Tomato Chicken with Spinach

This Tomato Chicken with Spinach brings together tender diced chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce combined with fresh spinach and colorful bell peppers. Garlic and paprika add layers of warm, smoky flavor, all rounded out by the smoothness of olive oil. It comes together quickly in one skillet over just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome and satisfying without much fuss. The vibrant vegetables and hearty protein marry Mediterranean flavors in a simple yet elegant way that feels special at the dinner table.

I first made this on a hectic weekday evening and was amazed at how quickly it came together without sacrificing flavor. My family loved the colorful peppers and tender chicken so much that they asked for it again the next day.

Ingredients

• Chicken or turkey breast: diced about 500 grams – lean protein that stays moist and tender in the sauce, choose fresh from the butcher or wellpackaged supermarket meat
• Three bell peppers in different colors: sliced lengthwise – bring sweetness and bright colors, select firm peppers without any wrinkles or soft spots
• One can of blended tomatoes: this forms the flavorful base of your sauce, opt for good quality canned tomatoes as they really deepen the flavor
• Fresh or frozen spinach around 80 grams: provides nutrition and a mellow earthy richness, fresh is best but wellthawed frozen spinach is a great substitute
• Four garlic cloves: finely chopped to infuse the dish with aromatic warmth and depth
• Four tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: adds richness and healthy fats, look for coldpressed varieties for best flavor
• Salt and pepper: to taste and essential to balance and bring out natural flavors
• Paprika: for added flavor and mild smokiness, Hungarian or Spanish paprika is ideal

Instructions

Sear the Chicken:

Heat a large deep skillet over medium heat and add one tablespoon of olive oil. Season the diced chicken generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cover it with a lid. Let it cook undisturbed for about ten minutes so it cooks evenly and remains juicy inside. This gentle covered cooking locks in moisture and builds a tender base.

Cook the Peppers and Garlic:

Once the chicken has softened through, add the chopped garlic and sliced bell peppers to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook uncovered for about five minutes. This step softens the peppers just enough to blend their natural sweetness with the savoriness of the chicken while preserving their fresh texture.

Add the Tomato Sauce:

Pour the blended canned tomatoes into the skillet with the chicken and vegetables, stirring well to combine. Allow it to gently simmer uncovered for about five minutes so the sauce thickens slightly and all the flavors mingle beautifully. This simmer is key to developing the complex, rich tomato taste.

Wilt the Spinach:

Finally, add your fresh or properly thawed spinach to the skillet. Stir the spinach into the sauce, then cover the pan once more. Let it cook for about three minutes until the spinach fully wilts and melds with the tomato base, contributing its earthy freshness and vibrant green color to the dish.

Paprika is one of my favorite ingredients here. The subtle smokiness it imparts transforms the tomato sauce into something uniquely comforting and layered. I remember one family gathering when I served this dish and the rainbow of peppers and greens on the plate made everyone smile before the first bite even landed.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it stays fresh for three to four days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to keep the chicken tender and vegetables just right, avoiding drying out the sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Turkey breast can easily replace chicken without losing flavor or texture. For a dairyfree creamy touch, try adding a splash of coconut milk during the simmering stage to enrich the sauce naturally. Bell peppers can be swapped with zucchini or eggplant if you want a different vegetable profile while keeping fresh textures.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with pasta or cauliflower rice to maintain a lowcarb meal. Crusty bread is also ideal for soaking up the luscious tomato and spinach sauce. A simple green salad alongside rounds out the meal with a refreshing crunch.

Serve hot with crusty bread or cauliflower rice for a low carb option. Leftovers reheat well and make great meal prep.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can turkey be used instead of chicken?

Diced turkey breast works well and cooks with similar timing, offering a lean protein alternative without changing the dish's flavor profile.

→ What are good serving options with this dish?

This dish pairs nicely with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, which soaks up the flavorful tomato and spinach sauce beautifully.

→ How can I keep the chicken tender during cooking?

Cooking the chicken covered over medium heat helps retain moisture, ensuring tender, juicy meat after about 10 minutes.

→ Is it okay to use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, thaw frozen spinach well before adding it late in the cooking process to gently wilt without excess water compromising texture.

→ What seasonings enhance the dish’s flavors?

Salt, pepper, and paprika enhance the savory notes, while garlic adds aromatic warmth, creating a well-balanced flavor.