Italian Pan-Seared Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts pan-seared and simmered in a savory sun-dried tomato and basil sauce. This italian-inspired middle eastern ready in about 30 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/4 cup heavy cream. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Cook for an additional minute to warm through before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Italian Pan-Seared Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Italian Pan-Seared Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Italian Pan-Seared Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Italian Pan-Seared Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Italian Pan-Seared Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil?

Italian middle eastern like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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