Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Tomato and Bell Pepper Ragout

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection, served atop a vibrant ragout of simmered tomatoes, bell peppers, and aromatic spices. This mediterranean-inspired new year (gluten free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.3 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, then transfer to a plate and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil, then sauté 1 diced medium yellow onion (about 1 cup) and 1 large diced red bell pepper (about 1 cup) over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes and 1/4 cup water, stir to combine, and simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1 tbsp lemon juice, then season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Step 7: Serve the chicken breasts atop the tomato and bell pepper ragout, spooning extra sauce over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Tomato and Bell Pepper Ragout take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Tomato and Bell Pepper 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 Tomato and Bell Pepper 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 Tomato and Bell Pepper Ragout 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 Tomato and Bell Pepper Ragout 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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