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Quick Pan-Seared Chicken with Juicy Cherry Tomatoes

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A fast and flavorful 20-minute dinner featuring crispy chicken breasts and juicy cherry tomatoes, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless chicken breasts, skin-on if possible
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • A pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Juice from half a lemon
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Let sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Let it get shimmering hot but not smoking.
  3. Place the chicken breasts skin-side down in the pan. Press gently to ensure full contact. Cook for 5–6 minutes without moving until a deep golden crust forms.
  4. Flip the chicken and cook the other side for 4–5 minutes. For thick breasts, lower heat to medium, cover loosely, and cook for a couple more minutes until done.
  5. While chicken cooks, toss halved cherry tomatoes with minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl.
  6. Push chicken to one side of the skillet and add the tomatoes to the empty side. Drizzle with remaining tablespoon of olive oil and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and release juices.
  7. Stir in lemon juice and butter (if using). Spoon the tomato sauce over the chicken and scatter fresh basil on top just before serving.
  8. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Juices should run clear and meat should feel firm but juicy.
  9. Serve immediately with the juicy cherry tomatoes and pan sauce.

Notes

Pat chicken dry for crispy skin. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain sear. Let chicken rest 5 minutes after cooking. Add a splash of water or broth if tomatoes stick or dry out. Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet to preserve crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: quick chicken recipe, pan-seared chicken, cherry tomatoes, easy dinner, weeknight meal, healthy chicken, low-carb chicken

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