Imagine a dish that transports you straight to the rolling hills of Tuscany with just one bite - a mouthwatering chicken recipe that combines the rustic simplicity of Italian countryside cooking with explosive flavor. This Cucina Rustica Chicken with Sage Tomato isn't just another weeknight meal; it's a culinary experience that will elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary, promising restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh sage, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by patting chicken breasts dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and appears slightly rippling.
- Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Sear for approximately 5-6 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust develops.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a clean plate, keeping warm by tenting with aluminum foil.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, sautéing for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet, allowing them to blister and slightly burst, stirring occasionally for about 3-4 minutes.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh sage into the tomato mixture, stirring gently to distribute the herb evenly.
- Return chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato and sage sauce. Reduce heat to low and cover, allowing chicken to finish cooking for an additional 8-10 minutes.
- Check chicken's internal temperature with a meat thermometer - it should read 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Plate chicken breasts and spoon tomato-sage sauce over the top. Garnish with additional fresh sage leaves if desired.
Tips
- Always pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear.
- Use a cast-iron skillet if possible - it provides superior heat distribution and creates an incredible crust.
- Don't rush the tomato blistering process; letting them naturally burst releases their natural sweetness.
- Fresh sage makes a significant difference - if possible, use freshly picked herbs for maximum flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken every time.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider finishing with a light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 379kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 49g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 120mg
