Description
A simple and flavorful One Pan Pesto Cherry Tomato Chicken recipe perfect for weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are seared and simmered in a sauce of bursting cherry tomatoes, garlic, and basil pesto, creating a healthy, low-carb meal bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Shaved Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
- Crushed red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes burst and release their juices. Gently press some tomatoes to create a chunky sauce.
- Pour in chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Lower the heat to medium, then stir in basil pesto and lemon juice until combined.
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, shaved Parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- To ensure even cooking, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness.
- Use ripe cherry tomatoes for the best natural sweetness.
- Do not overcook the chicken; remove from heat once it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- For optimal flavor, use high-quality pesto.
- Consider adding a splash of cream or butter at the end for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g