Pan-Grilled Chicken with Tomato and Basil
Grilled in a pan and topped with a fresh tomato and basil salad that bursts with Italian flavors. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 breasts (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
- Step 3: While chicken cooks, in a medium bowl, combine 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Stir gently to combine.
- Step 4: Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes. Spoon the tomato basil mixture generously over each chicken breast before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Grilled Chicken with Tomato and Basil take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Pan-Grilled Chicken with 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 Pan-Grilled Chicken with 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 Pan-Grilled Chicken with Tomato and Basil for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Pan-Grilled Chicken with Tomato and Basil?
Italian chicken 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.
