Garcia's Spiced Chicken with Tomato Sauce

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

Tender chicken thighs coated in smoky spices, simmered in a savory tomato sauce with fresh herbs. This mexican ready in about 30 minutes pairs chicken thighs, olive oil, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken and set aside. Add 1 cup diced tomatoes and 1/2 cup chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over it, and cook for 2 more minutes to heat through.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garcia's Spiced Chicken with Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Spiced Chicken with Tomato Sauce?

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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garcia's Spiced Chicken with Tomato Sauce?

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 Spiced Chicken with Tomato Sauce 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 Spiced Chicken with Tomato Sauce?

Mexican mexican 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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