Pan-Seared Chicken with Market-Fresh Tomato and Basil Salad

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

Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts served alongside a vibrant tomato and basil salad that celebrates fresh, simple ingredients. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 22 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breasts, olive oil, kosher salt 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Place chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving, until golden brown and edges crisp. Flip and cook an additional 5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, combine 3 diced medium ripe tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, and 1/4 medium thinly sliced red onion in a bowl.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle salad with 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, then toss gently to combine and season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from pan, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve alongside the fresh tomato and basil salad.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Market-Fresh Tomato and Basil Salad take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Market-Fresh 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 (6 oz each) chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Market-Fresh 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 Market-Fresh 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 Market-Fresh 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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