One-Pot Spicy Chicken and Tomato Stew
A comforting stew featuring tender chicken simmered in a spicy tomato sauce with aromatic herbs and smoky paprika. This mediterranean-inspired one pot ready in about 50 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3 fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 2-inch pieces and brown for 5 minutes until edges are golden but not cooked through.
- Step 2: Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot and sauté for 3 minutes until the onion is translucent and garlic is fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, 1 cup chicken broth, 3 fresh thyme sprigs, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 25 minutes until the chicken is tender and sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Remove thyme sprigs and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Spicy Chicken and Tomato Stew take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 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 One-Pot Spicy Chicken and Tomato Stew?
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 One-Pot Spicy Chicken and Tomato Stew?
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 One-Pot Spicy Chicken and Tomato Stew 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 One-Pot Spicy Chicken and Tomato Stew?
Mediterranean one pot 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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Equipment for this recipe
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