Stovetop Sautéed Chicken with Spiced Tomato and Bell Pepper Sauce

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

Tender chicken breasts cooked in a vibrant, spiced tomato and red bell pepper sauce, perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends olive oil, can canned diced tomatoes, 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 350 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 350 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 until shimmering. Season 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper and add to the skillet. Sear for 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 diced red bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and peppers soften.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp ground cumin. Simmer over medium heat for 8 minutes until the sauce thickens and deepens in color.
  4. Step 4: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and cook for 2 more minutes to meld flavors. Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley on top before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stovetop Sautéed Chicken with Spiced Tomato and Bell Pepper 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 Stovetop Sautéed Chicken with Spiced Tomato and Bell Pepper 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 Stovetop Sautéed Chicken with Spiced Tomato and Bell Pepper 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 Stovetop Sautéed Chicken with Spiced Tomato and Bell Pepper 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 Stovetop Sautéed Chicken with Spiced Tomato and Bell Pepper 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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