Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic Tomato Sauce
Tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and served with a vibrant garlic tomato sauce simmered to rich depth. This italian-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes blends (6 oz each) chicken breasts, olive oil, 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 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (6 oz each) chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 6 leaves, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red chili flakes
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.
- Step 2: Place chicken breasts in the hot skillet and sear for 6 minutes on the first side without moving until golden brown, then flip and cook for 5 more minutes until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken and keep warm.
- Step 3: Lower heat to medium and add 1 tbsp olive oil to the same skillet. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Pour in 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes, stir in 1 tsp dried oregano and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes if using. Simmer gently for 7 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: Stir in 6 chopped fresh basil leaves, adjust seasoning with salt if needed, then spoon the sauce over the cooked chicken breasts and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic Tomato 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 Garlic 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 Garlic 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 Garlic 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.
Is Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic Tomato Sauce gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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