Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes
Tender chicken breasts quickly sautéed with garlic and juicy cherry tomatoes for a vibrant and easy dinner. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic cloves, halved cherry tomatoes 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (about 1 lb) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices.
- Step 4: Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the tomato and garlic mixture over the top, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Cook for 1 more minute until everything is heated through and aromatic.
- Step 5: Serve immediately, spooning tomatoes and garlic over the chicken.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes 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 Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes?
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 Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes?
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 Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes 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 Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes?
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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