Pan-Seared Chicken with Mediterranean Tomato and Olive Relish

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

Tender chicken breasts pan-seared and topped with a vibrant relish of cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and fresh herbs for a bright Mediterranean finish. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs extra virgin olive oil, salt, black pepper 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: 20 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides. Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), then transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tbsp finely diced red onion. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and 1/3 cup chopped pitted kalamata olives to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften and juices release.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Spoon the tomato and olive relish over the rested chicken breasts before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Mediterranean Tomato and Olive Relish 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 Mediterranean Tomato and Olive Relish?

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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Mediterranean Tomato and Olive Relish?

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 Mediterranean Tomato and Olive Relish 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 Mediterranean Tomato and Olive Relish 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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