Pan-Seared Chicken with Rajpura-Inspired Mustard Curry Sauce
Tender chicken breasts pan-seared and served with a tangy mustard curry sauce inspired by the flavors of Rajpura, Punjab. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes blends about 6 oz each chicken breasts, vegetable oil, yellow mustard seeds 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 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces, about 6 oz each chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard seeds
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 cup tomato puree
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp yellow mustard seeds and toast for about 1 minute until they start to pop and release aroma.
- Step 3: Add 1 finely chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger; sauté for 4-5 minutes until onions are soft and translucent.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1 tsp cumin powder; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Pour in 1/2 cup tomato puree and 1/2 cup water, stirring well. Simmer the sauce gently for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 6: Reduce heat to low and whisk in 1/4 cup plain yogurt slowly to prevent curdling. Add 1 tsp salt and stir to combine.
- Step 7: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon sauce over, and cook for another 3 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Step 8: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving with basmati rice or flatbread.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Rajpura-Inspired Mustard Curry Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Rajpura-Inspired Mustard Curry 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 Rajpura-Inspired Mustard Curry 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 Rajpura-Inspired Mustard Curry 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 Rajpura-Inspired Mustard Curry Sauce?
Indian 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.
