Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Tomato Salsa
Juicy chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection, topped with a vibrant, zesty spiced tomato salsa. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 22 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, salt 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 medium, diced Roma tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped red onion
- 1 small, seeded and minced jalapeño pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each), season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and cook 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, in a bowl combine 3 diced Roma tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1 minced jalapeño (seeded for less heat), 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1/2 tsp ground cumin. Stir gently to blend and let sit for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Step 3: Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 3 minutes. Spoon the spiced tomato salsa over the chicken breasts just before serving for a fresh, tangy contrast.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Tomato Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Salsa?
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 Salsa?
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 Salsa 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 Salsa?
Mexican 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
- ★★★★★
Elevated weeknight dinners in 20 minutes. Salsa recipe is a keeper—no extra seasoning needed.
- ★★★★★
My kids begged for seconds! The salsa’s bright acidity cut through the chicken’s richness—simple but spectacular.
- ★★★★☆
Perfectly juicy chicken! Salsa took longer to thicken than noted, but the smoky tomato flavor made it worth the wait.
