5 Delicious Chicken and Fresh Tomato Recipes

Introduction

Chicken and fresh tomatoes pair beautifully to create dishes that are both vibrant and flavorful. From Italian-inspired classics to modern culinary twists, we explore five delightful chicken and tomato recipes that will elevate your cooking game. Let’s dive into the delicious world of tomato and chicken dishes!

Tomato Basil Chicken

Tomato Basil Chicken is the epitome of summer on a plate. Here’s how to prepare this easy yet delectable dish:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 boneless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Method:
  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add garlic, and cook until fragrant. Pour in the white wine or broth, and stir to deglaze the pan.
  3. Add the tomatoes, letting them cook down a bit before adding the basil. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Return the chicken to the pan, cover with sauce, and cook for another 5-10 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.

🌿 Note: Opt for ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best flavor. Overripe tomatoes can be too watery.

Chicken Parmigiana with Tomato Sauce

A timeless Italian dish, Chicken Parmigiana combines crispy fried chicken with a rich, homemade tomato sauce. Here’s the recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 chicken cutlets
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup parmesan, grated
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 cups tomato sauce (recipe below)
  • 1/2 pound mozzarella, sliced
  • Vegetable oil for frying
• Tomato Sauce:
  • 6-8 ripe tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Fresh basil and oregano
  • Olive oil, salt, and pepper
  1. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes.
  2. Add fresh herbs, cook for another 5 minutes. Blend to desired consistency.
• Assembly:
  1. Bread the chicken cutlets by dipping them in egg, then breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan.
  2. Fry until golden brown. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  3. Place chicken in a baking dish, top with tomato sauce, followed by slices of mozzarella. Bake until cheese melts and bubbles, about 10-15 minutes.

Roasted Tomato and Chicken Roulade

Experience a fusion of flavors with this sophisticated Roasted Tomato and Chicken Roulade:

• Ingredients:
  • 6 chicken breasts, butterflied
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cup spinach
  • 1/2 cup goat cheese
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • Fresh thyme
  • Olive oil, salt, and pepper
• Method:
  1. Roast cherry tomatoes with thyme, olive oil, salt, and balsamic vinegar at 400°F for 20 minutes.
  2. Lay out the butterflied chicken, season, then layer with spinach, goat cheese, and roasted tomatoes.
  3. Roll the chicken tightly, secure with toothpicks or string, then sear in a pan with olive oil.
  4. Finish by baking in the oven at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.

Tomato Chicken Curry

If you’re looking for something with a little more spice, try Tomato Chicken Curry:

• Ingredients:
  • 6 chicken thighs
  • 4 large tomatoes, pureed
  • 2 onions, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • Spices: turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, chili powder
  • Coconut milk, salt, fresh coriander
• Method:
  1. Sauté onions in oil until translucent, then add garlic and ginger. Fry until golden.
  2. Add spices, cook for a minute, then pour in the tomato puree. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Stir in chicken, cover, and cook on low heat. Add coconut milk when chicken is nearly done for richness.
  4. Garnish with fresh coriander before serving.

Grilled Chicken with Fresh Tomato Salsa

For a lighter, fresher take, Grilled Chicken with Fresh Tomato Salsa is a perfect choice:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
  • 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
  • Lime juice, fresh cilantro, salt, pepper
• Method:
  1. Marinate chicken with lime juice, salt, and pepper for 30 minutes.
  2. Grill chicken until done, about 6-8 minutes per side.
  3. Combine tomatoes, jalapeño, onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper for the salsa.
  4. Serve grilled chicken topped with the fresh tomato salsa.

To summarize, we've explored a variety of chicken and fresh tomato recipes that can cater to different tastes and culinary skills. Whether you're craving something classic like Chicken Parmigiana or you're in the mood for the vibrant flavors of a curry, these recipes showcase the versatility of combining these two ingredients. Each dish not only delivers on taste but also provides a visual feast due to the rich colors of tomatoes.

Can these recipes be made ahead of time?

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Yes, most of these dishes can be prepared in advance. For example, the Tomato Basil Chicken and Chicken Parmigiana can be prepped a day ahead and simply reheated. The Tomato Chicken Curry can even taste better after a day or two as the flavors meld together.

Are these recipes suitable for children?

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Absolutely! You can adjust the spice levels to make them kid-friendly. Dishes like Grilled Chicken with Fresh Tomato Salsa or Tomato Basil Chicken are typically mild enough for kids, but be mindful of the salt and pepper amounts when cooking for children.

What are some vegetarian alternatives to these recipes?

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You can replace the chicken with options like tofu, eggplant, or even large portobello mushrooms to keep the essence of the dishes vegetarian-friendly. For the curry, use chickpeas or paneer instead of chicken for a flavorful alternative.