Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Tomato and Pepper Relish

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pan-seared chicken breasts served with a vibrant, sweet-spicy tomato and bell pepper relish that balances savory and fresh flavors. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs olive oil, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 20 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken and rest on a plate.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 small finely chopped red onion. Sauté over medium heat for 3 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp cumin powder to the skillet. Cook, stirring, for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 diced red bell pepper and 10 halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 5 minutes until tomatoes start to soften and release juices.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 tbsp red wine vinegar and 1 tsp honey, stirring to combine. Simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Return chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon some relish over the top. Cook for 1 more minute to rewarm the chicken.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Pepper Relish?

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 Pepper Relish?

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 Pepper Relish 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 Pepper Relish?

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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