Sautéed Chicken with Spiced Tomato and Bell Pepper Ragout
Tender chicken breasts cooked in a vibrant, spiced tomato and bell pepper sauce, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic cloves, crushed tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (about 12 oz total) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced into 1/2-inch pieces red bell pepper
- 1 medium, diced into 1/2-inch pieces yellow bell pepper
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then add to the skillet. Sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil, then add 1 diced red bell pepper and 1 diced yellow bell pepper. Sauté over medium heat for 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp ground cumin to the peppers. Cook for 1 minute until spices bloom and become aromatic.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 cup crushed tomatoes and 1/4 cup water, then season with remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer on low heat for 6-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables.
- Step 5: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some sauce over them, and cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Step 6: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving for a fresh, herbal finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Chicken with Spiced Tomato and Bell Pepper Ragout 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 Sautéed Chicken with Spiced Tomato and Bell Pepper Ragout?
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 Sautéed Chicken with Spiced Tomato and Bell Pepper Ragout?
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 Sautéed Chicken with Spiced Tomato and Bell Pepper Ragout 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 Sautéed Chicken with Spiced Tomato and Bell Pepper Ragout 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious. The bell peppers added a nice sweetness.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! The spices in the ragout really made it special.
- ★★★★★
Made this for my husband's birthday. The chicken was juicy and the ragout was a wonderful side.