Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Mediterranean Tomato Ragout

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts pan-seared and served with a vibrant tomato ragout infused with warm Mediterranean spices. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (mediterranean) ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic cloves, small, finely chopped shallot 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each) and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove chicken and tent with foil to rest.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 finely chopped shallot to the same skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice to brighten the ragout, then spoon the tomato mixture over the rested chicken breasts.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with crusty bread or rice.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Mediterranean Tomato Ragout 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 Mediterranean Tomato 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 Spiced Mediterranean Tomato 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 Spiced Mediterranean Tomato 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.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Mediterranean Tomato Ragout?

Mediterranean 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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