Sometimes the best meals come from keeping things simple. Our recipe with just 8 ingredients proves you don’t need a long list to create something delicious and satisfying. With minimal prep and easy-to-find items you can whip up a tasty dish without stress or fuss.
We love recipes like this because they save time and reduce waste while still delivering big on flavor. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or just looking for a straightforward meal, this recipe hits the mark. Let’s dive into a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion and easy to make with what you have on hand.
Ingredients For Recipe With 8 Ingredients
To create this delicious 8-ingredient recipe, we focus on simplicity and flavor. Each ingredient plays a key role in balancing the dish’s taste and texture. Below is the precise list of ingredients with the necessary preparation notes, so our cooking process flows smoothly and yields consistent results.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | — |
| Chicken breasts | 2 large | Trimmed and pounded |
| Garlic cloves | 3 | Minced |
| Cherry tomatoes | 1 cup | Halved |
| Fresh basil leaves | ½ cup | Chopped |
| Lemon juice | 2 tablespoons | Freshly squeezed |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | — |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon | Freshly ground |
“Using fresh and vibrant ingredients enhances the natural flavors while keeping the ingredient count low. This approach maximizes taste with minimal complexity.”
We make sure to prep ingredients precisely before cooking to save time and reduce distractions. For instance, mincing the garlic and halving cherry tomatoes ahead of time ensures smooth workflow.
Our 8 ingredients combine high-quality protein, fresh herbs, acidity, and seasoning to create a nutritionally balanced and appetizing meal. This simplicity guarantees that every component shines through in the final dish.
Equipment Needed
To prepare this recipe with 8 ingredients efficiently, having the right equipment on hand is essential. Each tool helps us execute the cooking process smoothly while preserving the integrity of our simple yet flavorful dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Large Skillet or Non-stick Pan: We use this to cook the chicken breasts evenly and sauté the garlic and cherry tomatoes, ensuring a perfect sear and rich flavor development.
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: Precise chopping of garlic cloves and halving cherry tomatoes is crucial for quick cooking and flavor release.
- Measuring Spoons: For accurate measurement of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to balance the taste perfectly.
- Tongs or Spatula: These tools allow us to flip the chicken gently and stir the ingredients without breaking them.
- Small Bowl: To mix lemon juice with olive oil and seasonings before adding them to the pan.
- Plate or Serving Dish: For resting the cooked chicken, which helps retain juices and enhance the texture.
Optional but Helpful
- Garlic Press: Speeds up mincing garlic, infusing the dish with maximum aroma.
- Citrus Juicer: Extracts juice cleanly from lemons, avoiding seeds and pulp in the final blend.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large Skillet/Pan | Cook chicken, sauté ingredients |
| Cutting Board & Knife | Chop garlic, halve cherry tomatoes |
| Measuring Spoons | Measure olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper |
| Tongs/Spatula | Flip chicken, stir ingredients |
| Small Bowl | Mix lemon juice and olive oil |
| Plate/Serving Dish | Rest cooked chicken |
| Garlic Press (Optional) | Mince garlic efficiently |
| Citrus Juicer (Optional) | Extract lemon juice |
Prep Work
Before we start cooking our Recipe With 8 Ingredients, proper prep work is essential to ensure a smooth and efficient process. Let’s get everything ready to maximize both flavor and convenience.
Preparing The Ingredients
We begin by handling each ingredient with care to preserve freshness and enhance the dish’s texture:
- Olive oil: Measure out 2 tablespoons to ensure the perfect sear on our chicken.
- Chicken breasts: Pat dry with paper towels to help achieve a golden crust.
- Garlic cloves: Mince 3 cloves finely or use a garlic press for a quicker prep.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes to release their juices during cooking.
- Fresh basil leaves: Rinse and gently pat dry, then chop coarsely to preserve aroma.
- Lemon juice: Juice 1 lemon, straining seeds, for a fresh acidic balance.
- Salt & black pepper: Measure 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper to season properly.
| Ingredient | Prep Action | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | Measured | 2 tablespoons |
| Chicken breasts | Pat dry | 2 medium-sized |
| Garlic cloves | Minced | 3 cloves |
| Cherry tomatoes | Halved | 1 cup |
| Fresh basil | Chopped | ½ cup leaves |
| Lemon juice | Juiced & strained | From 1 lemon |
| Salt | Measured | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | Ground | ½ teaspoon |
Preheating And Initial Steps
To build the foundation of flavor, we start by preheating the cookware and laying out the initial steps for cooking:
- Preheat a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes until it’s hot enough. A properly heated pan seals the chicken to keep it juicy inside.
- While the pan preheats, mix the lemon juice with olive oil in a small bowl; this will be used for basting and flavor enhancement.
- Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Prepare your cooking tools—grab tongs or a spatula ready for flipping and stirring.
“Preheating the pan thoroughly ensures a perfect sear and locks in the natural juices of the chicken, setting the stage for a tender and flavorful meal.”
By following these prep work steps carefully, we ensure every ingredient shines in our simple yet delicious recipe.
Cooking Instructions
Let’s walk through the step-by-step process to transform these 8 simple ingredients into a vibrant and satisfying meal. Our focus is on maximizing flavor with ease.
Step 1: Initial Cooking
- Preheat a large skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
- Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and swirl to coat.
- Carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Be sure they are patted dry to ensure a nice sear.
- Cook the chicken undisturbed for about 5 minutes until the underside is golden and releases easily from the pan.
- Flip the chicken to the other side and immediately reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Add the minced garlic cloves around the chicken. The gentle heat will release the garlic’s aroma without burning it.
Step 2: Combining Ingredients
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes evenly across the skillet.
- Drizzle the pre-mixed lemon juice and olive oil baste over the chicken and tomatoes.
- Sprinkle the measured salt and black pepper evenly to enhance depth in every bite.
- Toss in the chopped fresh basil leaves but keep some for garnish.
- Using a spatula, gently push the ingredients together creating a medley of fresh textures and robust flavors.
| Ingredient | Action | Duration/Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | Sear on medium heat | 5 minutes per side |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | Add around chicken for aroma | Immediately after flip |
| Cherry tomatoes | Add halved to skillet | During second side cook |
| Lemon juice & Olive oil | Drizzle for basting | Entire surface |
| Salt and Black Pepper | Season evenly | To taste |
| Fresh basil | Add chopped during cook, garnish last | Throughout cooking |
Step 3: Final Cooking Stage
- Cover the skillet loosely to allow the chicken to finish cooking through and the tomatoes to soften, about 7-8 minutes.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat.
- Plate the chicken and spoon the tomatoes and pan juices over the top.
- Garnish with remaining fresh basil for a burst of color and herbal freshness.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the balance of zesty lemon, savory chicken, sweet tomatoes, and fragrant basil all working in harmony.
Serving Suggestions
To enhance our Recipe With 8 Ingredients, we recommend pairing it with simple, complementary sides that elevate the dish without overwhelming its clean flavors.
- Light Green Salad: Toss fresh mixed greens with a vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for a crisp contrast.
- Garlic Bread: Toast slices of baguette brushed with olive oil and minced garlic, then sprinkle with fresh basil for aromatic texture.
- Steamed Vegetables: Choose seasonal vegetables such as asparagus or green beans lightly steamed to maintain crunch and nutrients.
- Quinoa or Rice: Serve alongside a small portion of fluffy quinoa or basmati rice to add filling whole grains without overpowering the meal.
Beverage Pairing
Our dish’s citrusy and herbaceous notes pair exceptionally well with light, refreshing beverages. Consider these options:
| Beverage | Description |
|---|---|
| Sparkling Water | Infused with lemon or cucumber for freshness. |
| White Wine | A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works beautifully. |
| Iced Tea | Unsweetened black or green tea complements herbs and lemon. |
Presentation Tips
Presenting our dish thoughtfully makes the meal inviting:
- Plate the chicken breast whole to showcase its golden sear.
- Spoon the softened cherry tomatoes and pan juices generously over the chicken.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves arranged artfully for a pop of color.
- Add a lemon wedge on the side for guests to add zest if desired.
“The beauty of a simple recipe with just 8 ingredients lies not only in its ease, but in the harmony created by thoughtful serving choices.”
By following these serving suggestions, we transform our straightforward recipe into a polished and satisfying dining experience.
Storage And Make-Ahead Tips
Proper storage and smart make-ahead strategies help us enjoy this delicious 8-ingredient recipe anytime without sacrificing flavor or texture. Here’s how we can keep our dish fresh and ready to serve.
Refrigeration
- Allow the dish to cool completely to room temperature before storing.
- Place the chicken and tomato mixture in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and food safety.
- When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until the chicken is heated through to avoid drying it out.
Freezing
- For longer storage, transfer the cooled dish to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
- Freeze for up to 2 months without significant loss of flavor or texture.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Avoid refreezing once thawed to preserve quality.
| Storage Method | Maximum Storage Time | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3 days | Store in airtight container, cool first |
| Freezer | 2 months | Use freezer-safe container, thaw slowly |
Make-Ahead Preparation
- Prepping ingredients in advance saves valuable time on busy days.
- Mince garlic and chop basil leaves up to 24 hours ahead and store in separate small airtight containers.
- Halve cherry tomatoes and store in the refrigerator wrapped in a paper towel-lined container to absorb moisture.
- Marinate chicken breasts in olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper up to 4 hours ahead for deeper flavor infusion.
“Batch prepping ingredients and storing properly allows us to enjoy the full flavor and convenience of this simple recipe anytime.“
Reheating Tips
- Reheat over low-medium heat in a non-stick skillet adding a splash of olive oil or lemon juice to refresh flavors.
- Cover the pan to trap moisture and heat evenly.
- Avoid overheating which can dry out the chicken and wilt basil.
By following these Storage And Make-Ahead Tips, we keep our 8-ingredient recipe flavorful, fresh, and ready to enjoy with minimal effort whenever hunger strikes.
Conclusion
Recipes with just 8 ingredients prove that simplicity doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or quality. By focusing on fresh components and straightforward techniques, we create meals that fit seamlessly into busy lives without overwhelming the kitchen.
Embracing minimal ingredients also encourages us to appreciate each element’s role in the dish, making cooking more enjoyable and less stressful. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, these recipes deliver satisfaction with ease.
Let’s keep exploring dishes that bring balance, taste, and convenience together—proving that great meals don’t have to be complicated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
This recipe uses only 8 ingredients: olive oil, chicken breasts, garlic cloves, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
What are the main benefits of using a simple recipe like this?
Simple recipes save time, reduce waste, and make cooking easier, especially for busy weeknights or casual occasions.
What kitchen tools are essential for preparing this dish?
You’ll need a large skillet or non-stick pan, a cutting board, a sharp knife, and measuring spoons. Optional tools include a garlic press and citrus juicer.
How should I prepare the ingredients before cooking?
Pre-mince garlic, halve cherry tomatoes, pat chicken breasts dry, chop basil, and juice the lemon to streamline cooking and preserve freshness.
What is the basic cooking process for this recipe?
Sear the chicken breasts, add garlic and cherry tomatoes, mix lemon juice with olive oil for basting, cover and cook until the chicken is done and tomatoes soften.
What side dishes complement this meal well?
Light green salads, garlic bread, steamed vegetables, quinoa, or rice pair nicely without overpowering the dish’s flavors.
Can I store leftovers, and how?
Yes, cool completely then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
How can I prepare some steps ahead of time?
You can mince garlic, chop basil, and marinate chicken breasts up to 24 hours before cooking to enhance flavor and save time.
What drinks pair best with this chicken recipe?
Try sparkling water, white wine, or iced tea, which complement the dish’s citrusy and herbaceous flavors.
How do I serve the dish to make it look appealing?
Plate the chicken neatly, spoon cherry tomatoes and pan juices over it, and garnish with fresh basil for an inviting presentation.