Pan-Seared Chicken with Roasted Garlic and Sundried Tomato Sauce
Tender chicken breasts pan-seared and served with a rich roasted garlic and sundried tomato sauce, perfect for a savory dinner. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (mediterranean) ready in about 30 minutes blends olive oil, roasted garlic cloves, chopped sundried tomatoes (oil-packed) 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 360 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 (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 6 cloves roasted garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup, chopped sundried tomatoes (oil-packed)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F; remove from skillet and keep warm.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 tbsp olive oil to the same skillet; add 6 roasted garlic cloves and 1/2 cup chopped sundried tomatoes, sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Step 3: Pour in 1/4 cup chicken broth and 1/2 cup heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let simmer for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes; adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Step 5: Return chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon sauce over them, cooking together for 2 minutes to meld flavors before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Roasted Garlic and Sundried 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 Roasted Garlic and Sundried 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 Sundried 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 Sundried 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 Sundried 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.