Slow-Cooked Tomato-Basil Chicken with Garlic Bread

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato-basil sauce, served with crusty garlic bread for a comforting weeknight meal. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 50 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, diced tomatoes, fresh basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 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.

★ 4.4 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 American cuisine 620 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then sear for 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp dried oregano to the skillet, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 28 oz diced tomatoes and 1 cup chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
  4. Step 4: Cover the skillet and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is tender and sauce has thickened slightly.
  5. Step 5: While chicken simmers, slice baguette into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Mix 3 tbsp softened butter with 1/2 tsp garlic powder and spread evenly over each slice.
  6. Step 6: Toast bread slices in a 350°F oven for 8 minutes until golden and crisp, then serve alongside the chicken.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Tomato-Basil Chicken with Garlic Bread take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Tomato-Basil Chicken with Garlic Bread?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep boneless chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Tomato-Basil Chicken with Garlic Bread?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Cooked Tomato-Basil Chicken with Garlic Bread for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Cooked Tomato-Basil Chicken with Garlic Bread?

American one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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