Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Tomato and Onion Ragout

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts pan-seared and served with a rich tomato and caramelized onion ragout infused with warming spices. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs olive oil, medium, thinly sliced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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: 30 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 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. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and cover loosely with foil to rest.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 medium thinly sliced yellow onion. Cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until softened and caramelized, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, and remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper to the onions. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with juices, stir to combine, and simmer the ragout over low heat for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet to warm through in the ragout for 2 minutes. Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Onion 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 Onion 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 Onion 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 Tomato and Onion 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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