Pan-Seared Chicken with Santa Clara Herb and Tomato Relish

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

Tender pan-seared chicken breasts topped with a fresh tomato and herb relish inspired by the vibrant produce of Santa Clara County. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes pairs olive oil, medium, diced Roma tomatoes, chopped fresh basil leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes. Add chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, internal temperature reaching 165°F. Remove from pan and rest.
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, combine 3 diced Roma tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp olive oil in a bowl. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Step 4: Serve the chicken breasts topped with the fresh tomato and herb relish, spooning it evenly over each piece.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Santa Clara Herb and Tomato Relish take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 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 Santa Clara Herb and Tomato 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Santa Clara Herb and Tomato 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 Santa Clara Herb and Tomato 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.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken with Santa Clara Herb and Tomato Relish?

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.

Related recipes