Sautéed Chicken with Roasted Red Pepper and Smoked Paprika Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts pan-seared and served with a vibrant roasted red pepper and smoked paprika sauce for a smoky, sweet depth of flavor. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends olive oil, chopped roasted red peppers, smoked paprika 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 420 calories and feeds 2, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each) and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), then transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 1 tbsp olive oil, then sauté 3 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup chopped roasted red peppers and 1 tsp smoked paprika, stirring for 2 minutes until the peppers soften and the spices bloom.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream, stirring constantly, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and cook for 1 more minute to rewarm.
  7. Step 7: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken with Roasted Red Pepper and Smoked Paprika 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 Roasted Red Pepper and Smoked Paprika 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 Roasted Red Pepper and Smoked Paprika 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 Roasted Red Pepper and Smoked Paprika 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 Roasted Red Pepper and Smoked Paprika 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.

Related recipes