Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Tomato Relish

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts pan-seared to a golden brown, topped with a vibrant spiced tomato relish that balances sweetness and heat. 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 320 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 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts dry 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 until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on the first side without moving, until golden brown and edges are crispy, then flip and cook another 5-6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F; remove and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup halved grape tomatoes, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, stirring occasionally for 4-5 minutes until tomatoes soften and start breaking down.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp red wine vinegar and 1 tsp honey, cook for 2 more minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, stir in 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and spoon the tomato relish over the chicken breasts before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Tomato 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 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 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 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 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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