Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Charred Corn and Smoky Tomato Relish

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple pan-seared chicken breast served with a vibrant smoky tomato and charred corn relish that adds a fresh, tangy twist to the dish. This American-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), then transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
  2. Step 2: Using the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and reduce heat to medium. Add 1 cup fresh corn kernels and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until kernels start to char and smell sweetly smoky.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 minced garlic clove. Cook for 3 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices.
  4. Step 4: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp honey, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and the remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Step 5: Plate chicken breasts and spoon the smoky tomato and charred corn relish generously on top. Serve immediately with your choice of side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Charred Corn and Smoky Tomato Relish 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Charred Corn and Smoky Tomato Relish?

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 skinless chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Charred Corn and Smoky Tomato Relish?

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-Seared Chicken Breast with Charred Corn and Smoky Tomato Relish 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Charred Corn and Smoky Tomato Relish?

American 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.

Related recipes