Elevate your weeknight dinners with this irresistible Piquant Chicken with Basil—a dish that perfectly balances bold, tangy flavors with aromatic herbs. Tender, golden-seared chicken breasts are simmered in a rich sauce made from crushed tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, honey, and a kick of red pepper flakes, then finished with fresh basil for a vibrant touch. What sets this recipe apart is its versatile OAMC (Once-A-Month-Cooking) component, making it freezer-friendly and ideal for meal prepping. Whether served over fluffy rice, al dente pasta, or crusty bread, this easy-to-make, flavor-packed meal is sure to impress. Ready in under an hour, it’s a must-try for busy weeknights or make-ahead meal magic!
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Cook the chicken in the skillet for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
Bring the sauce to a simmer. Return the chicken to the skillet, ensuring it is coated with the sauce.
Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C).
Stir in the chopped fresh basil during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
For freezer-friendly OAMC use, let the dish cool completely and portion it into freezer-safe containers. Label and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Serve with your choice of side, such as rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
Calories |
1581 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 54.2 g | 69% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.4 g | 57% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 592 mg | 197% | |
| Sodium | 3188 mg | 139% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 38.1 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.9 g | 28% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.4 g | ||
| Protein | 223.4 g | 447% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 251 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 12.2 mg | 68% | |
| Potassium | 2841 mg | 60% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.