Delicious Tomato Paste Chicken Recipe
Tomato paste chicken has become a staple in households across the country, and it’s easy to see why. This dish combines the rich, tangy flavor of tomato paste with tender, juicy chicken to create a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing option for a family gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.
The beauty of this tomato paste chicken recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a flavorful and nutritious meal on the table in no time. Plus, the combination of the savory chicken and the tangy tomato paste creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and satisfying.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
There are several reasons why this tomato paste chicken recipe is a true standout. First and foremost, the flavor is simply incredible. The rich, tangy tomato paste perfectly complements the juicy, tender chicken, creating a dish that’s both bold and balanced. Additionally, the recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it as the main course, pair it with your favorite sides, or even use it as the base for a hearty casserole or pasta dish. And with its impressive nutritional profile, you can feel good about serving it to your family, knowing that it provides a healthy and satisfying meal.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Tomato Paste Chicken ❓
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
The beauty of this tomato paste chicken is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of the rich tomato paste, savory chicken broth, and aromatic herbs creates the Italian-inspired flavor profile that has made tomato-based recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Tomato Paste Chicken Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is lightly browned on the outside.
• Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and tomato paste, and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken cook for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
• Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or shredding it. Serve the tomato paste chicken immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes
Compared to traditional Italian-style chicken dishes that can take up to an hour to prepare, this tomato paste chicken recipe saves you valuable time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 29g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 540mg
These tomato paste chicken recipes provide approximately 40% of your daily protein requirements and 20% of your daily vitamin C needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Serve the tomato paste chicken over a bed of spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta or rice.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Omit the cheese garnish and use a dairy-free yogurt or cashew cream as a topping.
• Added protein: Mix in some cooked lentils or chickpeas to boost the protein content.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the skillet for an extra serving of veggies.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the tomato paste chicken.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a crusty garlic bread or a side of sautéed zucchini for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
• Complement the tomato paste chicken with a hearty minestrone soup or a crisp Caesar salad for a well-balanced dinner.
• For a family-style feast, serve the tomato paste chicken alongside a tossed green salad, garlic knots, and a bottle of red wine.
• Create an impressive appetizer platter by serving the tomato paste chicken on crostini or mini skewers, accompanied by a selection of olives, roasted red peppers, and shaved Parmesan.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Skimping on the tomato paste: Don’t be afraid to use the full amount of tomato paste called for in the recipe. The rich, tangy flavor of the tomato paste is essential to the overall dish.
• Not deglazing the pan: Make sure to deglaze the pan with the chicken broth after sautéing the onions and garlic. This step helps to incorporate all the flavorful browned bits into the sauce, enhancing the overall taste.
• Forgetting to let the chicken rest: Allowing the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding ensures the juices are reabsorbed, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final dish.
• Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to season the chicken with salt, pepper, and the dried herbs. Proper seasoning is key to bringing out the full flavor of the dish.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These tomato paste chicken recipes retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the recipe up to the point of cooking, then transfer the raw chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
• Freezing baked: Allow the cooked tomato paste chicken to cool completely, then portion it into individual servings and wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in a skillet or oven until heated through.
• Reheating: To reheat leftover tomato paste chicken, place the desired portion in a skillet over medium heat and cook until warmed through, 5-7 minutes. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated to your liking.
❓ FAQs
Can I make the tomato paste chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the entire dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken in a skillet or the oven until warmed through.
Can I substitute the chicken for another protein?
Yes, you can easily swap out the chicken for another protein source. Ground turkey or lean ground beef would both work well in this recipe, and you can adjust the cooking time accordingly. For a vegetarian option, try substituting tofu or chickpeas.
Is this recipe suitable for low-carb or keto diets?
With a few simple modifications, this tomato paste chicken recipe can be easily adapted for low-carb or keto diets. Serve it over a bed of zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta or rice. You can also reduce the amount of tomato paste used to lower the carb count.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick or too thin?
If the sauce is too thick, simply add a bit more chicken broth to thin it out. Conversely, if the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken up. You can also mix a small amount of cornstarch or arrowroot powder with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce to help it reach your desired consistency.
Can I add any extra vegetables or herbs to the recipe?
Absolutely! This tomato paste chicken recipe is highly versatile and can be easily customized with additional vegetables or herbs. Try adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the skillet, or garnish the finished dish with fresh basil, parsley, or oregano for an extra flavor boost.
Conclusion
These tomato paste chicken recipes represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing main course for a special occasion, they’re sure to impress with their rich, tangy flavor and tender, juicy texture. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these tomato paste chicken dishes demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process.
So why not give this delicious recipe a try and experience the joy of a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to delight your taste buds.
Print
Delicious Tomato Paste Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
• Step 1: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
• Step 2: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is lightly browned on the outside.
• Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and tomato paste, and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken cook for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
• Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or shredding it. Serve the tomato paste chicken immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 250
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
Keywords: Tomato Paste Chicken Recipe
