Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breasts | The Recipe Rebel

PRINTABLE RECIPE & NUTRITION INFO: https://www.thereciperebel.com/creamy-tomato-basil-chicken-breasts/

Made in partnership with Dairy Farmers of Manitoba.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (roughly 1 lb or 454 grams)
salt and pepper
1 tablespoon minced garlic (2-3 cloves)
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dried basil
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional but adds great flavor!)
398 ml canned diced tomatoes with Italian herbs
¾ cup tomato pasta sauce (marinara or other seasoned tomato sauce)
¾ cup whipping cream (whole milk or half and half also work*)
1 tablespoon corn starch
2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil (1 tablespoon basil pesto is a great substitute if you can’t find basil)
freshly grated Parmesan for garnish as desired
Instructions
Halve chicken breasts the long way, so that you have two thin pieces of chicken breast (see video for a visual) — this helps them to cook more evenly. (You can also use 4 chicken breasts flattened to the same thickness, but you will need a large skillet to cook them)
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Brown chicken breasts on each side. This will take about 2-4 minutes per side.
Remove chicken breasts from the pan and keep covered.
Add the garlic, salt, basil, pepper and pepper flakes if using. Cook 1 minute — do not let the garlic burn!
Add diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Scrape and browned bits off the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.
Whisk together the cream and corn starch and add to the pan. Stir to combine.
Add the chicken breasts back to the pan. Bring to a low simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover. Cook until chicken breasts reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F and the sauce has thickened slightly. Serve.

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