Name: Pan-Seared Chicken with Tomato-Basil Pan Sauce
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 28 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts; 2 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cloves garlic; 1 pint cherry tomatoes; 0.5 cup chicken broth; 0.25 cup heavy cream; 0.25 cup fresh basil; 0.25 cup parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon salt; 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Pan-Seared Chicken with Tomato-Basil Pan Sauce

italianitalian-inspiredquickunder 30 minutesweeknight

8 minPrep20 minCook2Serves

Ingredients

2chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
2 tablespoonolive oil
3 clovesgarlic
1 pintcherry tomatoes
½ cupchicken broth
¼ cupheavy cream
¼ cupfresh basil
¼ cupparmesan cheese (grated)
1 teaspoonsalt
½ teaspoonblack pepper

Method

01
Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
02
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
03
Add chicken breasts and cook 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
04
Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the same pan and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
05
Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to burst and release juices.
06
Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer 2 minutes.
07
Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
08
Remove from heat and stir in torn basil leaves and 1/4 cup grated parmesan. Season with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
09
Return chicken to the pan, spooning sauce over the top. Let rest 2 minutes before serving.

Spice Tips

For a touch of heat, add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes with the garlic. A splash of white wine (2 tablespoons) in place of some broth adds brightness. Fresh oregano or thyme can complement the basil.

Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For thicker sauce, simmer an extra minute before adding basil. Leftovers keep refrigerated 3 days.