Sautéed Chicken with Tangy Tomato-Basil Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts pan-seared and served with a vibrant tomato-basil sauce bursting with fresh flavors. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (low carb) ready in about 30 minutes blends olive oil, garlic cloves, minced, cherry tomatoes, halved into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 20 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: When the oil shimmers, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften and release their juices. Stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Cook for another 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the tomato-basil sauce over them. Cook for 1-2 minutes to warm through before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken with Tangy Tomato-Basil Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Chicken with Tangy Tomato-Basil Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken with Tangy Tomato-Basil Sauce?

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 Tangy Tomato-Basil Sauce 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.

Is Sautéed Chicken with Tangy Tomato-Basil Sauce low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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