Garcia's Spanish Chicken

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Succulent chicken thighs marinated in smoky paprika and garlic, pan-seared then simmered in a vibrant tomato-herb sauce with olives. This spanish-inspired mediterranean ready in about 55 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Spanish cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season chicken thighs with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper on all sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown; flip and cook for 3 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken and set aside. Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine, scraping browned bits from the pot, and simmer for 2 minutes until reduced.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup diced tomatoes, and 1/4 cup pitted green olives; bring to a simmer.
  6. Step 6: Return chicken to the skillet, nestle into sauce, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Step 7: Remove chicken, sprinkle with 2 tbsp fresh parsley, and serve with sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Garcia's Spanish Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Garcia's Spanish Chicken?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garcia's Spanish Chicken?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Garcia's Spanish Chicken for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Garcia's Spanish Chicken?

Spanish mediterranean like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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