Pan-Seared Chicken with Charred Tomato and Cumin Sauce

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

Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts served with a smoky, spiced tomato and cumin sauce that enhances the savory flavor. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends (about 6 oz each) chicken breasts, olive oil, medium fresh 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 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: 20 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tbsp olive oil. Pat dry 2 chicken breasts and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Sear chicken for 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, then transfer to a plate and keep warm.
  2. Step 2: While chicken cooks, char 3 medium fresh tomatoes directly over the gas flame or under a broiler until skin blisters and blackens (about 5-7 minutes), then chop roughly.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté 1 small finely chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in 1 tsp ground cumin and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Step 4: Add the charred tomatoes, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it to coat. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro over the dish before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Charred Tomato and Cumin Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Charred Tomato and Cumin 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 Charred Tomato and Cumin 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 Charred Tomato and Cumin 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Charred Tomato and Cumin Sauce?

Mediterranean 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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