Pan-Seared Chicken with Popular Spicy Tomato Sauce
Tender chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection and topped with a vibrant, spicy tomato sauce that’s loved by many. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends (6 oz each) chicken breast, 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 breast
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 small, finely chopped onion
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 6 leaves, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup water
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. Add chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through; remove and keep warm.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to medium, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté 1 small finely chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, then add 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes and 1/4 cup water. Simmer the sauce for 8-10 minutes until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 4: Stir in 6 chopped fresh basil leaves, adjust seasoning with salt if needed, and spoon the sauce generously over the chicken breasts before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Popular Spicy 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 Popular Spicy 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 Popular Spicy 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 Popular Spicy 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.
What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken with Popular Spicy Tomato 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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