Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary with this mouthwatering Chicken with Warm Tomato Corn Salad! Imagine perfectly seared chicken breasts nestled beneath a vibrant, sun-kissed salad that bursts with fresh flavors and seasonal charm. This recipe is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey that combines the smoky sweetness of corn, the tangy pop of cherry tomatoes, and the rich, golden-brown chicken that will have your family begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 red onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by patting the breasts dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken from pan and let rest on a cutting board.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the diced red onion for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent and slightly softened.
- Add corn kernels to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Introduce halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing them to warm and release their juices.
- Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the corn and tomato mixture, stirring to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Slice the rested chicken breasts diagonally and arrange on plates, topping with the warm tomato corn salad.
- Garnish with fresh torn basil leaves and serve immediately while the salad is still warm.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your skillet is properly heated before adding chicken to achieve that perfect golden-brown sear.
- Meat Resting Matters: Always let your chicken rest after cooking to retain maximum juiciness and prevent dry meat.
- Fresh Ingredients Make a Difference: Use fresh, in-season corn and ripe cherry tomatoes for the most vibrant flavor profile.
- Balsamic Vinegar Trick: Add the balsamic at the end of cooking to preserve its rich, complex flavor and prevent burning.
- Garnish with Purpose: Fresh basil isn't just decoration - it adds a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.
- One-Pan Efficiency: By using the same skillet for chicken and salad, you'll capture all the delicious browned bits and maximize flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 110mg
