One-Pot Spicy Tomato Chicken with Chickpeas

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

A hearty one-pot chicken dish simmered with chickpeas and a spicy tomato sauce, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 40 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 350 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: 30 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, seasoned with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 4 minutes until translucent. Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with their juices, 15 oz drained and rinsed canned chickpeas, and 1 cup chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the sauce.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove the lid, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed, and serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Spicy Tomato Chicken with Chickpeas take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Tomato Chicken with Chickpeas?

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 Tomato Chicken with Chickpeas?

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 Tomato Chicken with Chickpeas 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 Tomato Chicken with Chickpeas?

Mediterranean chicken 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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