Sautéed Chicken with Spicy Tomato and Garlic Sauce

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

Cooked in a vibrant and spicy tomato-garlic sauce that bursts with bold flavors. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends (6 oz each) 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 2, 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: 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 chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season 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 until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and sauté for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, then transfer to a plate and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes to the same skillet, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes until it thickens and deepens in color.
  5. Step 5: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Cook together for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Spicy 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 Spicy 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 Spicy Tomato and Garlic 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.

What goes well with Sautéed Chicken with Spicy 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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