Pan-Seared Chicken with Saffron-Infused Tomato Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Pan-seared and finished in a fragrant saffron and tomato sauce inspired by Mediterranean flavors. This Spanish-inspired chicken recipe (mediterranean), ready in about 35 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, yellow onion, finely chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Spanish cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet. Sauté 1 small finely chopped yellow onion and 2 minced garlic cloves for 4 minutes until softened.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/4 tsp saffron threads, 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes, and 1/2 cup chicken broth. Simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon sauce over them, and cook for 3 more minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Saffron-Infused Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Saffron-Infused Tomato Sauce?

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 Saffron-Infused 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 Saffron-Infused 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 Saffron-Infused Tomato Sauce?

Spanish 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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