Pan-Seared Chicken with Spicy Chipotle Tomato Sauce
Juicy chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection served with a smoky, spicy chipotle-infused tomato sauce that adds bold flavor. This mexican-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes blends salt, black pepper, olive oil 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 350 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 2 (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small, finely diced yellow onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp, finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp honey
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp, freshly squeezed lime juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken and keep warm.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 1 small finely diced yellow onion. Sauté for 4 minutes until translucent.
- Step 4: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tbsp finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp honey. Simmer for 6-7 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro into the sauce. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Cook for another 2 minutes to blend flavors before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Spicy Chipotle Tomato Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Spicy Chipotle Tomato 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 Spicy Chipotle Tomato 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 Spicy Chipotle Tomato Sauce 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 Spicy Chipotle Tomato Sauce 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.
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