Pan-Roasted Chicken Thighs with Romesco Sauce

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

Tender chicken thighs pan-roasted and served with a smoky, nutty Spanish romesco sauce made from roasted red peppers and almonds. This spanish-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes blends bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, olive oil, salt into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Spanish cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat dry 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and season all over with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5-6 minutes until skin is golden brown and crispy, then flip and cook 2 minutes on the other side.
  4. Step 4: Transfer skillet to the oven and roast chicken for 15 minutes until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, combine 1 cup roasted red bell peppers, 1/4 cup toasted almonds, 2 garlic cloves, 2 tbsp sherry vinegar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 cup stale bread pieces in a food processor.
  6. Step 6: Pulse while drizzling in 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil until the mixture forms a coarse, spreadable sauce.
  7. Step 7: Serve the roasted chicken thighs topped with 1/4 cup romesco sauce per serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Roasted Chicken Thighs with Romesco Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Roasted Chicken Thighs with Romesco Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Roasted Chicken Thighs with Romesco 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 Pan-Roasted Chicken Thighs with Romesco 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 Pan-Roasted Chicken Thighs with Romesco Sauce?

Spanish 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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