Pan-Roasted Chicken with Spicy Tomato Ragù

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

Tender pan-roasted chicken thighs served with a rich, spicy tomato ragù simmered with aromatic herbs and garlic. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, garlic cloves 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: 35 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 skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season 4 bone-in chicken thighs with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then place skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes until golden and crisp, then flip and cook another 5 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion to the same skillet. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onion is translucent and garlic is fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp red chili flakes, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes. Add 1/4 cup water and 6 chopped fresh basil leaves. Simmer the ragù for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Step 4: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce coats the meat.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Roasted Chicken with Spicy Tomato Ragù take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (10 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 Pan-Roasted Chicken with Spicy Tomato Ragù?

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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Roasted Chicken with Spicy Tomato Ragù?

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 with Spicy Tomato Ragù 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 with Spicy Tomato Ragù?

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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