Pan-Seared Chicken with Chicago-Style Deep Dish Tomato Sauce

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

Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich tomato sauce inspired by Chicago’s iconic deep-dish pizza flavors. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes blends olive oil, medium, finely diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves 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 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 1 finely diced medium yellow onion. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 28 oz crushed tomatoes, then stir in 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and the remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer the sauce over low heat for 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon sauce over them, and cook for another 3 minutes to meld flavors and heat through.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves over the chicken before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Chicago-Style Deep Dish 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 Chicago-Style Deep Dish 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 Chicago-Style Deep Dish 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 Chicago-Style Deep Dish 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 Chicago-Style Deep Dish 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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