Sautéed Chicken with Spiced Tomato and Bell Pepper Ragout
Tender chicken breasts cooked in a vibrant, spiced tomato and bell pepper sauce, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic cloves, crushed tomatoes 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 total) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced into 1/2-inch pieces red bell pepper
- 1 medium, diced into 1/2-inch pieces yellow bell pepper
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then add to the skillet. Sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil, then add 1 diced red bell pepper and 1 diced yellow bell pepper. Sauté over medium heat for 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp ground cumin to the peppers. Cook for 1 minute until spices bloom and become aromatic.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 cup crushed tomatoes and 1/4 cup water, then season with remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer on low heat for 6-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables.
- Step 5: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some sauce over them, and cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Step 6: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving for a fresh, herbal finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Chicken with Spiced 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 Spiced 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken with Spiced 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 Spiced 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.
Is Sautéed Chicken with Spiced Tomato and Bell Pepper Ragout 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a weeknight dinner. The spiced tomato and bell pepper ragout is so flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! The spices in the ragout really made it special.
- ★★★★★
Made this for my husband's birthday. The chicken was juicy and the ragout was a wonderful side.