Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Other Vegetables:** Use any vegetables you like in this recipe, such as broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes.
* **Spices:** Add other spices to the chicken and vegetables, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or chili powder.
* **Lemon Juice:** Squeeze lemon juice over the vegetables and chicken before baking for a bright and citrusy flavor.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the vegetables and chicken before baking for added flavor.
* **Italian Sausage:** Add sliced Italian sausage to the baking sheet along with the chicken and vegetables for a heartier meal.
Recipe 5: Spicy Tomato Chicken Curry
This recipe brings an exciting twist to tomato chicken by incorporating the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine. It’s a flavorful and aromatic curry that’s perfect for serving with rice or naan bread.
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 inch ginger, grated
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1 teaspoon ground coriander
* 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* Salt to taste
* Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
* Cooked rice or naan bread, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. **Sauté Aromatics:** Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. **Add Spices:** Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
3. **Add Tomatoes and Chicken Broth:** Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
4. **Add Chicken:** Add the chicken pieces to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. **Simmer:** Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
6. **Season and Garnish:** Season with salt to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over cooked rice or with naan bread.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Coconut Milk:** For a creamier curry, substitute the chicken broth with coconut milk.
* **Garam Masala:** Add 1 teaspoon of garam masala to the curry during the last 5 minutes of cooking for an extra layer of flavor.
* **Vegetables:** Add chopped vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower, peas, or spinach to the curry along with the chicken.
* **Yogurt:** Stir in a dollop of plain yogurt at the end of cooking for a tangy and creamy flavor.
* **Lemon Juice:** Squeeze lemon juice over the curry before serving for a bright and citrusy flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Your Tomato Chicken
Tomato chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide variety of side dishes. Here are some serving suggestions to inspire your next meal:
* **Pasta:** Serve tomato chicken over your favorite type of pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni. Toss the pasta with the tomato sauce for a simple and satisfying meal.
* **Rice:** Serve tomato chicken over white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice. The rice will soak up the delicious tomato sauce.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Serve tomato chicken over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and hearty meal.
* **Quinoa:** Serve tomato chicken over quinoa for a healthy and protein-packed meal.
* **Couscous:** Serve tomato chicken over couscous for a light and fluffy side dish.
* **Polenta:** Serve tomato chicken over creamy polenta for a rustic and flavorful meal.
* **Garlic Bread:** Serve tomato chicken with garlic bread for a delicious and comforting side dish.
* **Salad:** Serve tomato chicken with a side salad for a light and refreshing meal. A simple green salad or a Caprese salad would be a great choice.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Serve tomato chicken with roasted vegetables for a healthy and flavorful meal. Roasted broccoli, carrots, and Brussels sprouts are all excellent choices.
* **Naan Bread:** Serve the Spicy Tomato Chicken Curry with warm naan bread for dipping and scooping up the delicious sauce.
Tips for Making the Best Tomato Chicken
* **Use High-Quality Tomatoes:** The quality of the tomatoes will greatly affect the flavor of your tomato chicken. Use high-quality canned tomatoes or fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best results.
* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Cook the chicken until it is just cooked through and still juicy.
* **Season Generously:** Don’t be afraid to season your tomato chicken generously with salt, pepper, and other spices. This will help to bring out the flavors of the dish.
* **Simmer the Sauce:** Simmering the tomato sauce allows the flavors to meld together and deepen. Don’t skip this step!
* **Add Fresh Herbs:** Fresh herbs can add a burst of flavor to your tomato chicken. Add fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley at the end of cooking.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder dish, omit these ingredients altogether.
* **Let it Rest:** Allow the tomato chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the chicken more tender.
* **Experiment with Variations:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations of tomato chicken to find your favorite. Try adding different vegetables, spices, or herbs to create your own signature dish.
Health Benefits of Tomato Chicken
Tomato chicken is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits:
* **High in Protein:** Chicken is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues.
* **Rich in Vitamins and Minerals:** Chicken is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including niacin, vitamin B6, and selenium.
* **Good Source of Lycopene:** Tomatoes are a good source of lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to a reduced risk of certain cancers.
* **Low in Fat:** Chicken breasts are a lean source of protein and are low in fat.
* **Provides Fiber:** Tomatoes provide some fiber, which is important for digestive health.
Conclusion
Tomato chicken is a versatile, affordable, and delicious dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. With so many different variations to choose from, there’s a tomato chicken recipe to suit every taste and dietary preference. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy skillet meal, a comforting baked dish, or a flavorful slow cooker creation, you’re sure to find a tomato chicken recipe that you’ll love. So, get cooking and enjoy the deliciousness of tomato chicken!