Sautéed Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil

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

Tender chicken breasts cooked quickly with sweet cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for a vibrant, no-fuss weeknight dinner. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic, halved cherry tomatoes 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: 15 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season chicken breasts with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper on both sides. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), then transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
  2. Step 2: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to skillet. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and juicy.
  3. Step 3: Return chicken to skillet with 1/4 cup torn basil. Squeeze juice of 1/2 lemon over top. Cook for 1 minute, stirring gently, until chicken is heated through and flavors are blended.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil 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 Cherry Tomatoes and Basil?

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 Cherry Tomatoes and Basil?

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 Cherry Tomatoes and Basil 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 Cherry Tomatoes and Basil?

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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