Pan-Seared Chicken with Indianapolis-Inspired Corn and Tomato Succotash
Tender pan-seared chicken breasts served with a vibrant succotash of sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil, inspired by the vibrant local produce of Indianapolis. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each) skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, fresh corn kernels 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) skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken and keep warm.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp unsalted butter, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook over medium heat for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup fresh corn kernels and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until the corn is tender and tomatoes start to soften.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Cook for another minute until the basil wilts and flavors meld.
- Step 5: Serve the chicken breasts topped with the warm corn and tomato succotash.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Indianapolis-Inspired Corn and Tomato Succotash 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 Indianapolis-Inspired Corn and Tomato Succotash?
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 Indianapolis-Inspired Corn and Tomato Succotash?
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 Indianapolis-Inspired Corn and Tomato Succotash 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 Indianapolis-Inspired Corn and Tomato Succotash?
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.