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Bright, bold, and bursting with flavor — the perfect 30-minute Mediterranean skillet dinner!

There’s something magical about the way lemon, garlic, and juicy cherry tomatoes come together in this rustic chicken skillet. This dish is everything we love about Mediterranean cooking: simple ingredients, big flavors, and a meal that comes together in just 30 minutes!

Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner or a laid-back weekend lunch, this Lemon and Garlic Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes is the kind of recipe that feels light and fresh — yet totally satisfying. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up all that garlicky, lemony goodness, or spoon it over rice, couscous, or orzo for a complete meal.

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Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup chicken stock or water
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

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Instructions

1️⃣ Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels (this helps them get beautifully golden).
Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
Once hot, add the chicken thighs and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through.
Transfer to a plate and set aside.

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2️⃣ Make the Garlic-Tomato Sauce

Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil to the same skillet.

Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant — careful not to let the garlic brown!

Add the halved cherry tomatoes and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to soften and burst.

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3️⃣ Build the Lemon-Garlic Pan Sauce

Pour in the chicken stock (or water) to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom.

Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and butter.
Let the sauce bubble gently until it starts to thicken slightly, about 2 more minutes.

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4️⃣ Finish & Serve

Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce.
Spoon the garlicky tomato mixture over the top and simmer everything together for another 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.

Just before serving, garnish with plenty of fresh basil for a pop of color and herby freshness.

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Serving Suggestions

This lemony chicken dish is super versatile! Try it with:

• Crusty artisan bread to mop up the sauce
• Steamed rice, couscous, or orzo for a heartier meal
• A simple green salad with vinaigrette for a light side
• Or even over mashed potatoes for a cozy twist

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Nutritional Info (per serving)

Calories: ~340 kcal
Protein: 26g
Carbs: 7g
Fat: 22g
Servings: 4

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Why You’ll Love It

• Ready in 30 minutes
• Packed with Mediterranean flavors
• One-pan simplicity
• Naturally gluten-free and low-carb
• Great for meal prep or easy entertaining

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Whether you’re cooking for guests or just craving something bright and cozy on a weeknight, this Lemon and Garlic Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes delivers serious flavor with minimal fuss.