Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Tomato and Roasted Pepper Ragout
Tender pan-seared chicken breasts served with a vibrant ragout of spiced tomatoes and roasted red peppers, creating a balanced dish full of warmth and depth. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (mediterranean) ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, divided salt, divided 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 medium, finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup, chopped roasted red peppers
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced canned tomatoes
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp, fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (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, then add chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove chicken from skillet and tent with foil to rest.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and reduce heat to medium. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 finely chopped medium yellow onion, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and the onions are translucent.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup chopped roasted red peppers and 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice. Season with 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, and the remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Pour in 1/4 cup water to loosen the sauce.
- Step 4: Simmer the ragout over medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Step 6: Serve each chicken breast topped with the warm spiced tomato and roasted pepper ragout.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Tomato and Roasted Pepper Ragout take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 Roasted 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 Roasted 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 Roasted Pepper 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 Roasted Pepper 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.