Oven-Baked Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Oven-Baked Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is a comforting, restaurant-quality dinner that brings together tender, juicy chicken breasts, a rich tomato cream sauce, fragrant fresh basil, and perfectly balanced Italian-inspired flavors. Every bite is filled with creamy goodness, gentle garlic notes, and the natural sweetness of tomatoes.

What makes this dish especially wonderful is how effortlessly it comes together. The chicken is seasoned and lightly seared before being transferred to the oven, where it finishes cooking in a delicious sauce made with tomatoes, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and fresh basil. As everything bakes, the flavors blend beautifully, creating a thick, silky sauce that coats the chicken.

Whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight dinner, cooking for your family, or looking for something special to serve guests, this easy oven-baked chicken recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and creamy: The tomato cream sauce is smooth, flavorful, and full of comforting Italian-inspired ingredients.
Tender chicken: Baking the chicken in the sauce helps keep it moist and juicy.
Simple ingredients: You only need everyday ingredients that are easy to find at most grocery stores.
One-pan convenience: Everything comes together in an oven-safe skillet or baking dish, making cleanup easier.
Perfect for meal planning: The leftovers reheat beautifully and make an excellent lunch the following day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to prepare this delicious creamy tomato basil chicken.

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Creamy Tomato Basil Sauce

1 tablespoon butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup tomato sauce
¾ cup heavy cream
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
¼ cup chicken broth

Optional Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves
Extra grated Parmesan cheese
A little freshly cracked black pepper
A drizzle of olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Chicken

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the seasoning stick properly and allows the chicken to develop a beautiful golden color when seared.

If the chicken breasts are particularly thick, gently pound them to an even thickness. This helps them cook more evenly and prevents the thinner portions from drying out before the thicker centers are done.

In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast, pressing gently so it adheres to the meat.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

Once the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet. Sear them for approximately 3–4 minutes on each side, until they develop a lightly golden crust.

The chicken does not need to cook completely at this stage because it will finish cooking in the oven.

Once both sides are nicely browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can prepare the sauce in a regular pan and transfer everything to a baking dish later.