Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Punch Sauce

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-13 · Updated 2026-06-13

Tender chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection, served with a vibrant spiced punch sauce inspired by bold Nigerian flavors. This african-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes brings together olive oil, small, finely chopped onion, fresh grated ginger for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. 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) boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small, finely chopped onion
• 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
• 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
• 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• to taste salt
• to taste black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped (for garnish) fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with salt and black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, then remove and keep warm.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 small finely chopped onion, 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
3. Step 3: Add 1 medium diced red bell pepper, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes until spices bloom and tomato paste darkens.
4. Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 tbsp honey, and 2 tbsp lime juice, stirring to combine. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes until slightly thickened and flavorful.
5. Step 5: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and cook for 1-2 minutes to reheat and meld flavors. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.