Sautéed Chicken with Spiced Tomato Garlic Sauce

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

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Tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich tomato garlic sauce infused with warm spices, perfect for a hearty meal. This Mediterranean-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs boneless chicken thighs, olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb boneless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces and cook for 6-7 minutes until golden brown on all sides and cooked through; remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Lower heat to medium and add 4 minced garlic cloves to the same skillet, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the skillet. Stir and cook for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/4 cup water and return the chicken to the skillet; simmer everything together for 5 minutes so the chicken absorbs the spiced tomato garlic sauce.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro over the dish before serving for a fresh herbal note.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken with Spiced Tomato Garlic 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 Garlic 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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken with Spiced Tomato 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 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 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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