Chicken with Braised Tomatoes and Burrata: A Creamy, Flavor-Packed Dinner
If you’re looking for a hearty yet elegant dinner, this Chicken with Braised Tomatoes and Burrata is exactly what you need. It’s a rustic dish that brings together golden-seared chicken breasts, a rich tomato and onion braise, and a crown of creamy burrata cheese that melts over everything like a dream. It’s satisfying, impressive, and surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 ball of burrata cheese (about 4 oz)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken breasts for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked through—they’ll finish in the tomato braise.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced onions and sauté for 5–7 minutes, until they soften and become translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Create the Tomato Braise
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato mixture.
- Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover and let cook for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Finish with Burrata
- Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to serving plates.
- Spoon the tomato and onion braise generously over each piece of chicken.
- Tear the burrata into rough chunks and place on top of the hot tomatoes and chicken. The heat will gently melt the cheese, creating a luscious, creamy sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is especially delicious when paired with something to soak up that beautiful sauce:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Al dente pasta
- Buttered rice
- Rustic crusty bread
For a lighter option, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh tomatoes if they’re in season. Simply chop 4–5 ripe tomatoes and simmer until soft.
- Add heat with a pinch of red pepper flakes during the tomato braise.
- Make it dairy-free by skipping the burrata or using a plant-based soft cheese alternative.
- Try different herbs like oregano or thyme for a Mediterranean twist.
Why You’ll Love It
This dish strikes the perfect balance between rustic comfort and elegant flavor. The tomato braise is rich and hearty, the chicken juicy and tender, and the burrata adds that creamy, indulgent finishing touch. Whether for a cozy night in or a weekend dinner with friends, this Chicken with Braised Tomatoes and Burrata is a guaranteed hit.