Name: Italian Chicken with Basil Pesto & Grape Tomatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz each); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil divided; 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; ½ cup basil pesto; 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional); Fresh basil leaves

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If you’re searching for a recipe that bursts with color, flavor, and pure Mediterranean sunshine, this Italian Chicken with Basil Pesto & Grape Tomatoes is truly a joyful dinner to make and share. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection, then topped with luscious, herby basil pesto and sweet-tart sautéed grape tomatoes. Every bite sings with fresh basil and that unmistakable summer brightness. It’s an easy, 25-minute meal that feels like an Italian escape and comes together with pantry staples and just a quick whirl around your skillet.

Italian Chicken with Basil Pesto & Grape Tomatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Italian Chicken with Basil Pesto & Grape Tomatoes lies in its short ingredient list—each item bringing its unique note to the melody. Simple components shine here, creating a meal that’s greater than the sum of its parts, both in taste and in vibrance.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The perfect blank canvas for beautiful flavors; aim for even thickness for best results.
Salt: Essential for drawing out the chicken’s natural juices and enhancing every other ingredient.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of robust spice to balance the pesto’s herbal notes.
Olive oil (divided): For searing the chicken and coaxing out sweetness from the grape tomatoes—use a good, fruity variety if you have it.
Grape tomatoes, halved: Little bursts of tang and juiciness that help create that irresistible saucy finish; cherry tomatoes work too!
Balsamic vinegar: Adds a deep, mellowed tang and a glossy sheen to the tomatoes for that restaurant-style touch.
Basil pesto: The star of the show! Use homemade or a good-quality store-bought pesto for that fresh, summery flavor.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional): A final flourish for salty, creamy depth—crucial for cheese lovers.
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish: A sprinkle of green for visual flair and extra herbal aroma right at the finish.

How to Make Italian Chicken with Basil Pesto & Grape Tomatoes

Step 1: Season the Chicken Breasts

Start things off by patting your chicken breasts dry and giving them a generous sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. This simple step not only boosts flavor but also helps form that gorgeous, golden crust during searing.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In your biggest skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts, making sure not to crowd the pan. Sear each side for about 5 to 6 minutes, until they’re perfectly bronzed and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it cozy and warm.

Step 3: Sauté the Grape Tomatoes

With the same skillet still hot (and all those delicious browned bits), pour in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the halved grape tomatoes. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring gently, just until the tomatoes start to soften and their juices mingle with the oil.

Step 4: Splash with Balsamic

Stir in the balsamic vinegar and let it bubble away for another 1 to 2 minutes. It’ll reduce slightly and create a silky, tangy sauce with the tomatoes—this step brings out a beautiful sweet-sour balance that makes Italian Chicken with Basil Pesto & Grape Tomatoes utterly irresistible.

Step 5: Finish & Serve

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it right in the tomato mixture. Generously spoon basil pesto over each breast and, if desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Let everything warm through for a minute, then shower with fresh basil leaves before serving. Just look at those colors!

How to Serve Italian Chicken with Basil Pesto & Grape Tomatoes

Garnishes

A handful of torn fresh basil leaves does wonders here, delivering not just vibrant green appeal but also a final burst of perfume. For a special touch, add extra shavings of Parmesan or even a drizzle of high-quality olive oil.

Side Dishes

This dish loves good company—think al dente pasta, creamy risotto, fluffy rice, or hunks of rustic, crusty bread for sopping up the pesto-tomato pan sauce. A simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette also pairs beautifully to keep things light and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant twist, slice each chicken breast and fan out atop a bed of sautéed spinach, or pile everything onto a shallow platter and let folks dig in family-style. You could also tuck leftovers into toasted ciabatta rolls for a next-day Italian Chicken with Basil Pesto & Grape Tomatoes sandwich that’s out of this world.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any extra Italian Chicken with Basil Pesto & Grape Tomatoes to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making lunch or dinner the next day an absolute treat.

Freezing

While the fresh basil and tomatoes really shine when just-cooked, you can freeze the cooled chicken (without garnishes) for up to 2 months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and consider adding fresh pesto and tomatoes after thawing for a flavor boost.

Reheating

Gently rewarm leftovers on the stovetop over low heat or in a 325°F oven until heated through—add a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce thickens up too much. Microwaving works in a pinch, but do it in short bursts to keep the chicken from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought pesto makes Italian Chicken with Basil Pesto & Grape Tomatoes a breeze on busy nights. Just pick one with fresh basil and olive oil high on the ingredient list for the brightest, most authentic flavor.

What’s the best way to make this dish dairy-free?

Skip the Parmesan cheese or swap it for your favorite dairy-free alternative. Many pesto brands also offer dairy-free versions, so you can easily enjoy Italian Chicken with Basil Pesto & Grape Tomatoes without compromise.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Definitely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are delicious here. They might need an extra minute or two of cook time, but they stay wonderfully juicy and absorb all that glorious pesto and tomato flavor.

How can I make the sauce creamier?

For a creamy, luscious finish, add a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of cream cheese to the skillet along with the tomatoes. It melds beautifully with the pesto and brings a touch of richness to every bite.

Is Italian Chicken with Basil Pesto & Grape Tomatoes gluten-free?

Yes! As long as your pesto is gluten-free (check the label or make your own), this recipe is naturally gluten-free and perfect for sharing with everyone at the table.

Final Thoughts

If you want a fresh, vibrant meal that comes together in no time but feels genuinely special, I can’t recommend Italian Chicken with Basil Pesto & Grape Tomatoes enough. It’s a celebration of Italian flavors that’s both simple and stunning—give it a try, and let it become an instant favorite in your home, too!

Italian Chicken with Basil Pesto & Grape Tomatoes Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Delight your taste buds with this flavorful Italian Chicken dish featuring juicy grape tomatoes, aromatic basil pesto, and tender chicken breasts. A perfect blend of savory and tangy flavors that make for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz each)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil divided

Sauce:

1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
½ cup basil pesto
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Garnish:

Fresh basil leaves

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Instructions

Season the chicken: Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken breasts.
Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet, cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side.
Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, sauté tomatoes, add balsamic vinegar, and cook until saucy.
Finish the dish: Return chicken to skillet, top with pesto, Parmesan, and basil leaves.