If Healthy Chicken Pomodoro Skillet sounds like something you’d order at a cozy little Italian spot (where the lighting is flattering and the bread basket never empties), you’re not wrong… but surprise: you can make it at home with one pan and zero fancy-chef stress.
This is my kind of weeknight magic—juicy chicken, a bright burst of tomatoes, garlicky goodness, and fresh basil that makes your kitchen smell like you’ve got your life totally together (even if you’re wearing leggings and answering emails). It’s hearty, fresh, and feels indulgent without being heavy. Let’s do this.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Chicken Pomodoro Skillet
- One skillet = fewer dishes. Because nobody has time to “soak the pan” for three days.
- Big flavor, simple ingredients. Tomatoes + garlic + basil + Parmesan is basically the culinary version of a group chat that always delivers.
- Perfect for busy nights. It’s fast, forgiving, and still dinner-party worthy.
- Light but satisfying. You get that saucy, comforting vibe without needing a nap afterward.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what brings this Healthy Chicken Pomodoro Skillet to life:
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4–5 small breasts)
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh minced garlic
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 24 oz grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tsp white sugar (tiny amount—big balance)
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
How to Make Healthy Chicken Pomodoro Skillet
1) Season the chicken
In a small bowl, mix the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Coat the chicken breasts on both sides, rubbing it in like you mean it. (This is where flavor starts.)
2) Sear for flavor
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the chicken and sear:
- 2 minutes on the first side
- Flip, then 2 minutes on the other side
You’re not cooking it through yet—just building that golden “restaurant taste.” Remove chicken and set aside.
3) Sauté the aromatics
Lower heat to low and add the minced garlic and diced onion to the same skillet. Sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Chef tip: Garlic burns fast and holds grudges. Keep it moving.
4) Build the tomato pomodoro sauce
Add the halved grape tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir well and scrape up the browned bits on the bottom—those bits are pure flavor gold.
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes. The tomatoes soften, break down, and start turning into a rustic sauce.
5) Finish the sauce and cook the chicken through
Stir in the fresh basil and white sugar. Then nestle the chicken back into the skillet, spooning sauce over the top.
Simmer 5–8 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked through.
6) Top and serve
Finish with extra basil and a generous snowfall of Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy that “I made something amazing” moment.
My Favorite Serving Ideas
This skillet is flexible—like your best friend who’s down for either brunch or a Target run.
- Over zucchini noodles for a lighter vibe
- With whole-wheat pasta (hello, comfort)
- Alongside roasted broccoli or a simple arugula salad
- With crusty bread (not mandatory, but highly encouraged)
Chef Omar’s Tips (So It Turns Out Perfect)
- Use small chicken breasts if possible. They cook faster and stay juicier. If yours are thick, pound them a bit so they cook evenly.
- Don’t skip the sear. It adds flavor and helps the chicken stay tender.
- Sugar isn’t “making it sweet.” It just smooths out the tomato acidity. It’s like adding mascara—no one notices it directly, but the results are obvious.
- Want a thicker sauce? Simmer the tomatoes an extra 2–3 minutes before adding the chicken back in.
- Parmesan hack: Grate your own if you can. The pre-shredded stuff is fine, but fresh grated melts like a dream.
A Quick Little Story From My Kitchen
This Healthy Chicken Pomodoro Skillet became one of my “drop-in dinner” favorites after a couple of friends showed up hungry with that casual, “We didn’t eat all day” energy. I threw this together with tomatoes that were this close to wrinkling and a lone onion hanging out in the pantry. Twenty-something minutes later, everyone was scraping the skillet like it owed them money. Now it’s on regular rotation—because it feels special even when the day wasn’t.
FAQs About Healthy Chicken Pomodoro Skillet
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless thighs work great and tend to stay extra juicy. Just simmer a few minutes longer if needed.
What if I don’t have grape tomatoes?
Cherry tomatoes are a perfect swap. If you only have Roma tomatoes, chop them small and simmer a bit longer to help them break down.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is a thermometer: 165°F in the thickest part. No thermometer? Slice the thickest piece—if it’s white and juicy (not pink), you’re good.
How long does this keep in the fridge?
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yep—just skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative. The sauce is still bold and delicious.
Bring This Healthy Chicken Pomodoro Skillet to Your Table Tonight
This is one of those meals that checks all the boxes: fast, fresh, comforting, and impressive without trying too hard. The tomatoes turn saucy, the basil makes everything smell like an Italian getaway, and the chicken stays tender thanks to that quick sear.
If you’re craving a dinner that feels like a hug—but still keeps things bright and wholesome—Healthy Chicken Pomodoro Skillet is the move. Now grab that skillet and let’s make your kitchen smell like victory.
Keep the Delicious Vibes Going (You’ll Love These Too)
If this Healthy Chicken Pomodoro Skillet just made your dinner feel like a cozy little Italian night-in, don’t stop here—your next “what’s for dinner?” win is waiting. Here are a few feel-good favorites that bring the same easy, saucy, weeknight-friendly comfort:
- One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken & Veggies – Garlicky, buttery, and loaded with veggies… aka the kind of dinner that makes you feel like you totally have it together.
- Healthy Salsa Verde Chicken Casserole – Zesty, cozy, and perfect when you want bold flavor with minimal effort (my favorite combo).
- Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo – One bowl, big comfort energy, and the kind of meal that disappears fast—especially if you’ve got hungry humans nearby.
- Crustless Chicken Pot Pie – All the creamy, homey goodness without the pie-crust drama. Warm, easy, and totally weeknight-approved.
If you try this recipe (or any of these), I’d love to hear what you think! Scroll down and leave a ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ review—your stars and comments help other home cooks find their next favorite dinner.
Healthy Chicken Pomodoro Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Healthy Chicken Pomodoro Skillet is a fresh, one-pan Italian-inspired dinner bursting with juicy chicken, garlic, basil, and sweet tomatoes. It’s light, flavorful, and ready in 30 minutes—a perfect weeknight win that feels gourmet without the fuss.
Ingredients
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (4–5 small breasts)
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh minced garlic
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
24 oz grape tomatoes, halved
1 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (plus more for garnish)
1 tsp white sugar
Parmesan cheese, for topping
Instructions
In a small bowl, mix Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Coat the chicken breasts evenly with the seasoning blend.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 2 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
Lower the heat to low, then add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Add halved grape tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to combine and scraping up any browned bits. Simmer over medium-high heat for 5 minutes.
Stir in fresh basil and white sugar. Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer 5–8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Sprinkle with extra basil and Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
Use small or thin chicken breasts for faster cooking.
The bit of sugar helps balance tomato acidity—don’t skip it!
For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter before serving.
Pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg