Pan-Seared Chicken with Quick Tomato and Basil Sauté
Tender chicken breasts pan-seared and topped with a vibrant tomato and basil sauté, ready in under 30 minutes. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, olive oil 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) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 pint, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, torn fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Place chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook another 5 minutes until cooked through and juices run clear. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Add 1 pint halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and juices start to release.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves and 1 tbsp lemon juice, cooking for an additional minute until the basil wilts and the sauce is slightly thickened.
- Step 6: Return chicken to the skillet briefly to coat with the tomato basil sauté, then serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Quick Tomato and Basil Sauté take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (5 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 Quick Tomato and Basil Sauté?
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 salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Quick Tomato and Basil Sauté?
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 Quick Tomato and Basil Sauté 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 Quick Tomato and Basil Sauté?
Mediterranean 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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