Sautéed Chicken with Spicy Tomato and Bell Pepper Relish

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

Sautéed and topped with a vibrant, spicy tomato and bell pepper relish that balances heat and sweetness. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs olive oil, medium, diced red bell pepper, medium, finely chopped Roma tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sauté for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 small finely diced red onion. Sauté over medium heat for 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 diced red bell pepper and 3 finely chopped Roma tomatoes along with 1 tsp red chili flakes. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the relish thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
  6. Step 6: Spoon the spicy tomato and bell pepper relish over the cooked chicken breasts and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken with Spicy Tomato and Bell Pepper Relish take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Spicy Tomato and Bell Pepper Relish?

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 Spicy Tomato and Bell Pepper Relish?

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 Spicy Tomato and Bell Pepper Relish 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 Spicy Tomato and Bell Pepper Relish?

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.