Pan-Seared Chicken with Spicy Tomato and Roasted Pepper Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts pan-seared and topped with a vibrant, spicy tomato and roasted red pepper sauce that balances sweetness with a gentle heat. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breasts, olive oil, chopped roasted red peppers for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 chicken breasts and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove chicken and keep warm.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté 1 medium finely diced onion with 3 minced garlic cloves over medium heat for 4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup roasted red peppers, 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes, 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, remaining 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to the skillet. Stir and simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1 tbsp lemon juice, cook for an additional 1 minute.
  5. Step 5: Plate the seared chicken breasts and spoon the spicy tomato and roasted pepper sauce generously over the top. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Spicy Tomato and Roasted Pepper Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Tomato and Roasted Pepper 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 (6 oz each) chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Spicy Tomato and Roasted Pepper 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 Tomato and Roasted Pepper Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Spicy Tomato and Roasted Pepper Sauce?

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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