This Tomato Chicken recipe has been my answer to midweek dinner fatigue more times than I can count. It’s one of those dishes that feels slow-cooked, thanks to the depth of warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves—but it’s totally doable on a busy night.
The balance of crushed tomatoes, aromatics, and skinless chicken thighs creates a silky, flavor-packed sauce without any cream or heavy fats. That’s what makes it such a go-to for clean eating and simple living.
The gentle heat from the ginger and cumin warms you from the inside out. It’s hearty but not heavy, bold yet comforting. I usually serve it over a fluffy bowl of Instant Pot Calrose Rice, with a chilled Virgin Mary on the side when I want to keep it light but full of flavor.
This recipe is all about feel-good flavor without the fuss. With anti-inflammatory spices and lean protein, it’s one of those rare dinners that’s both soul-satisfying and smart for your health goals. In fact, turmeric and ginger alone have been shown to aid digestion and reduce inflammation—double win.
This one deserves a spot on your weekly menu. If you try it your own way, let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your twist!
What Makes This Tomato Chicken a Weekly Favorite!
This isn’t just another dinner—it’s the kind of recipe that fits into real life while still feeling special. Here’s why I keep coming back to it:
- Bold Flavor Without the Guilt: I started making this when I was trying to clean up my meals, and it let me enjoy full-on spice and richness—without the butter or cream.
- Aromas That Warm the Whole Kitchen: The spice blend perfumes the air with cozy notes of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger—it’s like walking into a comforting food market.
- Flexible for Any Mood: Sometimes I switch things up by using chickpeas or paneer instead of chicken. It holds up every time and still feels like the same comforting dish.
- Light Yet Satisfying: It’s filling enough for dinner, but it won’t weigh you down. Great after a long day or even after a workout when you want something warm and nourishing.
- Always Pantry-Ready: Everything in this dish—tomatoes, spices, garlic, onions—is something I usually have on hand. It’s perfect for days when the fridge is nearly empty but I still want something real.
Tomato Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Cutting board and Knife
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Small bowl (for spice mix)
- Can Opener
Ingredients
- 1 large onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic chopped
- 1 slice fresh ginger root
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 1 inch piece cinnamon stick
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 6 skinless chicken thighs
- 1 14.5 ounce can whole peeled tomatoes, crushed
Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet and sauté chopped onion until soft.
- Add garlic and ginger; cook until fragrant.
- Stir in all the spices and bay leaves; cook for 1 minute.
- Add crushed canned tomatoes and bring to a simmer.
- Nestle chicken thighs into the sauce; cover and cook for 25–30 minutes.
- Stir occasionally, spooning sauce over chicken.
- Remove bay leaves and cinnamon stick before serving.
- Serve hot with rice, flatbread, or your favorite grain.
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 134kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 7g |
| Protein | 15g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Sodium | 547mg |
Creative Variations!
Even though this Tomato Chicken is perfect as is, it’s one of those forgiving dishes that welcomes experimentation. Here are a few variations I’ve tried—and loved:
1. Swap Chicken for Chickpeas or White Beans:
For a vegetarian version, use canned chickpeas or cooked white beans. They soak up the spices beautifully and hold their shape well in the tomato sauce.
2. Stir in a Spoonful of Greek Yogurt at the End:
If you want a creamier finish without adding heavy cream, swirl in some Greek yogurt after cooking. It adds tang, body, and extra protein.
3. Add Wilted Greens for a Nutrient Boost:
A couple handfuls of spinach or kale stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking brings freshness and adds a subtle earthy note.
4. Try It with Roasted Sweet Potatoes:
Dice and roast sweet potatoes separately, then toss them into the sauce just before serving. They balance the warm spices with natural sweetness.
5. Finish with Lemon Zest or Preserved Lemon:
To brighten the dish and cut through the richness, grate in some lemon zest or finely chopped preserved lemon before serving. It gives a subtle, vibrant twist.
