Chicken in Tomato Sauce is a comforting, flavorful classic loved for its rich, homestyle taste and effortless preparation.
Tender chicken simmers in a smooth, savory tomato base that fills your kitchen with aroma and warmth.
Perfect for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests, this dish brings together simplicity and bold flavor in every bite.
Whether you’re exploring new recipes or revisiting a favorite, this one never disappoints.
How To Make Chicken In Tomato Sauce?
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Yield: 3–4 servings
Equipment Needed
- Heavy-bottomed pan or skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients
- 500 g chicken (bone-in or boneless)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped or 1 cup tomato puree
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- ½ cup half and half
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes or green chilies (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder (optional)
- Salt, black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup water (adjust for desired thickness)
- Fresh coriander for garnish

Instructions
1. Prepare the Base Flavors
Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns soft and golden. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
2. Add the Tomatoes and Spices
Add the chopped tomatoes or tomato puree to the pan. Mix in paprika, cumin powder, chili flakes or green chilies (if using), along with salt and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the flavors meld.
3. Cook the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces into the pan and coat them well with the tomato-spice mixture. Cook for 4–5 minutes, allowing the chicken to lightly brown and absorb the base flavors.
4. Pour in Water and Simmer
Add water (adjust your choice). Cover the pan and let the chicken simmer on medium-low heat for 20–25 minutes, or until cooked through and tender.
5. Add the Creaminess
Lower the heat and pour in the half and half. Stir gently to create a creamy, rich sauce. Let it cook for another 3–4 minutes without boiling, so the cream blends smoothly.
6. Final Touch and Garnish
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Turn off the heat and sprinkle fresh coriander on top for a bright, fresh finish.
Nutrition Facts Of Chicken In Tomato Sauce
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 19g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
Which Goes Best With Chicken In Tomato Sauce?
✤ Serve Over Steamed Rice: The rich, creamy tomato sauce pairs perfectly with plain steamed rice, allowing the flavors to shine.
✤ Enjoy with Pasta: Toss your favorite pasta with the sauce and top it with sliced chicken for an easy Italian-style meal.
✤ Pair with Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the tomato sauce beautifully, making each bite extra comforting.
✤ Side of Fresh Salad: Balance the richness with a simple cucumber, lettuce, and lemon salad for a refreshing contrast.
Tips & Variations
✦ Adjust the Heat: Add chili flakes or green chilies for extra spice, or keep it mild by skipping them.
✦ Make It Creamier: Stir in more half-and-half or a splash of heavy cream for a richer, silkier sauce.
✦ Add Vegetables: Mix in bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to boost nutrition and flavor.
✦ Try Different Spices: Enhance the dish with oregano, basil, or smoked paprika for a twist on the classic taste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken cooks faster and is easier to eat.
Can I replace fresh tomatoes with tomato puree?
Absolutely—1 cup of tomato puree works perfectly.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! It reheats very well and tastes even better the next day.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Let it simmer longer or add a little less liquid.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms work great.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Can I use cream instead of half-and-half?
Yes, heavy cream will make the sauce richer and creamier.
Conclusion
Chicken in Tomato Sauce is a dish that brings comfort, flavor, and simplicity together in the best way.
Its rich aroma and satisfying taste make it a recipe worth keeping in your regular rotation. Easy to prepare and always delicious, it’s a delightful choice for any mealtime.

Chicken In Tomato Sauce
Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed pan or skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients
- 500 g chicken bone-in or boneless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 medium tomatoes chopped or 1 cup tomato puree
- 1 teaspoon paprika optional
- ½ cup half and half
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes or green chilies optional
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder optional
- Salt black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup water adjust for desired thickness
- Fresh coriander for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns soft and golden. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add the chopped tomatoes or tomato puree to the pan. Mix in paprika, cumin powder, chili flakes or green chilies (if using), along with salt and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the flavors meld.
- Place the chicken pieces into the pan and coat them well with the tomato-spice mixture. Cook for 4–5 minutes, allowing the chicken to lightly brown and absorb the base flavors.
- r
- Add water (adjust your choice). Cover the pan and let the chicken simmer on medium-low heat for 20–25 minutes, or until cooked through and tender.
- Lower the heat and pour in the half and half. Stir gently to create a creamy, rich sauce. Let it cook for another 3–4 minutes without boiling, so the cream blends smoothly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Turn off the heat and sprinkle fresh coriander on top for a bright, fresh finish.

Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.