One-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken with Garlic Butter Rice

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-10 · Updated 2026-05-10

A comforting one-pot meal featuring tender chicken simmered in a fresh tomato basil sauce served atop fluffy garlic butter rice. This Italian-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 4, minced garlic cloves
• 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup, grated parmesan cheese

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown chicken for 4 minutes per side until golden; remove and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Pour in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with their juices and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, stirring to combine. Return chicken to the pan and pour in 1 1/4 cups chicken broth.
4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup long grain white rice, cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for 20 minutes until the rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.