Pan-Seared Chicken with Caprese-Inspired Tomato and Basil Salad

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

Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts paired with a fresh tomato and basil salad inspired by the classic Caprese sandwich flavors. This italian-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs olive oil, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 15 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  2. Step 2: While the chicken cooks, combine 4 oz sliced fresh mozzarella, 2 sliced ripe tomatoes, and 10 fresh basil leaves torn into pieces in a bowl. Drizzle with 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar and 1 tbsp olive oil, then gently toss to combine.
  3. Step 3: Remove the chicken from heat and let rest for 3 minutes on a cutting board. Serve the chicken topped with the tomato and basil salad and garnish with the minced 1 garlic clove for a fresh aromatic finish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Caprese-Inspired Tomato and Basil Salad 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-Seared Chicken with Caprese-Inspired Tomato and Basil Salad?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Caprese-Inspired Tomato and Basil Salad?

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 with Caprese-Inspired Tomato and Basil Salad 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 with Caprese-Inspired Tomato and Basil Salad gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged 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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