Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic and Tomato Medley

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

Tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, served with a vibrant garlic and tomato sauce that bursts with fresh flavors. This Mediterranean-inspired chicken recipe (gluten free), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs chicken breast, olive oil, garlic cloves 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 rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 pieces of chicken breast (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken breasts. Sear for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), then remove and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes to the garlic and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften and release their juices.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and 1 tbsp lemon juice, cooking for another minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Return the chicken to the pan, spoon the tomato-garlic sauce over it, and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic and Tomato Medley 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 Garlic and Tomato Medley?

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 breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic and Tomato Medley?

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 Garlic and Tomato Medley 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 Garlic and Tomato Medley 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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