Lemon Herb Chicken Skillet with Tomato Basil Cream Sauce

When I first stumbled across a tomato basil cream sauce recipe during a rushed weeknight dinner, I had no idea it would become one of my most trusted, go-to meals. That night, I had a pack of chicken tenderloins, a few stray basil leaves, and a jar of sun-dried tomatoes sitting in my pantry. With very little prep and a single skillet, I pulled together a dish that had everyone at the table going for seconds. This lemon herb chicken skillet with tomato basil cream sauce has since become a staple in my quick and healthy meals rotation. It’s flavorful, low-carb, and incredibly beginner-friendly—perfect for those just starting to explore home cooking.

Ready in under an hour, it uses pantry staples and comes together in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to relax after dinner. It’s an ideal easy sheet pan dinner (though made on the stovetop) that delivers a gourmet feel with none of the stress.

Why This Recipe is Special

This dish isn’t just about convenience—though it’s got plenty of that. What makes it stand out is the rich, velvety tomato basil cream sauce. It’s creamy, aromatic, and has that tangy depth from sun-dried tomatoes that makes each bite pop. Using chicken tenderloins or thin-sliced breasts ensures a quick cook time, while the sauce infuses the meat with luscious, herby flavor.

Plus, this lemon herb chicken recipe can be easily customized: swap out the protein, adjust the herbs, or tweak the level of creaminess depending on your dietary preferences. It’s a great beginner recipe because it teaches you how to layer flavors, sear properly, and build a sauce—all fundamental cooking techniques.

Ingredients and Preparation

Chicken Tenderloins
Tender and quick to cook, these are perfect for beginners. Their mild flavor makes them an ideal canvas for bold sauces. You can also use thin-sliced chicken breasts or boneless thighs if that’s what you have on hand.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes
These bring an intense, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the cream. If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes (slightly sautéed) work well too.

Fresh Basil
Fresh is best for this recipe. Basil adds a fresh, slightly sweet aroma that lifts the entire dish. In a pinch, dried basil can be used, but reduce the amount as the flavor is more concentrated.

Olive Oil & Butter
Used for searing and layering flavor. Olive oil helps the chicken brown, while butter adds richness to the sauce.

Garlic (Minced)
Adds a savory base to the sauce. You can use garlic powder if fresh garlic isn’t available, though the flavor will be milder.

Heavy Whipping Cream
The key to that luscious, velvety texture. For a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk is a good substitute.

Chicken Broth
Used to deglaze the pan and create a more fluid sauce. Vegetable broth or even water with a pinch of salt can work in a pinch.

Parmesan Cheese (Grated)
Adds saltiness, depth, and thickens the sauce. Nutritional yeast is a good substitute if you want a dairy-free version with cheesy flavor.

Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper
These simple seasonings tie everything together. Feel free to tweak the herbs to suit your taste.

Optional: Bacon Bits
Used as a garnish, they add a smoky, crispy touch to contrast the creaminess.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken tenderloins generously with salt and pepper, then sear them in the pan for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove and set aside on a plate.

Step 2 Reduce the heat to medium, add butter to the same skillet, and let it melt completely. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to let it burn.

Step 3 Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds tons of flavor to your sauce and is a technique called “deglazing.”

Step 4 Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, chopped fresh basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 5 Add the grated parmesan cheese and stir until melted and fully incorporated. The sauce should now be creamy and fragrant, with visible specks of tomato and basil.

Step 6 Return the seared chicken to the skillet and coat each piece in the sauce. Simmer everything together for another 2–3 minutes, just enough to reheat the chicken and meld the flavors.

Step 7 Garnish with bacon bits if desired, and serve hot straight from the skillet.

Beginner Tips and Notes

If the sauce thickens too much, don’t panic—just add a splash of broth or water and stir until it loosens. If your chicken is browning too fast, lower the heat and flip it more often to prevent burning.

To prep efficiently, measure all ingredients and chop your basil and tomatoes before you start cooking. This will help you avoid rushing during key steps like sautéing the garlic.

No garlic press? Just finely mince with a sharp knife. No cast iron skillet? A regular nonstick pan works fine, though cast iron gives slightly more flavor through better browning.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this lemon herb chicken recipe with simple sides like roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or zucchini noodles to keep things low-carb. If you’re not following a keto diet, whole grain rice or crusty bread are great for soaking up the creamy sauce.

For extra indulgence, pair with a side of mashed cauliflower or those cheesy cauliflower breadsticks. Leftovers keep well in an airtight container for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much after chilling.

Conclusion

This lemon herb chicken skillet with tomato basil cream sauce is the kind of recipe that makes beginner cooks feel like pros. It’s fast, forgiving, and packed with comforting flavors that will make it a regular on your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, it’s a reliable, quick and healthy meal that brings both nourishment and joy. Try it out, and don’t forget to drop a comment below—I’d love to hear how it turned out in your kitchen!

FAQ About Lemon Herb Chicken Skillet with Tomato Basil Cream Sauce

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