Pan-Seared Chicken with Roasted Red Pepper and Herb Sauce
Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts served with a vibrant roasted red pepper and herb sauce that brightens each bite. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes blends olive oil, salt, black pepper 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 (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup, chopped roasted red peppers
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- 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.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté 2 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Step 4: Add 1 cup chopped roasted red peppers, 1/4 cup fresh parsley, 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 cup water, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through and sauce slightly thickens.
- Step 5: Return chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon sauce over them, and cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld flavors before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Roasted Red Pepper and Herb 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 Red Pepper and Herb 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 Red Pepper and Herb 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 Red Pepper and Herb 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.
Is Pan-Seared Chicken with Roasted Red Pepper and Herb Sauce 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.
Equipment for this recipe
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