Sautéed Chicken with Spiced Tomato and Garlic Sauce

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, spiced tomato and garlic sauce, perfect for a comforting meal. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes blends diced into 1-inch cubes chicken breast, olive oil, minced garlic cloves 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 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 heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 finely chopped medium onion; sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant, but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 500 g diced chicken breast to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; cook for 1 minute until spices are aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 400 g canned crushed tomatoes and 100 ml water, stir to combine, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with rice or flatbread.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken with Spiced Tomato and Garlic Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Spiced Tomato and Garlic 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 Spiced 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 Spiced Tomato and Garlic 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 Spiced 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.

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