Creamy Skillet Chicken with Corn, Tomato and Basil

Creamy Skillet Chicken with Corn, Tomato, and Basil is a simple and colorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil, all brought together…

By Hazel • September 19, 2025 • Reading time: 6 min

Save Recipe Print Recipe

Tip: save now, cook later.

Creamy Skillet Chicken with Corn, Tomato, and Basil is a simple and colorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil, all brought together in a smooth, creamy sauce. It’s an easy one-pan meal that feels light but satisfying, perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something tasty without a lot of fuss.

I love how the fresh basil adds just the right bit of brightness to the creaminess, making every bite feel balanced and fresh. The corn adds a nice pop of sweetness that pairs so well with the savory chicken and creamy sauce. One tip I’ve found helpful is to make sure the chicken gets a good golden sear before adding the veggies and sauce—it gives the dish a little extra flavor that makes it taste even better.

This recipe feels like a cozy, comforting meal I’ve come back to again and again. I often serve it with a simple side of crusty bread or a light salad to keep things fresh. It’s one of those dishes where I’m always surprised at how easy it is to make and how quickly it goes from skillet to table—perfect for those evenings when you want good food but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts cook quickly and stay tender. If you want more flavor, try using thighs, but adjust cooking time since they’re thicker.

Corn: Fresh corn really shines here with sweetness and crunch. Frozen corn works fine too—just thaw and drain it to avoid extra water.

Tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes are great for their burst of juiciness and color. If fresh aren’t available, canned diced tomatoes can work, but reduce added liquid a bit.

Heavy cream: This creates the silky, rich sauce. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or coconut milk, though the texture might be less creamy.

Basil: Fresh basil adds fresh brightness that lifts the dish. Avoid dried basil here—it won’t bring the same lively flavor.

How Can I Get a Juicy, Golden Seared Chicken in the Skillet?

Getting a nice golden crust on chicken adds flavor and texture that makes this dish special. Here’s how I do it:

• Pat chicken dry well to remove moisture—this helps with browning.
• Season with salt and pepper before cooking.
• Preheat the pan and add oil. It should be hot and shimmering but not smoking.
• Place chicken in the pan and don’t move it—let it cook 4-5 minutes until nicely browned.
• Flip gently with tongs and cook the other side. Don’t overcook; chicken should reach about 160°F (71°C) and finish cooking in the sauce later.

This method ensures juicy chicken and a flavorful base for your creamy sauce.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large nonstick or cast-iron skillet – perfect for searing chicken evenly and simmering the sauce without sticking.
• Tongs – help you flip the chicken gently without tearing the meat.
• Sharp knife – to chop garlic, slice tomatoes, and basil cleanly and easily.
• Measuring cups and spoons – for precise cream, broth, and seasoning measurements.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – great for stirring the sauce without scratching your pan.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap chicken breasts for thighs—they’re juicier and add stronger flavor, especially if you like richer meat.
• Add baby spinach or kale near the end for extra greens and extra color.
• Mix in crumbled feta or goat cheese instead of Parmesan for a tangier, creamier sauce.
• For a smoky twist, stir in a bit of chipotle chili powder or smoked paprika beyond the recipe’s suggestion.

Creamy Skillet Chicken with Corn, Tomato and Basil

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For The Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For The Veggies and Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears of corn) or frozen corn, thawed
• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for some heat)
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced, plus some whole leaves for garnish

How Much Time Will You Need?

This creamy skillet chicken recipe takes about 25 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping ingredients and 15 minutes cooking the chicken and sauce all in one pan — making it a quick and easy dinner option.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Season and Sear the Chicken:

Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if you like. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high until it’s hot and shimmering. Place the chicken in the pan and cook without moving it for 4-5 minutes until one side is golden brown.

2. Flip and Finish Cooking the Chicken:

Flip the chicken breasts and cook for another 4-5 minutes, until almost cooked through (an internal temperature around 160°F or 71°C is perfect). Then remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside — it will finish cooking in the sauce later.

3. Cook the Veggies and Make the Sauce:

Turn the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the fresh corn kernels and halved tomatoes, stirring occasionally and cooking 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping any browned bits from the pan. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes for a gentle simmer, thickening the sauce over 3-4 minutes.

4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce with the veggies. Let everything simmer together for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the chicken to finish cooking and soak up the delicious flavors.

5. Add Basil and Serve:

Turn off the heat and stir in the sliced fresh basil right before serving. Garnish with whole basil leaves for a bright, fresh touch. Serve this creamy skillet chicken warm, with crusty bread or a light salad on the side for an easy, satisfying meal.

Can I Use Frozen Corn Instead of Fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen corn! Just be sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before adding to the skillet to keep the sauce from becoming watery.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.

Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your chicken broth and any added seasonings do not contain gluten. Double check labels just to be safe.

What Can I Serve with Creamy Skillet Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up the sauce, steamed rice, or a fresh green salad for a lighter option.