Pan-Seared Chicken with Spicy Tomato-Cilantro Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts topped with a hot, fresh tomato and cilantro sauce that brings a zesty kick to your dinner plate. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes blends olive oil, salt, black pepper 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 320 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
  2. Step 2: Place chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove from pan and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 finely chopped red chili peppers. Sauté for 1 minute until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 diced medium tomatoes, stirring and cooking for 4 minutes until they break down and form a chunky sauce.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1 tsp honey to balance the heat and acidity.
  6. Step 6: Spoon the spicy tomato-cilantro sauce generously over each chicken breast and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Spicy Tomato-Cilantro 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 Tomato-Cilantro 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 Tomato-Cilantro 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-Cilantro 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.

Is Pan-Seared Chicken with Spicy Tomato-Cilantro 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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