Pan-Seared Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil

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

Juicy chicken thighs cooked in a garlic-herb pan sauce with sweet cherry tomatoes and fresh basil, perfect for a simple yet elegant dinner. This American-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs chicken thighs, olive oil, white wine for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1.5 lb chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Add chicken thighs to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 cups cherry tomatoes and 1/2 tsp dried thyme. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1/4 cup white wine and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Step 6: Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it among tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
  7. Step 7: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped basil and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil 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 with Cherry Tomatoes 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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes 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-Seared Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes 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-Seared Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil?

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.

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