Pan-Seared Chicken with Baytown Spiced Tomato Sauce
Tender pan-seared chicken breasts served with a rich tomato sauce infused with smoky and spicy Baytown-inspired seasonings. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes blends olive oil, minced garlic cloves, canned diced tomatoes 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 320 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 medium, finely diced onion
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and keep warm.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté 1 medium finely diced onion with 3 minced garlic cloves over medium heat for 4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld.
- Step 4: Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and cook together for 2 minutes to reheat. Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Baytown Spiced 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Baytown Spiced 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Baytown Spiced 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Baytown Spiced Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Baytown Spiced 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.