Imagine a sizzling skillet filled with golden-brown chicken breasts swimming in a rich, vibrant tomato and red pepper sauce that promises to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience. This Skillet Chicken in Tomato Red Pepper Sauce is not just a meal—it's a flavor explosion that combines tender, perfectly cooked chicken with a robust, tangy sauce that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds. Whether you're a busy home cook looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a food enthusiast craving something deliciously comforting, this recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by patting chicken breasts dry with paper towels and seasoning both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and is hot.
- Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and a nice crust forms. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add chopped onions and reduce heat to medium. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until onions become translucent and slightly softened.
- Add minced garlic and sliced red bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Pour in the entire can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir to combine and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Return chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato and pepper sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove lid, check seasoning, and adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed. Let the sauce reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot, spooning extra sauce over the chicken breasts. Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil.
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Use a cast-iron skillet if possible, as it provides even heat distribution and helps develop deeper flavors.
- Don't rush the browning process—let the chicken develop a nice sear for maximum flavor.
- Check the chicken's internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce.
- Let the chicken rest in the sauce for a few minutes after cooking to help it absorb more flavor.
- If the sauce is too thin, you can let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 95mg
