Pan-Seared Chicken with Charred Tomato and Garlic Sauce
Juicy chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection, served with a smoky charred tomato and garlic sauce rich with Italian herbs. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes blends (6 oz each) chicken breasts, olive oil, medium roma 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 400 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (6 oz each) chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 medium roma tomatoes
- 5 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 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 until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F; remove and rest.
- Step 2: While chicken cooks, preheat broiler. Slice 4 roma tomatoes in half and place cut side up on a foil-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle with 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Broil for 6-8 minutes until tomato skins are charred and blistered.
- Step 3: Transfer blistered tomatoes to the skillet used for chicken over medium heat. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring to combine with tomato juices and pan fond.
- Step 4: Simmer sauce gently for 5 minutes until thickened and slightly reduced. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
- Step 5: Serve chicken breasts topped with the charred tomato and garlic sauce, garnished with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Charred Tomato and Garlic 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 Charred Tomato and Garlic 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 Garlic 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 Garlic 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 Garlic Sauce?
Italian 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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