Description
Whipping up one pan pesto cherry tomato chicken brings pure weeknight dinner magic right to your kitchen table! Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly to create a simple yet satisfying meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings and Liquids:
- ½ cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Shaved Parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Thoroughly dry 4 chicken breasts with paper towels. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper evenly across both surfaces of the chicken.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet at 375°F (190°C). Sear chicken for exactly 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp exterior forms.
- Transfer chicken to a clean plate. In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds over medium heat until fragrant.
- Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 7 minutes at 350°F (175°C), pressing gently to help tomatoes release their natural juices.
- Pour ¼ cup chicken broth into the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any caramelized bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in ½ cup basil pesto and 1 tablespoon lemon juice until sauce becomes smooth and integrated.
- Carefully return chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce generously over each breast. Simmer for 6 minutes at 325°F (165°C) until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
- Plate chicken and spoon remaining tomato pesto sauce on top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, shaved Parmesan, and optional red pepper flakes.
Notes
- Always pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and develop rich flavor.
- Choose ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for the best sauce texture and natural sweetness in the dish.
- Use fresh basil pesto if possible, as it provides a brighter, more vibrant taste compared to store-bought jarred versions.
- Consider swapping chicken for white fish like halibut or cod if preparing for a seafood-friendly alternative, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg