Quick & Easy Chicken Tomato Sauté Recipe
This is my go-to easy chicken saute recipe. My recipe card is below for ease.
My Chicken Tomato Sauté
Let’s talk about those nights when you’re just DONE. The workday? Exhausting. The to-do list? Endless. And then dinner? It still needs to happen. I love this chicken saute recipe. It’s fast, easy, and uses basic ingredients you probably already have at home. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that tastes like you spent way more time on it than you actually did.
In my house, chicken is always a win. Sauted? Even better. They’re cozy, filling, and versatile enough to serve in so many ways. Whether you spoon it over rice, mix it with pasta, or enjoy it with some crusty bread, it’s always a hit.
The best part? This recipe was a total “fridge clean-out” situation. I had chicken thighs, an onion, and a couple of tomatoes, nothing fancy. Instead of running out to buy more, I made it work, and honestly, it turned out better than I expected. Now, it’s one of my go-to meals, and I can’t wait for you to try it too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons this recipe is a keeper. First off, it’s quick. You’re looking at about 30 minutes from start to finish, which is perfect for busy nights. Second, it’s simple, no complicated techniques or long ingredient lists.
And finally, it’s delicious! The combination of tender chicken, sweet onions, and rich tomato sauce makes this dish feel like a warm hug in a bowl.
But wait, there’s more! (I couldn’t resist.) This saute is also super flexible. Want to add veggies? Go for it. Like a little heat? Toss in some chili flakes. Need to make it ahead? It reheats beautifully. Honestly, this recipe has saved my dinner plans more times than I can count, and I know it’ll do the same for you.
Ingredients
Chicken thighs (boneless)
1 small onion, diced
2 medium tomatoes (or 1 large), diced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon all-purpose seasoning
Chili flakes (optional, if you’re into a little heat)
Olive oil
Water + Cornstartch (optional, to adjust the consistency)
Ingredient Breakdown
Let’s talk about the stars of the show.
Chicken thighs are perfect for sautes because they stay juicy and tender, even after simmering. If you only have chicken breasts or drumsticks, they’ll work too, but thighs really shine here.
Onions and tomatoes give the saute a sweet and savory base, while tomato paste brings richness and depth. All-purpose seasoning is your shortcut to flavor, and chili flakes? Totally optional, but they’re perfect if you like a little kick.
If you’re like me and like some spice to EVERYTHING then add some chilli flakes!
Add 2 spoonful of tomato paste (more if you want it even more tomato-filled)
This is my go-to all-purpose seasoning. Just remember that it already has salt you can skip the salt. I find that they are usually very salty so be careful with how much you put in.
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: Slice up the onion and tomatoes. Ensure your chicken thighs are dethawed, cleaned and ready to go. That’s all the prep you need.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with all-purpose seasoning and sear them for 7-10 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Cook the onions: In the same pan, add the sliced onions. Cook them for about 5–7 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
- Combine everything: Add the chicken back into the pan along with the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir everything together so the flavors can combine.
- Simmer: Cover the pan, lower the heat to medium, and let the saute simmer for 30-35 minutes. Add cornstartch if needed to adjust the consistency of the sauce. (I like mine thick)
- Taste and adjust: Check the seasoning and adjust if necessary. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some chili flakes.
- Serve: Once the chicken is tender and the sauce is rich, it’s ready to go. Serve it over rice, pasta, or enjoy with a crusty loaf of bread.
Tips to Make It Even Better
Don’t skip searing the chicken. It adds so much flavor to the dish.
If you’re feeling creative, toss in whatever veggies you have on hand—carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, you name it.
Want to spice it up? Go ahead and add those chili flakes.
How to Serve It
This saute is so versatile, you’ll never get bored.
Over rice: Classic and comforting. The rice soaks up all that delicious sauce.
With pasta: Toss it with your favorite noodles for a cozy dinner.
Mashed potatoes: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve it over creamy mashed potatoes.
Bread, please: Crusty bread is perfect for scooping up every last drop.
This day I had some left over elbow pasta so I used that.
Switch It Up
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few fun twists:
Add greens like kale or spinach at the end of cooking.
Stir in some coconut milk for a creamy, slightly tropical vibe.
Go Mediterranean by adding olives, capers, and a sprinkle of oregano.
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. This saute also freezes beautifully, just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
My little one trying to swipe my tomato! 😂
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Definitely! Just keep an eye on the cook time since breasts can dry out faster.
Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes! Sear the chicken and onions first, then toss everything into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
How do I thicken the saute? Let it simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes, or stir in a little cornstarch mixed with water.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe will always be special to me because it came from one of those “what do I even make tonight?” moments. I had just a few ingredients in the fridge, and instead of stressing about it, I got creative. The result? A rich, flavorful saute that my whole family loved.
Now, it’s my go-to when I need something quick, cozy, and reliable. It’s proof that sometimes, the best meals come from keeping it simple.
A Few Must-Have Tools
You don’t need anything fancy to make this. A good skillet or Dutch oven, a sharp knife for chopping, and a wooden spoon for stirring are all you need. Bonus points if you have a nonstick pan to make cleanup even easier.
Now it’s Time to Eat
I hope you really do enjoy my quick and easy chicken staute. It’s cozy, flavorful, and perfect for those nights when you just need something simple that still feels like a big hug in a bowl.
I hope this recipe becomes a favorite in your home, just like it is in mine. If you try it, let me know how it goes! Did you add any fun twists? Serve it in a creative way? I’d love to hear about it.
Cheers!
Chicken Tomato Sauté
Equipment
- You don’t need anything fancy to make this. A good skillet or Dutch oven, a sharp knife for chopping, and a wooden spoon for stirring are all you need. Bonus points if you have a nonstick pan to make cleanup even easier.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs boneless
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 medium tomatoes or 1 large, diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose seasoning
- Chili flakes optional, if you’re into a little heat
- Olive oil
- Water + Cornstartch optional, to adjust the consistency
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: Slice up the onion and tomatoes. Ensure your chicken thighs are dethawed, cleaned and ready to go. That’s all the prep you need.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with all-purpose seasoning and sear them for 7-10 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Cook the onions: In the same pan, add the sliced onions. Cook them for about 5–7 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
- Combine everything: Add the chicken back into the pan along with the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir everything together so the flavors can combine.
- Simmer: Cover the pan, lower the heat to medium, and let the saute simmer for 30-35 minutes. Add cornstartch if needed to adjust the consistency of the sauce. (I like mine thick)
- Taste and adjust: Check the seasoning and adjust if necessary. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some chili flakes.
- Serve: Once the chicken is tender and the sauce is rich, it’s ready to go. Serve it over rice, pasta, or enjoy with a crusty loaf of bread.
Notes
Pair with pasta for a cozy and satisfying dinner.
Spoon over creamy mashed potatoes for an indulgent option.
Enjoy with crusty bread to scoop up every last drop of the rich sauce. Variations to Try: Add greens like kale or spinach toward the end of cooking for extra nutrients.
Stir in a splash of coconut milk for a creamy, tropical twist.
Go Mediterranean with olives, capers, and a sprinkle of oregano for bold, savory flavors.
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