Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Roasted Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes
Juicy chicken breast seared to golden perfection, paired with sweet roasted garlic and bursting cherry tomatoes for a Whole30-approved meal. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs extra virgin olive oil, whole, peeled garlic cloves, cherry tomatoes 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (6 oz each) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 6 whole, peeled garlic cloves
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss 6 whole peeled garlic cloves and 1 cup cherry tomatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil and 1/2 tsp sea salt on a baking sheet, then roast for 20 minutes until garlic is soft and tomatoes blistered.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, pat dry 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each), season both sides with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and sear for 5 minutes on one side until golden brown.
- Step 4: Flip chicken breasts and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- Step 5: Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 3 minutes. Serve topped with roasted garlic cloves and blistered cherry tomatoes, garnished with 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Roasted Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Roasted Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes?
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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Roasted Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes?
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 Roasted Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes 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.
Is Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Roasted Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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