Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary chicken into a culinary masterpiece that's both elegant and incredibly easy to prepare. This Sautéed Chicken Breasts with Tomatoes, Capers, and Basil recipe is your ticket to an Italian-inspired dinner that looks like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant, but can be whipped up in just 30 minutes. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a meal that's bursting with vibrant flavors, tender chicken, and a sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds!
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
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and appears slightly rippling.
- Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for approximately 6-7 minutes on the first side until golden brown and a nice crust forms.
- Flip the chicken breasts and reduce heat to medium. Cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove chicken breasts from the skillet and transfer to a clean plate. Tent loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add cherry tomatoes and capers. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until tomatoes begin to soften and slightly burst.
- Return chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the tomato and caper mixture over the top.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the chicken and sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness - 165°F (74°C) is the magic temperature for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet - this ensures each chicken breast gets crispy and browns evenly.
- Let the olive oil get hot before adding chicken - the shimmering surface indicates the right temperature.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices and keep it tender.
- Fresh basil makes a huge difference - try to use fresh leaves rather than dried for maximum flavor.
- Choose ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for the best burst of flavor in the sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 340kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 43g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 90mg
