Sautéed Chicken with Bell Peppers and Garlic in Tomato Sauce
Tender chicken pieces cooked with vibrant bell peppers and garlic, simmered in a rich tomato sauce for a hearty meal. This mediterranean-inspired chicken 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast
- 1 medium, sliced into thin strips red bell pepper
- 1 medium, sliced into thin strips green bell pepper
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 6 leaves, chopped fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb cubed chicken breast and sauté for 5-6 minutes until the edges are golden and chicken is mostly cooked through.
- Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant without browning.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 sliced green bell pepper, cooking for 4 minutes until they soften but retain some crunch.
- Step 4: Pour in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, add 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp dried oregano. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 8 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables.
- Step 5: Stir in 6 chopped fresh basil leaves and cook for an additional minute, then remove from heat and serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Chicken with Bell Peppers and Garlic in 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 Peppers and Garlic in 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 Peppers and Garlic in 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 Peppers and Garlic in 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.
What goes well with Sautéed Chicken with Bell Peppers and Garlic in Tomato 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.