Sautéed Chicken with Spicy Tomato and Garlic Sauce
Tender chicken breasts cooked in a vibrant and spicy tomato-garlic sauce that bursts with bold flavors. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breast, olive oil, minced 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 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 (6 oz each) chicken breast
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 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 (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and sauté for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, then transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- Step 3: Lower heat to medium, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes to the same skillet, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 4: Pour in 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes until it thickens and deepens in color.
- Step 5: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Cook together for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Chicken with Spicy Tomato and Garlic 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 Sautéed Chicken with Spicy Tomato and Garlic 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 breast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken with Spicy Tomato and Garlic 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 Sautéed Chicken with Spicy Tomato and Garlic 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.
What goes well with Sautéed Chicken with Spicy Tomato and Garlic 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a weeknight dinner. The chicken was juicy and the sauce was amazing.
- ★★★★★
Loved the balance of spicy and garlicky! Made for my family and they devoured it.
- ★★★★☆
My kids loved it! The spicy kick was just right for us. Only thing: the garlic was a bit overpowering.