Chicken with Stewed Peppers and Tomatoes: A Flavorful 25-Minute Dinner
This quick chicken recipe with stewed peppers and tomatoes makes for a vibrant, healthy dinner you can whip up in just 25 minutes.
Chicken with Stewed Peppers and Tomatoes: The Ultimate 25-Minute Skillet Dinner
Weeknight dinners don’t need to be stressful, flavorless, or quick fixes that compromise nutrition. This chicken with stewed peppers and tomatoes recipe delivers a vibrant, wholesome meal in just 25 minutes, bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors and colors. With juicy chicken, sweet peppers, and tangy tomatoes brought together with fresh garlic and herbs, it’s a dish that’s as inviting as it is healthy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast: The meal is ready from start to finish in about 25 minutes, making it realistic for even the busiest evenings.
- Healthy: Lean chicken breast, antioxidant-rich bell peppers, and fresh tomatoes keep this dinner light yet satisfying—each serving is about 284 calories.
- One-Pan Simplicity: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, thanks to a streamlined skillet technique.
- Adaptable Flavors: Easily customize with your favorite peppers, tomatoes, or added spices.
Nutrition at a Glance
| Macros (Per Serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 284 kcal |
| Protein | High (from chicken breast) |
| Fat | Low |
| Fiber | Moderate (from peppers & tomatoes) |
Thanks to an abundance of vegetables and use of boneless, skinless chicken breast, this dish is rich in lean protein and phytonutrients, with little saturated fat. It’s gluten-free and naturally low in carbs, especially when served as-is without starchy sides.
Key Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, cut into cutlets for fast, even cooking.
- Bell Peppers: Use a mix of colors for a sweeter, more complex flavor and vibrant presentation.
- Tomatoes: Vine-ripened, Roma, Campari, or cherry tomatoes add vivid tang and moisture.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic depth to the sauce.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing and classic Mediterranean flavor.
- Spices & Herbs: Paprika, fresh parsley or basil for finishing, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep and Gather Ingredients
Before you start, gather and chop your ingredients. A quick prep time (about 10 minutes) keeps this meal weeknight-friendly. Here’s what you’ll need for four servings:
- 4 (6-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 small red onions (or one large), cut into 1/2-inch wedges
- 2 red bell peppers, quartered and sliced crosswise 1/2 inch thick
- 1/2 pound Campari, Roma, or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil, for serving
- Optional: Sliced almonds, for garnish and added crunch
2. Season and Sear the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season liberally with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet (preferably oven-safe), heat olive oil over medium-high.
- Add chicken and sear until golden brown on one side, about 4–5 minutes. (It will finish cooking later.)
3. Add the Vegetables
- Flip the chicken breasts. To the same pan, add onions, peppers, tomatoes, and garlic.
- Season vegetables with additional salt and pepper. Stir gently to distribute.
- If using an oven-safe skillet, transfer directly to the oven for roasting. Otherwise, continue cooking on the stovetop, covering if needed to soften the vegetables.
What others are reading
4. Roast and Finish
- Roast in a preheated 450°F oven (or continue covered on stovetop) until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender, about 14–16 minutes total. Internal chicken temp should reach 165°F.
- Remove from oven. Let rest briefly.
5. Serve and Garnish
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil for brightness and color.
- Optional: Top with sliced almonds for a nutty crunch.
- Serve hot, with crusty bread, brown rice, or over greens as desired.
Tips, Variations, and Customizations
- Add Beans: Stir in a can of rinsed cannellini or white beans for extra protein and Mediterranean flair.
- Vegetarian Twist: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced fresh peppers for gentle heat.
- Use Different Peppers: Yellow, orange, or even poblano peppers can replace or supplement red peppers.
- Broth Boost: Pour in 1/4 cup chicken broth to increase the sauciness and help deglaze the pan.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve alone or over spiralized zucchini or sauteed greens for a carb-conscious dinner.
- Cheesy Finish: Crumble feta or sprinkle shredded mozzarella just before serving for extra richness.
Meal Prep, Leftovers, and Serving Suggestions
This dish is ideal for meal prep—flavors meld and improve after overnight refrigeration. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until hot but not overcooked. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Serving ideas:
- Over whole grain rice or couscous for a hearty base
- With crusty bread to soak up the savory juices
- Alongside a simple salad of arugula or mixed greens
- Packed in meal prep containers with roasted vegetables or potatoes
Nutritional Benefits and Smart Eating Tips
- Lean Protein: Chicken breast provides muscle-supporting, hunger-curbing protein with little fat.
- Whole Veggies: Bell peppers and tomatoes are loaded with vitamin C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber.
- Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats contribute flavor and support nutrient absorption.
- Versatile and Balanced: Build a balanced plate by pairing with whole grains and greens.
This is a heart-smart meal suitable for most healthy eating plans, including Mediterranean, lower-carb, gluten-free, and diabetes-friendly diets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely. Chicken thighs offer deeper flavor and stay moist—just adjust cook time as needed so they reach 175°F internal temp for maximum tenderness.
Q: What’s the best way to slice vegetables for this dish?
A: Cut peppers and onions into thick wedges so they cook evenly and retain shape. Halve or quarter tomatoes for maximum juiciness.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes. The flavor improves as it rests—make up to 2 days ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Q: How do I prevent overcooking the chicken?
A: Sear just until browned, then finish cooking with the vegetables—remove from heat once internal temp reaches 165°F. Rest before slicing to retain juiciness.
Q: What should I serve as a side?
A: Try brown rice, quinoa, crusty bread, roasted potatoes, or a simple green salad.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Use fresh, high-quality produce for the most flavor — in-season tomatoes and peppers make all the difference.
- Rest the chicken for a few minutes before slicing; this locks in juices.
- Deglaze the pan with a splash of broth, dry white wine, or water while cooking vegetables for deeper flavor.
- Add fresh herbs at the end — parsley, basil, or thyme give an inviting aroma and finish.
- Try a squeeze of lemon just before serving for added brightness.
Variation Ideas
- Swap in yellow or orange bell peppers for added sweetness.
- Top with crumbled feta and chopped olives for Greek flavors.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (adjust cook time and sear skin if so).
- Add baby spinach or kale for extra greens—stir in just before serving.
- Mix in a small amount of harissa or chili garlic paste for Mediterranean heat.
Quick Recap: Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation
- 25-minute one-pan dinner
- Nutrient-rich, colorful, and filling
- Easily adaptable for different tastes and dietary goals
- Stores and reheats well for leftovers or meal prep
Try It Tonight!
This chicken with stewed peppers and tomatoes is as pleasing for a busy weeknight as it is impressive for casual company. Colorful, tender, and zesty — it’s Mediterranean-style comfort food that’s as healthy as it is satisfying.
References
- https://preventionrd.com/ground-chicken-stuffed-peppers/
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/recipes/a35552928/chicken-with-stewed-peppers-tomatoes-recipe/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmMTPW6ezKc
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/a42399066/chicken-with-stewed-peppers-and-tomatoes-recipe/
- https://providencebasecamp.org/recipes/mediterraneanchickenpeperonata
- https://preventionrd.com/one-pot-southwest-chicken-chili/
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/recipes/a20524162/moroccan-stewed-chicken/
- https://www.10000recipe.com/en/6917352/Cancer_prevention_recipe_Tomato_braised_spicy_chicken
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