Pan-Seared Chicken with Rustic Tomato and Bell Pepper Ragout
Tender chicken breasts pan-seared and served with a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired ragout featuring fresh tomatoes and sweet bell peppers. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs (6 oz each) skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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) skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 medium, diced yellow bell pepper
- 3 medium, diced roma tomatoes
- 1 small, finely chopped red onion
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 6 leaves, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each), 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 until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove from skillet and cover loosely to keep warm.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 small finely chopped red onion. Sauté over medium heat for 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Step 4: Add 1 diced yellow bell pepper and 3 diced roma tomatoes to the skillet. Stir in 1 tsp dried oregano, and cook for 6-8 minutes until the vegetables soften and the mixture thickens.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 6 chopped fresh basil leaves and 1 tbsp lemon juice for brightness.
- Step 6: Serve the cooked chicken breasts topped with the warm tomato and bell pepper ragout for a colorful, flavorful meal.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Rustic Tomato and Bell Pepper Ragout take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken with Rustic Tomato and Bell Pepper Ragout?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Rustic Tomato and Bell Pepper Ragout?
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 Rustic Tomato and Bell Pepper Ragout 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.
Is Pan-Seared Chicken with Rustic Tomato and Bell Pepper Ragout 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.
