Pan-Seared Chicken with Spicy No-Sugar Tomato Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pan-seared chicken breasts served with a vibrant, no-sugar-added tomato sauce featuring smoky paprika and fresh herbs. This Mediterranean-inspired chicken recipe (gluten free, low carb), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, garlic cloves 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 low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) 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: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove chicken and set aside covered.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 3 minced garlic cloves to the same skillet, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes, stir in 1 tsp smoked paprika and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 5 chopped fresh basil leaves and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve the sauce over the chicken breasts immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Spicy No-Sugar Tomato Sauce 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 Spicy No-Sugar Tomato Sauce?

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 Spicy No-Sugar 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 No-Sugar 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 No-Sugar Tomato Sauce gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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