Sautéed Chicken with Spiced Tomato and Smoked Paprika Sauce

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

Tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich tomato sauce infused with smoked paprika and garlic, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. This Mediterranean-inspired New Year's recipe (gluten free), ready in about 35 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, garlic cloves 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 rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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 2 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts and season on both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, then transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 1 finely chopped medium onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and garlic is fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp smoked paprika and cook for 30 seconds to release the aroma.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices, stir well, and simmer for 8-10 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 an additional 2 minutes to meld flavors.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken with Spiced Tomato and Smoked Paprika Sauce 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 Smoked Paprika Sauce?

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 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 Spiced Tomato 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.

Is Sautéed Chicken with Spiced Tomato and Smoked Paprika 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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