Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Intermediate Heat Sauce

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

Tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection, served with a medium-spiced sauce that balances warmth and subtle heat. This middle eastern ready in about 35 minutes pairs 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 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 Middle Eastern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 chicken breasts (about 6 oz each) and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Add chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tsp medium chili powder, 1 tsp paprika, and 1/2 tsp ground cumin, cooking for 1 minute to release the spices' aroma.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes until it darkens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Pour in 1 cup chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan, and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  7. Step 7: Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over it. Simmer together for 2 minutes to meld flavors.
  8. Step 8: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Intermediate Heat 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 Spiced Intermediate Heat 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 chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Intermediate Heat 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 Intermediate Heat 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 Spiced Intermediate Heat Sauce?

Middle Eastern middle eastern 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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