Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Green Chile Sauce

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

Pan-seared to golden perfection and topped with a vibrant, smoky green chile sauce that adds a kick of heat and depth. This mexican-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, garlic cloves 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 rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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: 20 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté 3 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 4 oz roasted green chiles (peeled and chopped), 1 tsp ground cumin, and cook for 2 minutes while stirring.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/4 cup chicken broth and 2 tbsp lime juice, simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, then spoon the green chile sauce over the cooked chicken breasts before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Green Chile Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 Spiced Green Chile 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 Spiced Green Chile 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 Spiced Green Chile 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 Spiced Green Chile 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.

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