Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Tomato Coulis
Tender chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection, served with a vibrant, mildly spiced tomato coulis that offers a fresh and tangy complement. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, olive oil 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
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
- 5 leaves, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides. Set aside.
- Step 2: 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, or until golden brown and internal temperature registers 165°F. Remove chicken and keep warm.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Step 4: Pour in 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, then stir in 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp cumin, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes. Simmer gently for 8 minutes until the sauce thickens and deepens in flavor.
- Step 5: Stir in 5 chopped fresh basil leaves and 1 tbsp lemon juice, cooking for an additional minute until aromatic.
- Step 6: Spoon the spiced tomato coulis over the cooked chicken breasts and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Tomato Coulis 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 Coulis?
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 salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Tomato Coulis?
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 Coulis 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.
Is Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Tomato Coulis 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.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
