Pan-Seared Chicken with Roasted Garlic and Fire-Roasted Tomato Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pan-seared chicken breasts served with a smoky fire-roasted tomato sauce infused with roasted garlic and fresh herbs. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes blends olive oil, whole, unpeeled garlic cloves, (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes 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: 30 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place 6 whole garlic cloves with skins on a small baking tray and roast for 20 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: While garlic roasts, season 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, then transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
  4. Step 4: Remove roasted garlic cloves from skins and mash into a paste. In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil, then sauté the garlic paste for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Simmer over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 2 tbsp unsalted butter until melted and glossy. Return chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
  7. Step 7: Serve chicken breasts topped with fire-roasted tomato sauce and garnish with extra basil if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Roasted Garlic and Fire-Roasted Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 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 Roasted Garlic and Fire-Roasted 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 Roasted Garlic and Fire-Roasted 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 Roasted Garlic and Fire-Roasted 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 Roasted Garlic and Fire-Roasted 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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