Pan-Seared Chicken with Cherry Tomato and Basil Sauté
Tender pan-seared chicken breasts served with a vibrant cherry tomato and fresh basil sauté, perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs (about 6 oz each) chicken breasts, olive oil, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 (about 6 oz each) chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 chicken breasts (about 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 until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from skillet and rest on a plate.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften and release juices.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and 1 tbsp lemon juice, cooking for another minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Return the chicken to the pan, spoon the tomato basil sauté over the top, and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Cherry Tomato and Basil Sauté 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 Cherry Tomato and Basil Sauté?
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 Cherry Tomato and Basil Sauté?
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 Cherry Tomato and Basil Sauté 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 with Cherry Tomato and Basil Sauté?
Mediterranean 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.
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