Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Tomato and Red Pepper Sauce
Juicy chicken breasts pan-seared and served with a vibrant tomato and roasted red pepper sauce infused with warm spices. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes blends about 6 oz each chicken breasts, olive oil, 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, about 6 oz each chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 1 cup, chopped roasted red peppers
- 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 chicken breasts 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 and sear chicken for 5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, then transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 finely chopped onion. Sauté over medium heat for 4 minutes until onions soften and become translucent.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup chopped roasted red peppers, 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, remaining 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir and cook for 8 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld, adding 1/4 cup water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Step 4: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce, and cook for another 3 minutes to reheat and absorb flavors.
- Step 5: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving alongside rice or crusty bread.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Tomato and Red Pepper Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Tomato and Red Pepper 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 Tomato and Red Pepper 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 Tomato and Red Pepper 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 Tomato and Red Pepper Sauce?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My partner and I loved it. The red pepper added a nice kick without overwhelming the dish.
- ★★★★★
Absolutely delicious. The Mediterranean flavors come through beautifully. Will make again and again.
- ★★★★★
This is now a staple in my kitchen! The sauce is incredible and the chicken is perfectly seared.
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