Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece with minimal effort and maximum flavor. This Chicken with Cherry Tomato Pan Sauce is your ticket to an Italian-inspired culinary adventure that will have your taste buds dancing and your dinner guests begging for the recipe. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a meal so delicious and vibrant, it'll make weeknight cooking feel like a gourmet experience.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering and hot.
- Carefully place the chicken breasts into the hot skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Flip the chicken breasts and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer to a plate, covering loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and release their juices.
- Gently scrape the bottom of the pan to incorporate any browned chicken bits into the sauce for extra flavor.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the tomato sauce over the breasts to coat them.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately, with the pan sauce drizzled over the chicken.
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust that seals in moisture.
- Use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness - 165°F (74°C) is the magic temperature for perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.
- Don't rush the browning process. Let the chicken develop a beautiful golden crust by avoiding the temptation to move it around in the pan.
- Fresh basil is key - add it at the very end to preserve its bright, aromatic flavor and vibrant green color.
- Choose ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for the best pan sauce. The fresher the tomatoes, the more flavorful your sauce will be.
- If the pan gets too dry while cooking, you can add a splash of chicken broth or white wine to create a more luxurious sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 110mg
