This chicken in cherry tomato sauce is a fresh, flavorful dish where chicken simmers in a garlicky cherry tomato sauce. Built from simple ingredients, it’s delicious spooned over vegetables, rice, or pasta.
This cherry tomato and chicken dish is one of my favorites: light but savory and packed with protein. The sauce is bright and versatile, and it complements a wide variety of sides.
You only need a few real-food ingredients and a little time. The aroma while it cooks is irresistible. If you enjoy cherry tomato recipes, this will become a go-to for weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal.
Table of Contents
- What makes this recipe great
- Recipe ingredients
- Step by step instructions
- Recipe FAQs
- Other healthy chicken recipes you’ll love:
- Chicken in Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe
What makes this recipe great
- Simple yet full of flavor — you only need about ten ingredients.
- Naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, Paleo and Whole30 friendly when you choose compliant ingredients.
- High in protein — one serving delivers a substantial amount of protein.
- Versatile sauce — excellent over roasted or steamed vegetables, rice, or pasta.
Recipe ingredients
- chicken – boneless chicken breast or tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- cherry tomatoes – ripe cherry tomatoes are essential for the bright sauce.
- red onion and garlic – build the savory base of the sauce.
- olive oil – use a good-quality olive oil for best flavor.
- salt and pepper – to taste.
- dried basil and dried oregano – add Italian-style herbs to the sauce.
- red pepper flakes – optional, for a touch of heat.
See the recipe card below for exact measurements.
Step by step instructions
Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and sauté the garlic and red onion for 4–5 minutes, until fragrant and softened.
Step 2: Add the chicken pieces, then season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook 7–8 minutes until the chicken is seared and lightly browned; remove the pan from the heat briefly.
Step 3: Pulse the cherry tomatoes in a food processor until crushed (you should have about 5 cups). Add the crushed tomatoes to the pan with the chicken, stir in basil and oregano, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low–medium and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Recipe FAQs
Yes — cherry tomatoes give this sauce its concentrated sweetness and bright flavor. Other tomatoes will change the final taste and texture.
Red onion contributes a milder, slightly sweeter flavor that pairs well with cherry tomatoes. You can use white onion in a pinch, but the flavor will be different.
Absolutely. Use about 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil and 1 tablespoon fresh oregano in place of the dried herbs for a brighter, fresher flavor.
Other healthy chicken recipes you’ll love:
This Paleo Skillet Honey Sesame Chicken is a great choice when you want takeout-style flavor at home.
The Creamy Mustard Tomato Chicken Casserole makes a comforting baked meal with a rich, tangy sauce.
For a lighter but elegant dish, Whole30 Chicken Piccata is a lovely option for special nights.
Did you try this recipe? Please leave me a ⭐ review below!
Chicken in Cherry Tomato Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced red onion, about ½ red onion
- 1 Tablespoon diced garlic, 3–4 cloves
- 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- a dash of crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 lbs cherry tomatoes, (about 3.5 cups)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
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Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red onion and cook 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and softened.
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Add the chicken, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook 7–8 minutes until the chicken is seared and lightly browned. Remove the pan from heat briefly.
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Pulse the cherry tomatoes in a food processor until crushed (about 5 cups). Add them to the pan and stir to combine with the chicken.
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Stir in the dried basil and oregano.
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Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower to low–medium and simmer for 30 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm over your choice of side.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.