Pan-Seared Chicken with Summer Tomato and Basil Ragout

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

Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts topped with a vibrant ragout of fresh summer tomatoes, garlic, and basil, capturing the peak flavors of the season. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs sea salt, black pepper, extra virgin 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 4, 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: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly with 1 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1 tsp black pepper on both sides. Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F). Remove chicken and set aside, tented with foil.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil to the skillet. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 cups diced ripe summer tomatoes, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/4 cup white wine (if using). Simmer for 6-8 minutes until tomatoes break down and sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  6. Step 6: Return chicken to the skillet and spoon the tomato-basil ragout over the top. Heat together for 1-2 minutes to marry flavors before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Summer Tomato and Basil Ragout take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Summer Tomato and Basil Ragout?

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 sea salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Summer Tomato and Basil Ragout?

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 Summer Tomato and Basil Ragout for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Summer Tomato and Basil Ragout?

Italian 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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