Sautéed Chicken with Bell Pepper and Garlic in Spiced Tomato Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breast pieces simmered in a vibrant spiced tomato sauce with sautéed bell peppers and garlic, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes blends cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast, minced garlic cloves, olive oil 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb chicken breast cubes and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden on all sides and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 sliced red bell pepper and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the peppers soften and garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook the sauce over medium heat for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Return the chicken to the skillet, toss to coat with the sauce, and cook for another 2 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken with Bell Pepper and Garlic in Spiced Tomato 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 Sautéed Chicken with Bell Pepper and Garlic in Spiced Tomato 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 Sautéed Chicken with Bell Pepper and Garlic in Spiced Tomato 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 Bell Pepper and Garlic in Spiced Tomato 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 Sautéed Chicken with Bell Pepper and Garlic in Spiced Tomato 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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