Pan-Seared Chicken with Mediterranean Olive and Tomato Ragout

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection and served with a vibrant Mediterranean ragout of olives, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic cloves, pint, halved cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F; remove and keep warm.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 small finely chopped red onion. Sauté over medium heat for 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 pint halved cherry tomatoes and 1/2 cup pitted halved kalamata olives to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes until tomatoes soften and start to break down.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and 2 tbsp lemon juice. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken breasts to the skillet nestling them in the ragout. Let everything warm together for 2 minutes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Mediterranean Olive and Tomato Ragout take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken with Mediterranean Olive and Tomato Ragout?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep extra virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Mediterranean Olive and Tomato Ragout?

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 Mediterranean Olive and Tomato Ragout 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.

Is Pan-Seared Chicken with Mediterranean Olive and Tomato Ragout 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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