Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Rajpura-Style Masala Sauce
Tender chicken breasts pan-seared and served with a rich, aromatic masala sauce inspired by the flavors of Rajpura, Punjab. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes blends vegetable oil, large, finely chopped onion, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large, finely chopped onion
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and keep warm.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil, then add 1 large finely chopped onion. Sauté over medium heat for 6-7 minutes until translucent and lightly golden.
- Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp ginger paste to the onions, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 cup tomato puree, 2 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp red chili powder, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, and 1 tsp garam masala. Cook the sauce over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens and the oil starts to separate.
- Step 5: Add 1/2 cup water to loosen the sauce, simmer for another 3 minutes.
- Step 6: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, cover, and simmer on low heat for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Step 7: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving. Serve hot with basmati rice or flatbread.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Rajpura-Style Masala Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Rajpura-Style Masala Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Rajpura-Style Masala 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 Rajpura-Style Masala 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 Rajpura-Style Masala Sauce?
Indian 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.
