Skillet & One-Pan

Chicken And Tomato Skillet

Name: Chicken And Tomato Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, boneless; 2 large tomatoes, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil; 1 tsp (5g) dried thyme; 1 tsp (5g) paprika; 1/2 tsp (2g) salt; 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper; 2 tbsp (30g) butter; 2 tbsp (30g) chopped fresh parsley

By Gabriel Rutherford · June 19, 2026 · Skillet & One-Pan

Prep15 min

Cook25 min

Total40 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I made this Chicken And Tomato Skillet for my family. It was a busy weeknight, and I needed something quick, delicious, and satisfying. This recipe has since become a staple in our household, and I'm excited to share it with you.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can create a flavorful and moist chicken dinner that's perfect for any occasion. The key is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the chicken to the right temperature.

In this recipe, we'll be using boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which are not only affordable but also packed with flavor. We'll be pairing the chicken with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, which will add a burst of freshness to the dish.

This recipe is perfect for families, as it's easy to make and can be customized to suit your tastes. You can serve it with a side of rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables, making it a versatile and satisfying meal.

So, let's get started and make this delicious Chicken And Tomato Skillet! With its easy-to-follow instructions and mouth-watering flavors, you'll be making this recipe again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's perfect for a weeknight meal, as it can be made in under 30 minutes.
The dish is highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite herbs and spices.
It's a great way to use up fresh tomatoes and herbs from your garden.
The recipe is budget-friendly and can be made with affordable ingredients.
It's a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to this recipe's success lies in the way we cook the chicken. By searing the chicken in a hot skillet, we're able to lock in the juices and create a crispy exterior. This, combined with the flavorful sauce made from fresh tomatoes and herbs, creates a dish that's both moist and flavorful.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of layers. By cooking the chicken and vegetables in layers, we're able to build a depth of flavor that's hard to achieve with other cooking methods. This, combined with the acidity from the tomatoes, creates a balanced and refreshing flavor profile.

Finally, the key to making this recipe work is to not overcook the chicken. By cooking the chicken to the right temperature, we're able to ensure that it's both safe to eat and moist. This, combined with the resting time, allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even more tender and flavorful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making this Chicken And Tomato Skillet, it's all about using high-quality ingredients. You'll want to choose fresh, flavorful tomatoes and herbs, as well as boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Don't be afraid to get creative with your ingredients, adding your favorite spices and seasonings to make the dish your own.

In addition to the chicken and tomatoes, you'll need a few pantry staples, including olive oil, garlic, and salt. These ingredients will help to bring out the flavors of the dish and add depth to the sauce.

1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, bonelessChoose fresh, boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best flavor and texture. You can also use chicken breast if you prefer, but thighs are more moist and flavorful.
2 large tomatoes, dicedFresh, flavorful tomatoes are the key to this recipe. Choose tomatoes that are heavy for their size and have a sweet, earthy aroma.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungent flavor to the dish, but be careful not to overdo it. You can also use shallots or onions if you prefer.
1/4 cup (60ml) olive oilOlive oil is a healthy, flavorful oil that's perfect for cooking. Choose a high-quality oil that's rich in flavor and has a smooth texture.
1 tsp (5g) dried thymeThyme is a classic herb that pairs well with chicken and tomatoes. You can also use fresh thyme if you prefer, but dried thyme is more convenient and has a longer shelf life.
1 tsp (5g) paprikaPaprika adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor to the dish. Choose a high-quality paprika that's rich in flavor and has a deep red color.
1/2 tsp (2g) saltSalt enhances the flavors of the dish and helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes. Use a high-quality salt that's rich in flavor and has a smooth texture.
1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperBlack pepper adds a sharp, pungent flavor to the dish. Use a high-quality pepper that's freshly ground for the best flavor.
2 tbsp (30g) butterButter adds a rich, creamy flavor to the dish. Choose a high-quality butter that's rich in flavor and has a smooth texture.
2 tbsp (30g) chopped fresh parsleyParsley adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the dish. Choose fresh parsley that's heavy for its size and has a bright green color.

Ingredients for Chicken And Tomato Skillet

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeInstant-read thermometerCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Chicken And Tomato Skillet

1
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-6 minutes per side.
3
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
4
Add the garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5
Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they start to release their juices, about 2-3 minutes.
6
Add the thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.
7
Add the browned chicken back to the skillet and stir to combine with the tomato mixture.
8
Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the mixture, covered, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C), about 15-20 minutes.
9
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken in the thickest part of the breast.
10
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the butter until melted and smooth.
11
Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top of the chicken and tomatoes.
12
Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the juices to redistribute and the flavors to meld together.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, including fresh tomatoes and herbs, for the best flavor.
Don't overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough.
Let the mixture rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing the juices to redistribute and the flavors to meld together.
Add your favorite spices and seasonings to make the dish your own.
Serve the dish with a side of rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Use a large heavy skillet or wok to cook the chicken and tomatoes, as it will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the ingredients from burning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry and tough.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can result in a lackluster flavor.
Not letting the mixture rest before serving, which can cause the juices to run out and the flavors to become unbalanced.
Not stirring the mixture frequently enough, which can cause the ingredients to burn or stick to the skillet.
Not using enough oil or butter, which can cause the ingredients to stick to the skillet and become dry.
Not seasoning the dish enough, which can result in a bland flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some heat to the dish by incorporating diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes.
Use different types of protein, such as shrimp or tofu, for a vegetarian or vegan option.
Add some smokiness to the dish by incorporating smoked paprika or chipotle peppers.
Use different types of tomatoes, such as cherry or grape tomatoes, for a sweeter flavor.
Add some freshness to the dish by incorporating chopped cilantro or basil.
Use different types of cheese, such as feta or parmesan, for a tangy flavor.

What to Serve With Chicken And Tomato Skillet

This Chicken And Tomato Skillet is perfect for serving with a side of rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with some crusty bread or a green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Some other options for serving this dish include:

Roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts for a healthy and flavorful side dish.

Garlic and herb roasted potatoes for a hearty and satisfying side dish.

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing and easy side dish.

Serve with a side of garlic bread for a comforting meal.Add some roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts, for a healthy and flavorful side dish.Serve with a simple green salad for a light and refreshing meal.Add some crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying snack.

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This Chicken And Tomato Skillet can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

To store the dish in the refrigerator, simply let it cool to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container.

To freeze the dish, let it cool to room temperature and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag.

When reheating the dish, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot and steaming.

Some tips for reheating the dish include:

Adding a little bit of water or broth to the dish to prevent it from drying out.

Stirring the dish frequently to prevent the ingredients from burning or sticking to the skillet.

Using a low heat to prevent the dish from burning or becoming too hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the best type of chicken to use for this recipe. They are moist, flavorful, and cook evenly.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

While canned tomatoes can be used in a pinch, fresh tomatoes are preferred for this recipe. They have a brighter, more vibrant flavor and a firmer texture that holds up well to cooking.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The best way to know when the chicken is cooked through is to use an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 F (74 C) for it to be considered cooked through.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe can be made ahead of time. Simply cook the chicken and tomatoes, then let them cool to room temperature. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze until ready to serve.

What type of pan is best for this recipe?

A large heavy skillet or wok is the best type of pan to use for this recipe. It allows for even cooking and prevents the ingredients from burning or sticking to the pan.

Can I add other ingredients to the recipe?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the recipe to suit your tastes. Some options include diced bell peppers, sliced onions, or chopped mushrooms.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

To prevent the chicken from drying out, make sure to not overcook it. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, and remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches 165 F (74 C).

Can I serve this recipe as a main dish?

Yes, this recipe can be served as a main dish. Simply add some sides, such as rice or roasted vegetables, and you have a complete meal.

The Full Recipe

Recipe Card