Sautéed Chicken with Spicy Tomato and Bell Pepper Ragout
Tender chicken breasts cooked in a fragrant, spicy tomato and bell pepper ragout that balances sweetness and heat. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs (about 12 oz) chicken breasts, olive oil, minced garlic cloves 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. 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 pieces (about 12 oz) chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced into 1/2-inch cubes red bell pepper
- 1 medium, diced into 1/2-inch cubes yellow bell pepper
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 chicken breasts (about 12 oz total) 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 and sauté the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, then remove from skillet and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté 4 minced garlic cloves until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add 1 diced red bell pepper and 1 diced yellow bell pepper (each about 1 medium) and cook for 5 minutes until softened and edges begin to caramelize.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes. Simmer the sauce over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 4: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the ragout, and cook for an additional 3 minutes to meld flavors. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Chicken with Spicy 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 Spicy 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 (about 12 oz) chicken breasts from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken with Spicy 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 Spicy 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.
What goes well with Sautéed Chicken with Spicy Tomato and Bell Pepper Ragout?
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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