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Italian Skillet Chicken is a family-friendly, simple and fresh 35-minute meal! Uses fresh tomatoes for homemade tomato sauce and is topped with cheese.

When I first moved out on my own, spaghetti was one of my favorite things to make. Not because it was one of my favorite things to eat, but because all you have to do is boil some pasta, heat a jar of marinara sauce, and sprinkle some parmesan cheese. Dinner done!

As I started cooking more, I realized how fresh a homemade spaghetti sauce can taste. It really takes flavors over the top!

Why you’ll love this recipe:

fresh flavors of tomatoes and basil
ready in 35 minutes
low carb and high in protein
budget friendly and family friendly

What chicken is best for cooking in a skillet?

For this recipe, boneless skinless chicken is best. Chicken breasts are easy to work with and very common, but also consider boneless skinless chicken thighs. Thigh meat is tender and juicy!

Whatever you choose, pound the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap to an even thickness. This will help the chicken to cook evenly.

Ingredients for Italian Chicken

Chicken
Olive oil
Fresh tomatoes. If you don’t have good fresh tomatoes, use canned San Marzano tomatoes.
Garlic. Use fresh garlic if you have it, but second best is minced garlic you buy in the produce section of the grocery store.
Balsamic vinegar. This is used in Caprese chicken also and is amazing!
Fresh basil. Don’t use dried basil here. This fresh basil is what makes it amazing.
Mozzarella cheese. If you can find whole milk mozzarella, use that. So so good!

How to Make Italian Skillet Chicken

Generously salt and pepper both sides of the chicken.
Heat 2 Tablespoons olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until brown on both sides, turning once, about 6-8 minutes.

While chicken is cooking, dice tomatoes and garlic.
To create a basil chiffonade take 6-8 leaves of basil and roll in a bundle lengthwise. Cut through the bundle, creating ribbons.

freshly snipped basil on a cutting board

When chicken is done (165º Fahrenheit internal temperature), remove to a plate and place tomatoes in the skillet over medium heat until tomatoes break down, about 6 minutes.
Add minced garlic and balsamic vinegar. Heat through, about 2 minutes.
Remove tomato sauce from pan and place in a bowl.
Wipe out the skillet with a paper towel. Place chicken back in the skillet and top each piece of chicken 1 Tablespoon of basil.
Next, layer the tomatoes on top of the chicken and top with mozzarella cheese. Pile it high!
Place under the broiler until cheese is melted , spotty browned and bubbly.

Watch the skillet closely while it is under the broiler. It will brown quickly!

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chicken breast over a plate of spaghetti

What to Serve with Italian Chicken

This chicken is delicious served over pasta which makes it a traditional dish, but you could also serve with roasted potatoes. Here are a few other options for sides:

Italian green beans. With parmesan cheese and Italian bread crumbs, they are a family favorite!
Asiago cheese bread. Dip that cheesy bread into this sauce. Amazing!
Caesar Salad. This is a light option if you are trying to eat low carb.