Blackened Chicken with Smoky Tomato Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant pan-seared chicken breast with a smoky tomato sauce inspired by the soulful rhythms of jazz music. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes blends smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 2 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts dry and season evenly with 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until blackened and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove chicken and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté 1 medium diced yellow onion over medium heat for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tbsp minced chipotle in adobo sauce, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, and 1/4 cup water. Simmer the sauce over low heat for 8-10 minutes until it thickens and the flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to the skillet, spoon the smoky tomato sauce over the top, and cook for an additional 2 minutes to warm through before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Blackened Chicken with Smoky Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Blackened Chicken with Smoky Tomato Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Blackened Chicken with Smoky Tomato Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Blackened Chicken with Smoky Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Blackened Chicken with Smoky Tomato Sauce?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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